MSc Environmental Science - Chemistry component

El Siglo

Alright folks,
I got into this course but the thing is I'm not much a chemistry buff (I never did it in the leaving cert or in my undergrad) and here are some of the chemistry stuff we have to do in this course:

Environmental Chemical Analysis
Description: This module covers the operating principles of a range of techniques that are used in the chemical analysis of environmental samples; hands-on experience is provided in laboratory practicals. Topics include: units of measurement, classical methods of analysis (e.g. titration), electrometric methods (conductimetry, potentiometry), optical methods (colorimetry, atomic spectroscopy), and chromatography (ion chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography), assessment of method performance, quality control and quality assurance. Visits to laboratories in other institutions are included.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
• Explain the principles and practice of a range chemical analytical techniques
• Select appropriate procedures for the chemical analysis of environmental
substrates (surface waters, waste waters, sediments and biological samples)
• Carry out a range of chemical analysis procedures in the laboratory
• Present and interpret results of chemical analyses of environmental substrates
Assessment: Written report (50%), short reports (25%), exam (25%).

Hydrology and Groundwater Quality
Description: This module comprises lectures, seminars, fieldwork and practical work (mapping and data handling) relating to water in the environment. After an introduction to the hydrological cycle and water balances, it outlines the fundamentals of hillslope hydrology, river flow and catchment characteristics, before going on to consider aspects of hydrogeology, such as aquifer characteristics and groundwater flow and surface water – groundwater interactions. The module then considers groundwater chemistry and water quality, which are then related to specific pollution problems and management options. This module links closely with Environmental Chemical Analysis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will:
• have an understanding of hydrological processes
• have some practical experience of hydrological data collection techniques e.g. river flow measurement
• be familiar with groundwater quality problems in both rural and industrial settings
• be able to evaluate groundwater vulnerability to pollution, understand and use groundwater protection schemes and appreciate their data requirements
• have practical experience of techniques used to investigate agricultural impacts on groundwater

Hydrobiology and Waste Water Treatment
Description: This module provides an introduction to freshwater ecosystems, with particular reference to rivers. It covers basic hydrobiological concepts, explains how chemical, physical and biological interactions make up an ecosystem, and how these are modified by various forms of pollution. The module then examines wastewater treatment, the main processes involved in sludge treatment and disposal, and some of the basic management techniques employed in the operation of activated sludge. The module places an emphasis on practical exercises and includes a visit to a waste water treatment facility.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
• Conduct simple hydrobiological surveys
• Interpret chemico-physical and biological freshwater data
• Outline the operation and management of water and wastewater treatment
systems
• Perform simple assessment procedures.

I know bits and pieces of stuff from my undergrad stuff, but the first and second subects listed (Environmental Chemical Analysis and Hydrology and Groundwater Quality) I wouldn't have too much knowledge on. I'm getting 'Chemistry for Dummies' (yeh I'm that much of a beginner!) but is there anybooks out there or materials or anything that can help in improving my shortfall in these subject areas? I just don't want to be caught in a hard spot when I have to do these subjects next October and I had all summer to prepare for them. I'd really appreciate any help.

cianl1

The textbook Chemistry: The Central Science by Brown, LeMay and Bursten covers pretty much all of undergrad giving a basic understanding in everything, but to get more detail you'll need dedicated textbooks for each field of chemistry i.e. inorganic, organic, physical and analytical.

El Siglo

Cheers for that book reference!

boru05

El Siglo,

I just completed the undergrad env. sci. moderatorship in TCD this year. As far as I'm aware - the MSc. is a truncated and condensed one year version of our 2 year course so I've a good idea what the craic is expecially as I've done all of the modules you will be doing with the same lecturers etc.

Re: the chemistry, don't get your knickers in a twist. Norman Allott - the module coordinator - is exceptionally enthusiastic as a lecturer and he teaches at a reasonably slow pace to make sure everyone is on board - i'm not sure what your background is but you can bet ur bottom there'll be a few arts students who have never done anything sciencey before. Don't read the course outlines as gospel, while they may be indicative of a courses' aims they're not always entirely descriptive.

Specifically about the chem, a lot of the emphasis of the course is on learning certain standard techniques and methods in order to determine what a particular parameter is - a detailed knowledge of the theoretical chemistry behind each process will not be required - it's more about having a general overview of what technique to use for which parameter (e.g. how do I measure the concentration of nitrate in water? Rather than - what are all of the potential chemical processes and interactions of nitrate and water?). To be honest - there's really no need to do a huge amount of pre-reading before Oct. Teaching yourself environmental chemistry can be confusing, time-consuming and more importantly might prejudice you against the subject before you've given it a chance.

El Siglo

Boru05, that's really good advice so it is, my background is Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy, but my chemistry is piss poor and I was worried about the standard required by the course, seriously you've put my mind at ease. I'll probably do a bit of reading in some basic chemistry because I have a zero background in it, and then just work with the course material at hand with Norman and Catherine etc... I don't want to come off as some 'know-it-all' I just wanted to know enough chemistry that I won't have recurring nightmares! Seriously, thanks again folks, I really appreciate the replies, can't wait to get stuck into the course!:D