PLSCS 3650 - Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Air, and Water

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1560 or CHEM 2070-CHEM 2080.

C. Martinez.

This course provides an overview of the chemistry of the biosphere and biogeochemical processes that control the concentrations, fluxes, and bioavailability of essential elements and contaminants in soil, air, and water. Describes the history of environmental contamination by xenobiotics and heavy metals, with emphasis on behavior and properties of pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human and ecological health. The course content includes student-led discussion of relevant current events.

Outcome 1: Explain the basic chemical nature and composition of soils, water and the atmosphere.

Outcome 2: Describe how elements and organic chemicals, both natural and anthropogenic, are mobilized, cycled and modified or degraded in the soil, water and air of the biosphere.

Outcome 3: Articulate the degree to which human activity changes our environment as a result of contamination, impacting ecosystems and the health of plants and animals.

Outcome 4: Link theoretical concepts to environmental problems.