2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0186 Sustainability Chemistry

10 Credits Class Size: 70

Module manager: Linda Forbes
Email: l.j.forbes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will allow students to develop their understanding of the impacts of human activity on earth systems. The models that earth scientists use to study the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere will be presented, and then how anthropogenic inputs may have impacted these systems will be discussed. Mitigation of human impacts and how that relates to green chemistry and 'renewable' energy sources will be introduced.

Objectives

To apply a mental chemical model of the world, appreciating the application of chemical phenomena to environmental examples in order to develop an understanding of the concept of sustainability as it applies to the earth and human behaviours.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how chemistry can be sustainable in the future and evaluate what is currently done to meet sustainable targets.

2. Evaluate the impact of sustainability in industry and research.

3. Describe how chemistry can aid in achieving sustainability goals.

4. Identify key ethical issues and barriers to sustainable practise.

Skills outcomes

Analytical Skills, Planning and Organisation, Creative Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Independent Working, communication

Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and seminars and will cover areas such as… 

- Organic chemistry

- CFC'S

- Green Chemistry

- Earth's environment and of the progressive exploitation of environmental resources by humankind

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
seminars 2 2 4
Lecture 10 2 20
Independent online learning hours 26
Private study hours 50
Total Contact hours 24
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be given in seminars, via in-class quizzes, via completion of online quizzes, interaction with online simulations and via submission of independent work such as written problem sets.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Case Study Case study Case study of their choice within the topic of sustainability or sustainable chemistry. Word count 1500- 2000 if written, if recorded 20 - 30 mins, split if podcasts. 80
Case Study Case study (plan): (300-word max) detailing their case study, plan for the work, weekly plan and any concerns in finding resources 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

If a student fails the module coursework, the resit opportunity will be an equivalent problem-based learning assessment in July. Students who miss any of these learning opportunities can apply for mitigating circumstances and potentially could be given consideration at the exam board.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team