Durable Development and Environment

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module 3BCHE-A-08 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 3 Study load (hours) 84 Theory (hours): 25,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 5,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: 2 Instructor(s) Luc Van Vaeck Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties basic knowledge of general and organic chemistry *Sequentiality [Fundamentals of Chemistry I, incl. Theoretical Exercises (1BCHE-021) OR Foundations of Chemistry I, including theoretical exercises (1BCHE-022)] AND [Fundamentals of Chemistry II, incl. Theoretical Exercises (1BCHE-031) OR Foundations of Chemistry II, including theoretical exercises (1BCHE-032)] AND Organic Chemistry, incl. Theoretical Exercises (1BCHE-051) AND [Practicals : Experimental Skills, incl. Theoretical Excercises (1BCHE-042) OR Chemistry / Biochemistry, Experimental Skills incl. safety in the lab (1BBIC-061)] AND Chemistry and society (1BCHE-09) 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) - insight in the problems of organic environmental pollution - knowledge of the fundamental concepts of sustainable development - use of this knowledge in applications - critical evaluation of statements on environment and sustainable development - develop concepts about the role of a chemists in the context of pollution and sustainable development    3. Course content The course starts with a survey of air, water and soil pollution by organic compounds is given and links pollution, use of energy and materials and waste production.  This forms the basis for the introduction of the basic concepts of sustainable development. The firrt part deals with the basis phenomena and formation processes through which organic pollutants are introduced into the environment.  The impact on human healt is discussed.  The current methods for sampling and analysis are covered. Capita selecta include a study of the atmospheric burden by aerosols, waste water treatment including the chemistry of the bacterial degradation (aerobic, anaerobic), and the treatment of solid waste. All these topics show the link between pollution, use of energy and materials and thereby introduce the link between pollution and sustainable development. The second part of the course deals with the need to work on sustainable development. The economic growth model is discussed and its limitations highlighted. The course looks at possible solutions from the point of view of a chemist active in the industry.  The quantification of a product or process improvement in terms of sustained development is treated and illustrated by several practical examples and test cases.  Active discussions are stimulated during the course. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Personal work: Excursion(s) 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, with oral presentation Closed book Continuous assessment: Participation in classroom activities 6. Compulsory reading – study material course is avaliable 7. Recommended reading - study material there are references to open literature in the course 8. Tutoring The professor gives high priority to be available for additional explanation, e.g. after the course, practical exercise or other moments laatste aanpassing: last update: 13/01/2009 14:22 ingrid.swenters