Chemical change and environmental applications
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This course deals with ‘chemical change’ – on the molecular scale, in the laboratory, in industry, in a car exhaust – or in a complex natural system like the atmosphere. Its underlying aim is to develop an understanding of the factors that guide and control a chemical reaction. The subtle interplay between different aspects of chemical reactivity, and their practical consequences, is especially important in current environmental issues; for example, those relating to industrial chemical production, pollution and energy generation. Apart from the basic cornerstones of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics, topics related to industrial and environmental catalysis, chemical reaction mechanisms and aqueous solution chemistry are covered. Throughout, there is an emphasis on understanding causes and strategies for control in selected environmental applications.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S345 |
| Credits | 20 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
The general principles that govern whether, how and under what conditions substances will react with one another are of central importance in all areas of chemistry. They impact in many ways on modern life, from the production of vital everyday materials – fuels, plastics, fertilisers, and so on – to the control of pollution in our environment. The principles derive from two of the most important cornerstones of physical chemistry: thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. A key aim of the course is to examine the practical consequences that arise as a direct result of the interplay between these two fundamental building blocks. In the process, new themes arise: the need to understand the steps involved in chemical reactions at the molecular level, the need to understand the processes involved in catalysis, particularly at solid surfaces, and the need to develop a view of chemical processes in atmospheric and aqueous environments.
The course aims to develop, particularly in the context of contemporary industrial and environmental situations, your:
- knowledge and understanding of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics
- knowledge and understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms, particularly in the context of catalysis
- knowledge and understanding of aqueous chemistry and its relationship to natural environments, particularly in the context of acid/base equilibria, redox reactions, electrochemical principles and metal speciation
- skills in critical analysis based on problem solving and identifying key issues in selected topics based on the chemical literature.
The course starts with a description of important thermodynamic principles and illustrates these in the production of ammonia: a world ‘top ten’ bulk inorganic chemical from which nearly all nitrogen-containing products are derived. However, thermodynamics is silent on the dynamic aspects of chemical change: this is the realm of chemical kinetics. This is the next area of study and the discussion inevitably leads to a molecular view of chemical reactions. The scene is now set to explore different topics. The world market for solid catalysts is immense, but what lies behind the inherent catalytic activity of different solid surfaces? At the molecular level, chemical reactions occur in a series of related steps – the mechanism – but how can mechanistic information be used to modify and control a reaction? Materials released into the air by human activities can damage the natural ozone abundance but in different ways at different altitudes in the atmosphere, but why is this the case? These topics are deliberately selected for their diversity nonetheless, the new ideas they generate have universal applicability. This is then demonstrated in a Case Study that deals with the control of pollutants in the exhaust gases from both petrol and diesel powered vehicles: the ‘catalytic converters’ that are employed for this purpose provide one of the most widespread examples of everyday environmental catalysis.
The course continues by considering specific aspects of aqueous chemistry which are relevant to the natural environment. The discussion begins with an introduction to aqueous acid/base equilibria and explores the influence of pH on the chemical species present. Then, aqueous redox reactions and key electrochemical concepts are introduced before finally discussing metal complexation and speciation. As in other parts of the course, new physicochemical ideas are introduced which help to provide an understanding of factors that influence chemical processes in aqueous systems. Case studies are presented which deal with two important aspects of natural water: the influence of pH on the equilibrium balance and the behaviour of heavy metal ions. Changes in natural waters are important not only from the perspective of water quality but because of the potential far-reaching effects on the local natural habitat.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU.
You are advised to prepare yourself for this course by our key introductory Level 1 course, Exploring science (S104), and at Level 2, The molecular world (S205). These will have covered most of the necessary background. You can get an idea of the level required by looking at the S205 study material. You are expected to have a basic knowledge of mathematics (mainly elementary algebra) and you can get an idea of the standard required by looking at the Level 1 science course Maths for science (S151). Your regional or national centre will be able to tell you where you can see reference copies, or you can buy selected materials from Open University Worldwide Ltd.
It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The Science Faculty has produced a booklet Are You Ready For S345? to help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you need a little extra preparation. This can be viewed or printed from the Are you ready for science? website. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (mathematical and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
A number of the learning outcomes for the course are underpinned by concepts that depend on ideas supported by a mixture of complex figures, schematics, tables, mathematical and chemical equations and reaction schemes. Achieving these learning outcomes may be challenging if a student has severe visual impairment. Students concerned about the visual aspects of the course should contact their regional adviser for more information. Students who use specialist hardware and software or those with queries about other additional needs can also contact their adviser for assistance or advice.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting your needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other supplementary materials, DVD, course website and online forums.
You will need
To engage in the online tutorials you will need a headset with microphone. Broadband internet access is desirable.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. The course forum will provide continuous study support, act as a virtual self-help group and enable students to support one another. We will also offer online tutorials, in which you are encouraged to participate.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view or download our Recognition leaflets 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions, 3.4 Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and 3.8 Scientific Institutions for further information.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May 2012 and May 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | S345 |
| Credits | 20 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
I think your appreciation of this course will depend heavily on whether you lean towards the maths end of chemistry ...
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Subject matter thoroughly engaging. Presentation clear, logical and very accessible. ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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