Office: W237 CB
Phone: 335-2099
Office Hours: TBD
E-mail

COURSE CONTENT: This course explores fundamental chemical processes of importance in the atmosphere, water and soil with an emphasis on the kinetics and photochemistry of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, the role of particulate matter, organic and inorganic speciation, global biogeochemical cycles, chemistry-climate relationships, and anthropogenic influences on the environment.

PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of basic chemistry, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics. Basic calculus.

LECTURE: Check ISIS.

TEXT AND MATERIALS:

“Air Composition and Chemistry”, by P. Brimblecombe, Cambridge University Press, 2nd. ed., 1995.

“Aquatic Environmental Chemistry”, by A.G. Howard, Oxford University Press, 1998.

“Soil Chemistry and Its Applications”, by M. Cresser, K. Killham, and T. Edwards, Cambridge University Press, 1993.

various handouts and web sites.

Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry class web site: http://www.uiowa.edu/~c004173/

LIBRARY RESERVE: Various course materials will be on reserve in the Sciences Library located on Iowa Avenue.

SOFTWARE: Students may need to make use of graphing software (e.g. Kaleidagraph, Excel) or numerical and symbolic mathematics software (e.g. Mathematica) to complete some of the assignments. These programs, as well as other scientific software and office productivity software, are available in the Chemistry Comptuer Centers in W241 (PC only), W238 (PC only), and W244 (Mac only) CB. Use of these programs will not be covered in class. Tutorials and informational links can be found on the course web site and software manuals and related books are available in the Chemistry Center (E225 CB).

GRADING: The final course grade will be based on performance in the following activities:

While the distribution of grades will generally be similar to that of previous semesters, variations between classes are common. Plus/minus grades will be assigned within each range.

EXAMINATIONS: There will be two exams, each covering approximately half of the course material. There will be no final examination. Make-up and early examinations must be arranged with the instructor and are only available in the event of a University recognized excuse.

HOMEWORK:  There will be two to four graded homework assignments. Students are encouraged to discuss the problem sets with others in the class but the submitted work should represent the student's own work. (Please see the section in the Student Academic Handbook on Rights and Responsibilities for University policy on academic misconduct ). Problem sets are due in the Chemistry Center (E225 CB) by 4:00 PM on the announced due date. Late assignments and assignments submitted by e-mail will not be accepted. All figures and plots should be prepared and printed with appropriate computer software unless otherwise specified. The homework assignments must be securely fastened with a staple.

PRESENTATION:  Each student will make one brief, approximately five minute, presentation to the class using one or two overheads to discuss a topical issue related to environmental and atmospheric chemistry. Presentations will be scheduled throughout the semester.

FINAL PROJECT:  The final project will consist of a brief (five page) written report on a topic relevant to atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Possible project topics will be discussed and each student will confirm their choice with the instructor. The final project will be due on the last day of classes.

REGRADE POLICY: If you feel that an error was made in the grading of your work, you may request a re-grade by notifying the instructor within one week of receiving the graded material. The request should be in writing and indicate the section of the work that is in question. Please note that the entire work may be subject to a re-grade.

OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: This course is given by the College of Liberal Arts. This means that class policies on matters such as requirements, grading, and sanctions for academic dishonesty are governed by the College of Liberal Arts. Students wishing to add or drop this course after the official deadline must receive the approval from the office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Students with questions about these or other CLAS policies should speak with an academic advisor or with the staff in 120 Schaeffer Hall. Please see the CLAS Academic Handbook for further information.