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Texas A&M University-Texarkana
CHEM 405: Environmental Chemistry
2017 Spring Semester
I. Course Number: CHEM 405
II. Instructor
Dr. Greg A. Hogan
Office: Room SCIT 219C, Science and Technology Building, Main Campus
Email: greg.hogan@tamut.edu
Tel: (903) 334-6673
Office Hours: TBA
III. Course Description
Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 405) is an application of chemical principles
to the study of the environment. It includes natural processes and pollution
problems related to air, water, and soil. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311, CHEM 1312
passed with grade C or better.
IV. Required Textbooks/Resources
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
by C. Baird, et al., (5th Edition), W. H.
Freeman and Company, New York,
2009.
ISBN-13: 9781429277044,
ISBN-10: 1429277044.
The following is an optional textbook.
SOLUTIONS MANUAL TO ACCOMPANY BAIRD ENVIRONMENTAL
CHEMISTRY (4th Edition), W. H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2009.
ISBN-13: 9781429210058, ISBN-10: 1429210052.
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V. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:
Course Objectives Student Performance Assessment
Indicators Method
Demonstrate a solid foundation of the Presentation, ,class Instructor and
literacy as it relates to environmental discussions, assigned student
chemistry; projects evaluations
Demonstrate knowledge of the design Operation of Supervisor and
and use of field instrumentation, instrumentation and instructor
computer models, data analysis and analysis of data in evaluations
laboratory procedures for environmental laboratory, field, and
chemistry, research and applications; assigned projects
Explain the theoretical basis and Descriptive and Exam grades
observational methods for study of numerical solutions to
contaminants and interactions with the exam questions
land surface, biota and climate change; Student opinions on
course content
Formulate ideas and evaluate results Numerical solutions to Exam grades
through written, numerical, graphical, exam questions Instructor
spoken, and computer-based forms of Lectures and other and student
communication. instructional activities evaluations
prepared by the student
VI. Course Outline
Environmental Chemistry covers the following major topics and subtopics:
1. Introduction to Environmental Chemistry;
2. Stratospheric Chemistry: The Ozone Layer and The Ozone Holes, The Chemistry
of Ground-Level Air Pollution, The Environmental and Health Consequences of
Polluted Air – Outdoors and Indoors, The Detailed Chemistry of the Atmosphere;
3. The Greenhouse Effect, Fossil-Fuel Energy, CO2 Emissions, climate change,
Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels, and the Hydrogen Economy;
4. Dioxins, Furans, PCBs, Radioactivity, Radon, Nuclear Energy, Water Chemistry
and Water Pollution;
5. Toxic Heavy Metals, Wastes, Soils, and Sediments.
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VII. Course Evaluation and Grading
Two lecture exams each worth 200 points will be given during the semester, a
comprehensive final exam of 300 points will be given at the end of the classes. The exam
questions will primarily be of multiple-choice, true-false, short answer/essay, and
algorithmic types. The rubric below will be utilized in the grading of essay questions.
There may also be unannounced quizzes, presentations, laboratories, assignments, class
projects, journals, and take-home exams.
Each student’s final grade will be based on the following:
Assignments, quizzes projects and presentations 200 pts
Two Semester Tests 400 pts
Final Exam 300 pts
Total 900 pts
Grading Scale
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
0-59% F
Make-up exams
Each student is required to take all examinations. Make-up examinations will be given
only if the student has an excused or authorized absence. Students must contact the
instructor no later than one week after the missed exam, or after return to campus, to
indicate why they were absent and to request to take a make-up. It is the responsibility of
the student to inquire as to the procedure for making up an exam. A grade of zero (0)
will be recorded if the make-up is not taken in a timely manner. There are no make-ups
on pop-quizzes, other class assignments.
Essay Grading Rubric
Criteria Points
The answer demonstrates little or no grasp of the topic. The response: (1) may 0 - <6
significantly misstate facts or misinterpret them; (2) may fail to completely
justify the choice of factors; (3) may be a string of generalizations without
specifics or specifics without generalizations; (4) has structure and mechanics
which may cause the reader significant difficulty.
The answer demonstrates only limited understanding or a partial 6
misunderstanding of the topic. The response: (1) may use unimportant factors or
may explain important factors or their significance with little coherence or
specificity; (2) may make a number of serious factual errors; (3) has structure
and mechanics which sometime impede the reader's understanding.
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The answer demonstrates an acceptable but commonplace understanding of the 7
topic. The response: (1) presents important factors but explains them with only
the most obvious specifics; (2) delineates only the most obvious implications;
(3) has structure and mechanics which may cause the reader minor distractions.
The answer demonstrates an accurate grasp of the topic. The response: (1) 8
presents important factors and explains them with appropriate specifics; (2)
shows less detailed knowledge and less synthesis than the A response; (3) has
structure and mechanics which usually serve content.
The answer shows a superior understanding of the topic. The written response: 9 – 10
(1) presents factors of central significance and explains them with substantial
factual detail; (2) clearly shows how these factors operate; (3) has structure and
mechanics which serve content.
VIII. Assistance
Each student is encouraged to contact the professor for assistance with any class related
problem.
IX. Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is expected of students enrolled in this course. Cheating on
examinations, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of research data, plagiarism, and
undocumented use of materials from any source constitute academic dishonesty and may
be grounds for a grade of ‘F’ in the course and/or disciplinary actions. For additional
information, see the university policy manual.
X. Lecture Rules
a. Participation Policy: You are expected to attend all lecture classes.
Class attendance is very important since many of the exam questions will
be drawn from the class lectures, demonstrations, and discussions. Taking
good class notes is essential. Reading the chapter prior to coming to class
is also recommended. You are expected to participate in all team project
exercises.
b. Course Etiquette: You are expected to be courteous towards the
instructor and your classmates. You are expected to be on time for lecture.
Cell phones should be turned off during lecture. You should not talk to
your classmates while the instructor is talking or while one of your
classmates is asking a question.
XI. Methods of Instruction
Lecture
Demonstration and simulation
Class discussion/projects
Outside assignments
A-V Media/Internet
Blackboard
Laboratory work
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