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 CHEMISTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES
Code CHEM384
Coordinator Dr N Winterton
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 Level Three Second Semester 7.5

Aims

This module introduces the basic concepts of sustainability and sustainable development, particularly in relation to its technological underpinnings. The module will address the historical, present and future roles of chemistry and chemical technology in relation to broad societal, environmental and developmental questions.

The aims of the module are:

  • To explain the concepts and terminology of sustainability and sustainable development.
  • To highlight the role of science and technology in working towards sustainable development.
  • To illustrate the central role of metrics (especially thermodynamic metrics) in the critical and comparative assessment of the sustainability of technologies.
  • To exemplify new approaches to chemistry in the development of more sustainable chemical technologies

 


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, studentsshould be able to:

  1. Understand the basic terminology of sustainable development and ‘green’ chemistry
  2. Appreciate the non-rigorous nature of this terminology and its consequences
  3. Recognise the importance of thermodynamic principles in judgements about what may be considered sustainable.
  4. Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of ‘green’ chemistry.
  5. Appreciate the importance of catalysis and the use of renewable feedstocks in developing sustainable chemical technologies and the challenges associated with their implementation.

Syllabus
0 

1. Sustainability and Sustainable Development: Concepts, Perspectives, Priorities and Implications

 

2. Carrying Capacity, the ‘Master’ Equation and the Role of Technology (including Chemical Technology); the

    Role of Science

 

3. Waste and pollution: Historical discussion of concepts; Copper smelting; Ammonia synthesis; Ozone depletion;

    Chlorine: the Devil’s Element? Current views

 

4. Metrics in Chemical Technology: Considerations at the Level of the Reaction; Process; Technology

 

5. Central Importance of the Second Law of Thermodynamics; Climate Change and Global warming;

 

6. The Concept of Energy:  Ethanol manufacture

 

7. Approaches to Waste Minimisation: Waste minimisation hierarchy; atom economy; VOC minimisation

 

8. Environmental Chemistry; ‘Green’ Chemistry: principles and pitfalls

 

9. ‘Green’ Chemical Engineering: Life Cycle Analysis

 

10. Importance of Catalysis: Production of Acetic Acid

 

11. Biotechnology: Production of Adipic Aci d

 

12. Renewable Feedstocks: Long term prospects

 

13. Energy production:

 

14 Technological integration; Industrial Ecology

 

15. Prospects for New Chemistry

 


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 14 lectures (50 minutes)to be complemented by one revision lecture at the end of term.  Students should expect to spend at leasteight hours in the completion of the assignment and a further five hours perweek in private study related to this module.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 15

           15
Timetable (if known) Wed 1-2, Thurs 9-10
  		           
Private Study 60
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  1.5 hours  second  80  August resit for PGT 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
Assignment comprising of a 5000 word essay to test general understanding of the concepts introduced and their appropriate illustration with examples taken from lecture material and from other sources.    second  20  Resit / Resubmission Opportunity - Only under exceptional circumstances  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School handbook for details.  This work is not marked anonymously 

Recommended Texts

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