CHSC-3B, Solving Environmental Problems: The Role of Chemistry: Fall 2015
Monday & Wednesday, 5:00-6:20 PM (Exam Block M)
Dwight Peavey, PhD
Senior Scientist, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Boston MA
Visiting Scholar, Department of Chemistry & Environmental Studies Program
Email: , or
Phone: 617-918-1829 (EPA office)
Teaching Assistant: Evelyn Karin, , Phone: 408-605-9043
Office (RABB 374) hours: Mon & Weds 4:00-5:00 pm or Friday by appointment
Text = Environmental Science For A Changing World (Second Edition, 2015)
Susan Karr, Jeneen Interlandi & Anne Houtman
In Bookstore or on-line
The course will investigate current and emerging environmental problems associated with society’s dependence on toxic chemicals and hazardous materials. We will focus on the causes and solutions for our environmental problems. You will investigate many different products and processes that pollute our air, land and water and accumulate in our bodies. We will identify safer, healthier, greener and more sustainable chemicals, materials, and products. The course will use current reports and literature from around the world to demonstrate how society could adopt safer and healthier material, products and processes. Understanding how chemicals are currently regulated world-wide will be discussed and debated. This course will examine carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, persistent bioaccumulative toxics, global warming, nano-materials, and alternative energy sources. Leading nations across the world have reduced their environmental problems by adopting safer, healthier, greener, and more sustainable chemistry. The goal of the course is to understand how society must embrace new approaches in the development and production of products while protecting human health and our planet. Student team projects will present a case study on an emerging environmental issue, pollution or solution.
Pre-requisite: high school chemistry, environmental science, & biology or college chemistry or college biology or environmental studies (or permission of the instructor).
Grading:
10% class participation
15% “team” presentation: environmental issues/problems/solutions
25% Five (5) quizzes X 5% = 25%
50% Two (2) 1 hour exams X 25% = 50%
You are responsible for making up quizzes & exams at the next class or by contacting me. Failure to meet deadlines for your exams will result in a reduced grade. If you score less than an 80%, you have the option to retake the quiz or exam for a maximum grade of 80%. Class participation requires reading the assigned chapter(s) or posted materials prior to class and contributing to class discussions.
There is an expectation that students will spend a minimum of 9 hours of study time per week in preparation for class (readings, papers, discussion sections, preparation for exams, etc.). You should understand all terminology present in your textbook and lectures.
All students’ work for this course shall comply with “Brandeis University’s Policy Regarding Academic Honesty & Plagiarism” as found in Section 5 of Rights and Responsibilities in the Brandeis University Handbook. If you have a doubt on how to properly present your work, please consult me prior to submission or presentation of an assignment.
Schedule*: (*This schedule may be adjusted as needed.)
Aug 31 Introductions, Expectations & Evaluation Process
Sept 2 Chapters 2, 3 & 4
Sept 9 & 10 (Thurs), Chapter 4 & NLM’s Toxicology I – Basic Principles
Sept 16 Quiz#1 (9/16) & Chapters 6 & 7
Sept 21 & 23 Chapter 8 & Chapter 12
Sept 29 (Tues) & 30 Quiz#2 (9/30) & Chapter 13
Oct 7 (Weds) Chapters 14 & 15
Oct 12 & 14 Water & Wastewater
Oct 19 & 21 EXAM #1 (10/19) & Chapter 16
Oct 26 & 21 Chapters 17 & Pesticides
Nov 2 & 4 Quiz#3 & Chapter 18
Nov 9 (Mon) & 11 Chapters 19 & 20
Nov 16 & 18 Chapters 21
Nov 23 (Mon) Take Home Quiz#4
Nov 30 & Dec 2 Chapters 23 & 24
Dec 7 Chapter 25 & Class Quiz#5 (12/7)
Dec 9 (Weds) EXAM# 2
Dec 17 (6-9:00 PM) Team Presentations***
Team will be composed of two students (freshman/sophomore paired with junior/senior).
2 Environmental Studies major/minors will not be on the same team. I am open to environmental issues/problems/solutions not on the approved list --- your topic must be approved.
*** Team topics must be approved by Monday, November 23, 2013
Scientific American Environmental Science for a Changing World Second Edition, W.H.Freeman and Scientific American, 2014
by Susan Karr (Author), Jeneen InterlandI (Author), Anne Houtman (Author)
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE, AND SCIENTIFIC LITERACY
1. Environmental Literacy and the Goal of Sustainability
2. Science Literacy and the Process of Science
3. Information Literacy:
HUMAN POPULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
4. Human Populations
5. Environmental Health
CONSUMPTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
6. Ecological Economics and Consumption
7. Managing Solid Waste
ECOLOGY
8. Ecosystems and Nutrient Cycling
9. Population Ecology
10. Community Ecology
BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION
11. Evolution
12. Biodiversity
13. Preserving Biodiversity
WATER RESOURCES
14. Freshwater Resources
15. Water Pollution
FOOD RESOURCES
16. Feeding the World
17. Agriculture
CONVENTIONAL ENERGY: FOSSIL FUELS
18. Coal
19. Oil and Natural Gas
Air Pollution: Consequences of Using Fossil Fuels
20. Air Pollution
21. Climate Change
ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS
22. Nuclear Power
23. Sustainable Energy for Stationary Sources
SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY
24. Urbanization
25. Environmental Policy