What is the Chemical Nature of our Environment? In this course, we discuss the concepts that are necessary to describe the multi-faceted science of the environment and geochemical processes. Everything is made of basic elements, which means chemistry is an important aspect in truly understanding our environment. Physics is also used to study matter, atomic structure, energy, movement, etc. and the two topics often meet when describing scientific phenomena. Biology and engineering are also important as these relate the the natural processes and man-made problems or solutions. As we introduce new combinations of elements into our environment, it is important that we understand where and how these transport through the ecosystem and effect our health, including nanomaterials. As we begin, the scientific language will be covered first with an emphasis on chemical descriptions and basic calculations of concentration. We will briefly cover all fields of chemistry, ranging from organic chemistry to inorganic chemistry to biochemical processes. We will discuss land, air, water (salt and fresh), and the cycles that connect them. This course is taught from basic principles, meaning you do not need a chemistry or significant science background to understand the topics at hand. A major focus of the course is on the anthrosphere and defining effects of pollutants on humans and the new age of the Anthrosphere, wherein we will review geoengineering concepts and related data designed to 'fix' climate change and ocean acidification.
The primary goal of this course is to transform the way you perceive the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for its beauty and complexity as a function of the elemental composition—whether in a rock, a flower, or a cloud—and to explore how humans interact with it. Modern materials and nanoscience are also described, including nanomedicine, the newest human engineering marvels. Within this course, we will specifically examine the ways in which human activities have altered natural systems and how scientists are working to restore Earth's elemental balance through geoengineering. Basic calculations, data analysis, and graphical interpretations will be used to understand scientific phenomena and make determinations about bold proposals to engineer the atmosphere, land, and ocean to self-correct for climate change.
Understand the basic physics and chemistry terms and principles that are used to describe earth science.
Learn the basic concepts of organic molecules and biochemistry, how structure effects function and environmental impact.
Learn about nanomaterials and their environmental impact, prevalence.
Apply chemical knowledge to geoprocesses in air, land, and water.
Learn and calculate the basics of minerals and solubility.
Understand water chemistry and measurements.
Learn equilibrium principles and description of such systems in the environment.
Learn some of the main environmental cycles and the complex behaviors on Earth.
Learn kinetics and time-based pollution and remediation scenarios.
Present results derived from data analysis in the form of graphs and tables.
Communicate ideas effectively in writing and in speaking to small and large groups.
Critically read literature and analyze the scientific arguments within.
Computer, preferably with working microphone and camera.
Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets, pdf reader.
Zoom
Paper and a pen.
Tablet or phone for electronic writing
The course aims to accomplish, to various degree, Whittier College’s students learning outcomes (listed
below as per Whittier College’s website):
• Students should develop the ability to make connections across disciplines in order to understand the convergence and divergence of different fields of knowledge and to understand the nature of an academic community;
• Students should develop an understanding of, and competency in, the use of signs and symbols to construct, create, perceive, and communicate meaning;
• Students should develop the capacity to entertain multiple perspectives and interpretations;
• Students should develop an understanding of culture and of the connections between themselves and others in relation to physical, historical, social, and global contexts;
• Students should develop breadth, defined as familiarity with essential concepts in major fields, and depth, defined as knowledge of at least one field (usually achieved in the major).
ENVS Program Student Learning Outcomes - this course addresses 6 of our 8 SLOs
1. Articulate the role of human beings in the context of environmental processes and issues.
2. Draw from different fields or disciplines to contextualize environmental processes, issues, and solutions.
3. Develop critical thinking by evaluating competing theories, values, and attitudes regarding environmental issues.
4. Identify, describe, and/or model biological species, communities, and their level of interactions.
5. Identify, describe, and/or model elemental and molecular structures of natural and exotic compounds, transport, pollution, and interactions in biogeochemical cycles.
8. Present and describe findings from literature and direct observations/experimentation through effective written, oral, and/or creative products, including tables and figures.
Main Text: Intro to Environmental Chemistry, 2nd ed., Andrews, 2004.
Openstax: Geochemistry, Stephen Lower
Green Chemistry and the Ten Commandments of Sustainability, Manahan
Adventures in Chemistry, Alviar-Agnew
Additional readings will be provided, particularly related to current events, as pdf files on Moodle.