Chemical reactions govern the interactions of molecules in oceans, lakes and rivers and regulate the biogeochemical cycles of many elements including carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and trace metals. This course will enable students to predict and understand chemical reactions occurring in aquatic systems and the fate of environmental pollutants and natural compounds. Topics include the environmental applications of thermodynamics and kinetics, acid-base reactions in natural waters, precipitation-dissolution reactions, and photochemical reactions of organic and inorganic compounds. The course has a heavy emphasis on reading and interpreting primary literature, including both classic and recent papers, and students will write a research proposal on an aquatic chemical topic of their choosing. Additionally, we will interact with current researchers in aquatic chemistry and participate in a field trip to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Instructor: Stanley

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every four years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: