Module Descriptors
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
FORE70570
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Wheeler
Email: J.W.Wheeler@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- Group Presentation - 15 minutes (50% of the marks will be determined through peer assessment) weighted at 30%
- Written examiniation weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Learning Outcomes
1.Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the current developments in sustainable chemistry and how these contribute to a sustainable future
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
ANALYSIS
2. Critically evaluate the need for and role of sustainability in 21st century chemistry
ENQUIRY
3. Synthesise a high-level case study that proposes scientific solutions to sustainability issues PROBLEM-SOLVING
APPLICATION
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
ANALYSIS
2. Critically evaluate the need for and role of sustainability in 21st century chemistry
ENQUIRY
3. Synthesise a high-level case study that proposes scientific solutions to sustainability issues PROBLEM-SOLVING
APPLICATION
Module Indicative Content
Energy and sustainability providing a summary of current understanding of climate change and climate modelling; carbon and nitrogen cycles, peak oil, possible routes to reduction in CO2 emissions, technologies and materials for sustainable energy generation, carbon capture and storage, photovoltaics.
The concepts, advantages and disadvantages of green chemistry, reaction efficiency and selectivity, waste, safety and toxicity. Methods in sustainable chemistry, including ionic/fluorous liquids, supercritical solvents, bio-inspired, biomimetic and biocatalysis, porous materials, photocatalysis, solvent-free systems.
Renewable sources – syngas and hydrogen economy, biomass and hybrid biofuels, chemicals from renewable feedstocks, alternatives to fossil fuels, chemistry using microwaves.
Designing sustainable processes – selected industrial case studies, propylene oxide, nylon production, biodiesel, vitamin B3, polyethylene.
The concepts, advantages and disadvantages of green chemistry, reaction efficiency and selectivity, waste, safety and toxicity. Methods in sustainable chemistry, including ionic/fluorous liquids, supercritical solvents, bio-inspired, biomimetic and biocatalysis, porous materials, photocatalysis, solvent-free systems.
Renewable sources – syngas and hydrogen economy, biomass and hybrid biofuels, chemicals from renewable feedstocks, alternatives to fossil fuels, chemistry using microwaves.
Designing sustainable processes – selected industrial case studies, propylene oxide, nylon production, biodiesel, vitamin B3, polyethylene.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will complete 2 elements of assessment for this module:
1. GROUP PRESENTATION, 15 mins, worth 30% of the module (50% of the marks will be determined through peer assessment) (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3)
2. EXAMINATION, 2 hour worth 70% of the module – FINAL (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
3. Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions. (all learning outcomes)
1. GROUP PRESENTATION, 15 mins, worth 30% of the module (50% of the marks will be determined through peer assessment) (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3)
2. EXAMINATION, 2 hour worth 70% of the module – FINAL (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
3. Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions. (all learning outcomes)
Module Learning Strategies
Each week there will be a 2-hour interactive lecture / seminar during which students will be introduced to core material and develop their understanding through problem-solving exercises undertaken in class = 24 hours
The remaining 126 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to work with group members to develop the group presentation.
The remaining 126 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to work with group members to develop the group presentation.
Module Texts
Winterton (2010), Chemistry for Sustainable Technologies, Royal Society of Chemistry
Carpenter (2017), Chemistry of Sustainable Energy, CRC Press
Carpenter (2017), Chemistry of Sustainable Energy, CRC Press