Environmental Chemistry and Contamination

3.0 credits · Undergraduate

This course provides an overview of the chemistry of the biosphere and biogeochemical processes that control the concentrations, fluxes, and bioavailability of essential elements and contaminants in soil, air, and water. Describes the history of environmental contamination by xenobiotics and heavy metals, with emphasis on behavior and properties of pollutants that pose the greatest risk to human and ecological health. The course content includes student-led discussion of relevant current events.