FNSC1002
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
One of the most pressing issues in today’s society is the human-induced pressures that are placed on earth’s ecosystems and resources. Environmental Science is a multi-disciplinary approach that endeavours to explain how life on Earth is sustained, what contributes to our many environmental problems, and how these problems can be solved through understanding of interactions between humans and the Earth. This course introduces students to a number of the basic multidisciplinary concepts, such as chemistry, biology, botany and atmospheric chemistry which are fundamental to understanding these interactions. Students will be introduced to the role of chemistry in environmental studies and develop the skills to be able to monitor, measure and assess environmental variables.
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2021.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Express chemical ideas in a logical, coherent fashion.
2. Summarise core and fundamental knowledge of chemical concepts and methods appropriate to environmental science.
3. Demonstrate competency in the analysis for analytes in water and soil samples.
4. Describe the key chemical processes of Earth's atmosphere and the contribution to climate change.
5. Demonstrate competency in the analysis of biological and chemical properties of environmental systems.
6. Apply theoretical knowledge to an environmental problem and develop a viable solution.
7. Apply methods to sample collection, recording, analysing statistical data to environmental contaminants.
Content
- matter; measurement; units and statistical analysis.
- atoms; simple atomic models and isotopes.
- molecules; ions; bonding, chemical compounds and formulae.
- acids; bases; pH and buffers.
- the mole concept; solution studies.
- water chemistry; osmosis; tonicity and effect of gases on climate.
- soil science; chemical and biological composition; monitoring analytes.
- plant science; water uptake; chemical and biological composition.
- chemistry of climate change; Earth’s atmosphere and global warming.
- instrumentation; Atomic Absorption Spectrum, GC-MS, HPLC.
Requisite
This course is only available to students enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies [40286] program.
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quizzes
Written Assignment: Research Assignment
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Report
Formal Examination: Final Examination
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.