Atmospheric Chemistry 1200-2EN-MON14L
During the Atmospheric chemistry course the following subjects will be discussed:
• Overview of the Earth atmosphere: region and characteristic of the atmosphere; cyclic processes; atmospheric behaviour as interpreted by physics; temperature profiles, particles, aerosols and clouds; the atmospheric system; emissions; typical ambient concentrations; interpretation of atmospheric behaviour - modeling of the atmospheric processes.
• Laboratory studies: spectroscopy and photochemistry – fundamentals; photochemistry of important atmospheric species; kinetics and atmospheric chemistry; rate and mechanisms of gas-phase reactions.
• Field measurements - analytical methods and typical concentration of trace species: optical spectroscopic techniques; mass spectrometry; adsorptive enrichment, filters, denuders etc; methods for specific trace species.
• Major atmospheric processes: (i) chemistry of the natural troposphere; air pollution and hydrocarbons oxidation – oxidative capability of atmosphere; photochemical smog; acid rains, tropospheric chemistry and climate change, and (ii) ozone in the Earth’s stratosphere; homogenous and heterogenous chemistry in the stratosphere; scientific basis for control and halogenated organics.
Estimated student workload during the semester: 36 hours, including:
• 15 hours of class attendance
• 6 hours of consultations
• 15 hours of exam preparation
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to explain the basic principles of atmospheric chemistry.
KNOWLEDGE: upon completion of the course, the student knows and understands:
K_W05 – has in-depth knowledge and skills in a selected area of atmospheric chemistry, enabling the application of methods and concepts specific to this field and allowing for independent research work.
SKILLS:
Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:
K_U03 – apply appropriate research methods, techniques, and tools within a given chemical specialization that are necessary to solve a defined problem.
K_U08 – demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills enabling effective use of professional literature, databases, and other sources of information, as well as critical evaluation of the reliability of the obtained information.
K_U13 – independently acquire knowledge and develop professional skills using various sources (written and electronic), including sources in foreign languages.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES: upon completion of the course, the student is ready to:
K_K01 – undertake activities related to lifelong learning and independently search for information in the literature, including sources in foreign languages.
Assessment criteria
test
Practical placement
NA
Bibliography
1. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics of Air Pollution,John H. Seinfeld, Wiley Interscience Publication, 1986.
2. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, John H. Seinfeld i Spyros N. Pandis, Wiley Interscience Publication, 1998.
3. Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere: Theory, Experiments, and Applications, Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts, James N. Pitts Jr.: Academic Press, 2000.
4. Chemistry of Atmospheres: An Introduction to the Chemistry of the Atmospheres of Earth, the Planets, and their Satellites, Richard P. Wayne, Oxford University Press, 2000
5. Climate Change 2007, The Physical Science Basis, IPCC,
Cambridge University Press, 2007
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: