Geochemistry Level 11 (U01226)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : CHE-4-Geochem11

A lecture course covering topics on the general theme of geochemistry. The course comprises individual lecture courses on: Soil and Sedimentary Chemistry (the nature and properties of mineral and organic components in soils and sediments, and the processes that influence the behaviour of metals and organic contaminants in these media), Biogeochemical Speciation (examination of the influence of elemental speciation upon the movement, transformation and toxicity of chemicals in the aquatic and terrestrial environments and in the human body), Environmental Radioactivity (the biogeochemical processes affecting the occurrence and environmental distribution of natural and man-made radionuclides, and the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste disposal), Chemical Evolution (theories for the stellar origins of the chemical elements and for the non-biological formation of biologically important molecules in Earth's prebiotic environment). Either the Level 10 or Level 11 version of this course (as specified in the degree programme tables) is a compulsory requirement for Year 4/5 students on degrees in Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry, but can be taken by Year 4/5 students on any Chemistry degree programme.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Chemistry 3A (CHE-3-A) and Chemistry 3B (CHE-3-B) and Chemistry 3P Practical and Transferable Skills (CHE-3-Pract) at a weighted average at or above Grade C at the first attempt (including Chemistry 3A (CHE-3-A) and Chemistry 3B (CHE-3-B) at a weighted average at or above Grade D), and Mathematics qualifications of at least 20 credits to level Applicable Mathematics 1 and Mathematical Methods 1; or with the permission of Head of School.

? Prohibited combinations : Geochemistry Level 10 (CHE-4-Geochem10).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Chemistry, (School of Chemistry, Schedule L)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2006	12:10	13:00	Lecture Theatre 100, Joseph Black Building	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	12:10	13:00	KB
Lecture	Wednesday	12:10	13:00	KB
Lecture	Friday	12:10	13:00	KB

? Additional Class Information : 30 hours lectures + 6 hours tutorials, at times arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course students will be able to:
- describe in detail the nature, properties and evolution of soils and sediments
- predict and rationalise the distribution and behaviour of metal and organic contaminants in soils and sediments
- assess and predict the likely speciation, behaviour and effects of certain elements (for example arsenic, selenium, chromium and aluminium) under a range of conditions in the environment and in humans.
- account for the distribution of natural and manmade radionuclides in the environment
- outline the use of radionuclides as tracers of environmental processes
- discuss the scientific issues surrounding disposal of low and high-level radioactive waste
- critically discuss competing theories for the formation, organisation and replication of biologically important molecules in Earth's prebiotic environment
Learning outcomes specific to attainment of a pass at Level 11 include:
- ability to integrate all, or most, of the main areas of the course
- development of original and creative responses to problems and issues within the course
- application of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues at the forefront of the subject area