ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY - 1

According to the general training objectives of the Master Degree in Environmental Sciences, the course contributes to shape graduates with multidisciplinary skills able to take action in the prevention, diagnosis and operational resolution of environmental problems.
More specifically, the objective is to provide students with the necessary skills for understanding the chemical, physicochemical and biochemical processes at the basis of matter transformations in both living organisms and environmental matrices, thus providing the basics needed to assess and evaluate the functioning of the environment.

Knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire the knowledge and understanding of the matter transformation processes in both environmental matrices (air, water and soil) and living organisms, deepening the knowledge on the energy and matter cycles, the structural organization at molecular level of animal and vegetable organisms as well as the most important chemical functions for life.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to assess and evaluate the chemical, physicochemical and biochemical processes at the basis of transformation of the matter in both living organisms and environmental matrices.

Ability to judge
The student will acquire independent judgment on identification and evaluation of the most relevant chemical, physicochemical and biochemical processes for the functioning of the environment.

Communication skills
The student will acquire adequate skills for oral and written communication, supported by appropriate terminology, of the fundamental aspects related to the chemical, physicochemical and biochemical processes at the basis of matter transformations in both living organisms and environmental matrices.

Learning ability
The student will acquire the ability to use the scientific method as working tool.

Basics of chemistry, physics and biology provided by the courses planned in the first and second year of the Bachelor Degree in Environmental Sciences.
Fundamental courses: GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - COURSE 1 [CT0410]; ORGANIC CHEMISTRY [CT0443]; ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY - LABORATORY MOD. [CT0366]; ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY - MOD. 1 [CT0590]; GENERAL PHYSICS [CT0583].

The course provides the basic knowledge and skills on environmental chemistry and biochemistry fundamental to understand the functioning of the environment.
More specifically, the following topics will be addressed.
Environmental chemistry of natural processes. Principles of thermodynamics and phase transformations.
Aquatic environment: water properties, physical and chemical composition of natural waters, hydrolysis, acid-base, redox, complexation and chelation reactions; alkalinity and hardness of water, nutrients and eutrophication.
Characteristics and role of solid and colloidal particles in natural waters.
Chemical reactions in the environment catalyzed by microorganisms (biogeochemical cycles of the main elements i.e., carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus).

Slides presented by the teacher and made available in the Moodle platform.
Recommended readings for exam preparation:
Stanley E. Manahan, Environmental Chemistry: Eleventh Edition, 2024.
Colin Baird, Michael Cann. Chimica ambientale ed. 2013.

Written exam consisting of 1 exercise and 3 open questions to be answered in 2 hours to assess the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student needed to assess and evaluate the functioning of the environment.

The final grade for the Environmental Chemistry exam will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in Module I and Module II, rounded up (when > 0.5).

written

The exams will be graded from 0 to 30 cum laude, with a passing threshold of 18 points.
The work will be evaluated on the basis of completeness and clarity of the answers, and on the use of appropriate language and terms. The exercises will be graded based on the correctness of the procedure and the calculations
For the questions of the written exam, max 8 points each are assigned, where: 8 corresponds to excellent; 7 to very good; 6 to good; 5 to sufficient; 4 to insufficient; 3 to seriously insufficient.

For the overall evaluation of the work:
Scores in the range 18-21 range: superficial knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; unclear and lacking in technical terminology.
Scores in the range 22-25: not always in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; orderly presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology;
Scores in the range 26-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; fair ability to organize information and present it; familiarity with technical terminology;
Scores in the range 28-30: excellent mastery of the topics covered in the classes; ability to prioritize information and correct use of appropriate technical terminology.

Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent judgment and communication ability, and excellent understanding of the program's topics.

This course employs an integrated teaching approach, combining various methodologies to maximize understanding and foster skill acquisition.
Specifically, frontal lectures will be supplemented by classroom discussions and practical exercises, designed to apply theoretical concepts to the resolution of real-world problems.

Ca' Foscari applies Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding the support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning disorders. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999), or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible format materials, note-taking assistance, specialized tutoring, interpreters, or other services), please contact the Disability and DSA Office at: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development