Module manager: Martyn Chipperfield
Email: M.Chipperfield@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
A-level Chemistry or Pre-requisite module (SOEE1135)
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module gives an overview of the sources, processing and transport of air pollutants in the atmosphere from local to global scales. The course examines tropospheric ozone pollution, smogs, particulate matter, acid deposition and toxic pollutants, and their impacts on local and regional air quality and on the global-scale atmosphere. The balance between human and natural influence on atmospheric constituents will be examined. The course is pitched at an appropriate level, using data from satellites, aircraft and monitoring networks to illustrate the key processes.
1. To give an overall view of the features/properties/composition of our atmosphere from local to global scales.
2. To cover, in depth, some of the current problems related to atmospheric pollution (tropospheric ozone production, smog formation and acid rain, particulate matter). To demonstrate that solutions to these problems require an understanding of scientific principles, coupled with social and political change.
3. To understand the natural and anthropogenic influences on the atmospheric pollution over various timescales.
4. To understand basic issues related to local/regional air quality.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1. Basic understanding of the complexity of pollutant budgets in the atmosphere.
SSLO2. Understanding of some of the current atmospheric pollution problems: surface ozone-, smog formation, acid rain, particulate matter, toxic pollutants.
SSLO3. Understanding of chemical processes controlling the atmospheric lifetimes of pollutants and secondary pollutant production.
SSLO4. Understanding of basic air quality science – monitoring networks, emission inventories, urban pollution.
SSLO5. Appreciate the wide range of timescales and spatial scales on which different pollutants act.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO 1. Written skills.
SKLO 2. Numeracy and C&IT skills.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 78 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
One formative practice question sheet before the two summative coursework assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team