Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM357
Coordinator Dr DL Cooper
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 Level Three First Semester 7.5

Aims

The main aim of this 'option A' module is to equip students with a basic understanding of the Physical Chemistry of the atmosphere of the Earth. Comparison is made with extraterrestrial atmospheres.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate both a familiarity with and an understanding of various aspects of Physical Chemistry associated with:

  1. The composition of the atmosphere.
  2. The ozone layer. Polar ozone holes.
  3. The Greenhouse effect. Global warming and global dimming.
  4. Key differences of the Earth’s atmosphere from those of other objects in the Solar System.

Syllabus
0 

Lecture material

  • Composition of the atmosphere, including physical conditions that pertain to different regions.
  • Ozone layer and polar ozone holes. CFC replacements.
  • Greenhouse effect. Global warming and global dimming.
  • Chemistry of selected extraterrestrial atmospheres, such as those of Venus and Titan.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 16 lectures (50 minutes).  Two assignments will be set during the course and will be discussed in subsequent lectures. Students should expect to spend at least eight hours on each of the assignments, which will require a certain amount of background reading of Web-based resources.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   2

       18
Timetable (if known) Not yet known
  		           
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  1.5 hours  First  80  August/September resit opportunity for year 2 students only. See notes    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
2 assignments    First  20  No  Deadlines/penalties for submission in VITAL will be clearly stated when the assignments are issued.  This work is not marked anonymously  

Recommended Texts
The recommended textbook is:
"Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry". P.V. Hobbs (Cambridge University Press, 2000).

Various Web-based resources are appropriate ... especially those listed in VITAL.

Further background reading:
"Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry". D.J. Jacob (Princeton University Press, 1999).