I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Environmental Chemistry

2. Course Prefix & Number:
CHEM 1410

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This course includes simplified topics in scientific measurement, atomic theory, bonding theory, states of matter, chemical and nuclear reactions, solution chemistry, and biogeochemical cycles. Environmental topics in water and air pollution, global warming, ozone depletion and acid rain will also be presented throughout the course. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab weekly. Intended for non-science majors.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Name of Institution	Course Number and Title	Credits
St. Cloud State University	Chem 105 Chemistry and the Environment	3
Bemidji State University	Chem 2925 People and the Environment: Chemistry Perspective	3

III. Course Purpose

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:

• Goal 3 – Natural Sciences
• Goal 10 – People and the Environment

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	complete written reports using data collected from the laboratory.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Follow a given lab protocol to successfully complete a lab experiment in the time allowed.
Apply ethical principles in decision-making	describe the pros and cons for the use of fertilizers.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

Expected Outcome	MnTC Goal Area
Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.	3
Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth, students' laboratory experience in the collection of data, its statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.	3
Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.	3
Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.	10
Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.	10
Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.	10
Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.	10

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Foundations of Chemistry
   
   • Elements
   • The Atomic Nature of Matter
   • Compounds and Mixtures
   • States of Matter
   • Metals and Alloys
2. Physical and Chemical Change
   
   • Physical Properties and Physical Changes
   • The Evaporation and Boiling of Liquids
   • Chemical Change
   • Complete and Incomplete Combustion
   • The Scientific Method in Action
3. The Internal Workings of Atoms and Molecules
   
   • The Components of Atoms
   • Electron Configurations
   • The Periodic Table
   • Covalent Bonding and the Formation of Molecules
   • Ions and Ionic Bonding
4. Hydrocarbons and Fossil Fuels
   
   • Hydrocarbons That Contain Only Single Bonds
   • Molecules That Have Double and Triple Bonds
   • Fossil Fuels: Natural Gas and Petroleum
   • Fossil Fuels: Coal
5. Batteries, Fuel Cells, and the Hydrogen Economy
   
   • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
   • Batteries
   • Fuel Cells
   • Electrolysis: Producting Metals from Ores
   • Hydrogen: The Fuel of the Future
6. Water: Sources, Pollution, and Purification
   
   • Drinking Water: Sources
   • Drinking Water: Removal of Ions, Gases, Solids and Organic Compounds
   • Drinking Water: Disinfection by Chlorination
   • Drinking Water: Disinfection by Methods Other Than Chlorination
   • Groundwater Pollution by Organic Compounds
   • Water Pollution by Nitrogen Compounds
   • Surface Water Pollution by Phosphates: Soaps and Detergents

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Measurement of Vapor Pressure
2. Emulsification
3. Melting Point Determination
4. The Study of Carbon Monoxide
5. Application of the Scientific Method
6. Sodium Analysis
7. Catalysts in Potatoes
8. Rate of Freezing for Water and Salt Water
9. Molecular Modeling
10. Oxidation of an Iron Nail
11. The Study of Hydrogen
12. Water Purification
13. Soap Effectiveness