Biogeochemical cycling of metals, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course deals with the biogeochemical cycling of metals in the environment. This cycling is dependent on several important terrestrial, atmospheric and aquatic processes that will be covered during the course. These processes include: redox cycling; complex formation between metals and ligands; as well as sedimentation; and can take place in presence or absence of microbial activity. The course content covers: metal speciation in solution, gas and solid phases; coordination chemistry; surface chemistry including, protonation, adsorption and desorption of metal ions onto surfaces. Sustainability aspects of metal usage in society will also be discussed. 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• explain, evaluate and predict different environmental pathways for metals in their biogeochemical cycle based on their chemical properties,
• discuss sustainability of societal use of metals,
• calculate and predict the outcome of environmental processes in aqueous solution using thermodynamic data,
• critically examine and interpret data from computer modelling of chemical equilibria, 
• independently, and within given time frames, explain and critically discuss complex environmental chemistry principles, problems and research results which fall within the content of the course, both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are in the main area of chemistry, 15 ECTS Environmental Chemistry or the equivalent and English B/6.

Form of instruction

The course is taught using student-active teaching methods, which include self-study sessions, online lectures and compulsory examinations, project work, and tutorials. 

Examination modes

he course will be examined through a compulsory poster presentation that will be graded both with respect to written content and oral presentation, as well as compulsory (online) tests. To pass the course all examinations and compulsory tests must be passed. On the poster presentation the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) will be given. On the compulsory online tests the grade Fail (U) or Pass (G) can be obtained. On the whole course one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) will be given. To pass the course, all examinations and compulsory tests have to be passed. The grade VG on the poster presentation as well as G on all other examinations are required to obtain VG on the full course. Those who pass an examination are not permitted to retake it in order to obtain a higher grade. A student who has failed two exams for a course or part of a course, are entitled to have appointed a new examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF 6 kap. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Department of Chemistry. Examination based on this study plan is guaranteed during two years after student’s first registration on the course. 

Other regulations

Academic credit transfer is always evaluated individually (see the University rules for academic credit transfer).