Environmental Chemistry
Miljökemi

KASF01, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED B/K
Date of Decision: 2024-04-17
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: B2, K3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge in understanding, judging, and predicting the effects of chemicals on health and environment.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• understand the molecular basis of life and ecosystems
• be able to independently describe the properties of chemical compounds that make them toxic or environmentally hazardous
• understand how social and societal factors influence attitudes towards toxicity and environmental hazards

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to independently estimate and predict risks associated with chemical compounds
• be able to independently suggest exchange of hazardous chemicals for less hazardous ones
• be able to independently communicate and discuss risks associated with chemical compounds

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to independently judge possible solutions to toxicity and environmental problems from an ethical and sustainability perspective
• be able to critically and independently judge chemical compounds toxicity and environmental hazards and relate these to risk attitudes and societal needs

Contents

The chemical basis for how health-damaging and environmentally hazardous compounds are absorbed and metabolized by organisms and the mechanisms behind their effects are discussed thoroughly. Emphasis is put on relationships between structure, chemical properties, and biological effects. The impacts of hazardous chemicals on external environments, such as in the water and air, will be discussed. The course will also discuss environmental legislation.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Written assessment and a written report.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0117. Name: Examination.
Credits: 6.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: For a passing grade the student must pass a written final exam.
Code: 0217. Name: Report.
Credits: 1.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: For a passing grade the student must complete and pass a written assignment.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: KOKA25 Organic Chemistry
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: KOK060 KOK032

Reading list

• Sterner, O: Förgiftningar och miljöhot. Studentlitteratur, 2010, ISBN: 978-91-44-04749-2.
• Harnung, S. E., Johnson, M. S: Chemistry and the Environment. Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN: 1107682576.
• Sterner, Olov: Chemistry, health, and environment. Weinheim : Wiley-VCH, 2010, ISBN: 3527325824. Alternative literature in English is.

Contact

Course coordinator: Baozhong Zhang, baozhong.zhang@chem.lu.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/

Further information

The course is based on independent work. The use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is permitted for self-study but may not be used for examination activities such as laboratory reports, assignments, assignments and exams.