Course Description: Introduction to properties and composition of natural waters. Gas and solid equilibria, pH, redox chemistry, complexation, corrosion treatment, acid rain, ion exchange, colloids and microbial transformations.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite: Chem 201 or 205 or 251 (physical chemistry)
Recommended Courses: Chem 202 (coordination chemistry), and one of Chem 204, 233 or 260 (organic chemistry)
Time and Classroom: MWF 9:00-10:00, CHEM B150
Instructor: Dr. Kristin J. Orians
Contact Info: Room 3055 ESB, 2207 Main Mall
Office Phone, 604-822-6571
e-mail,
Office Hours: After class, Tuesday 1-2pm, or by appointment
In-class Participation (“clickers”): 1-3 clicker questions per lecture, some participation only, some for accuracy as well. (2% for participation on 80% of all questions, 1% for correct answer on 80% of accuracy questions - 20% grace)
Problem Sets: 5 problem sets, due one week after they are assigned (1% each)
Exams: 2 Midterms (Fri., October 7 and Wed., November 9) and Final (tba)
Calculator for Exams: You will need the standard UBC Science calculator (Sharp EL-510R), sold in the computer shop at the UBC bookstore, if you wish to use a calculator for any of your exams.
Grading: In-class clickers 3%; Problem Sets 5%; Midterms 20% each; Final - 52%.
(Or – 55% on final and nothing for clickers – whichever gives you’re the best result)
Recommended Textbooks:
“Environmental Chemistry” 4th Ed., C. Baird and M. Cann
“Environmental Chemistry” 8th Ed., S.E. Manahan
Classnotes: Notes (without copyright protected figures) will be available for download from the course Connect site.
Other References:
“Environmental Chemistry” 2nd Ed., Nigel Bunce
“Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry”, 2nd Ed., Manahan
“Principles of Environmental Chemistry”, James Girard
“Aquatic Chemistry” 3rd Ed., W. Stumm and J.J. Morgan
“Aquatic Chemistry Concepts”, Pankow