Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Equivalent background in general and physical chemistry to NES1406 and NES1404 will be accepted at the discretion of the DPD.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide an understanding of atmospheric chemistry, including the basic physical aspects and the chemical dynamics; to explain the dynamics of aerosol formation, transport and optical properties; to provide an understanding of the reaction mechanisms and cycles in the atmosphere; to review selected experimental techniques.

Outline Of Syllabus

Radiative forcing in the atmosphere and impact on climate change, IPCC reports, role of aerosols in the atmosphere, Raoult’s law and the Kelvin effect, aerosol hygroscopicity, super-saturation and cloud formation, optical properties of aerosol, aerosol thermodynamics, kinetics of transformation, aerosol mechanics and transport.

Chemical composition of the atmosphere, photochemical kinetics, stratosphere and troposphere chemistry, radical reactions, ozone chemistry, NOx and VOCs, the chemistry of pollution, airglow and planetary atmospheres.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• understand the concept of radiative forcing and its impact on the climate;
• understand the importance of aerosol chemical and physical properties;
• know about aerosol interactions and hygroscopicity relevant to the atmosphere;
• understand the mechanism of radical reactions in the atmosphere;
• know about the chemistry of ozone and its relevance to Earth’s climate;
• know the chemistry of NOx and VOCs, and their impact on the anthroposphere;
• appreciate the methodology used to monitor and examine aerosols and atmospheric gases

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students will be able to:

• draw on physico-chemical principles to make appropriate calculations and to elaborate on conceptual questions;
• apply basic reaction models and solve more advanced (than Stage 1) problems in physical chemistry, including
kinetics and thermodynamics;
• simulate optical effects of light interaction with aerosol, interpret and calculate aerosol properties that
impact the atmosphere.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students acquire knowledge and understanding through attendance to the lectures. They learn to plan and organise their work by way of lecture materials, which also provide the necessary opportunity to practice note-taking.

In workshops, competencies in calculations, problem solving, analysis and elaboration of concepts and results will be taught and learnt.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative written examination will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module. The examination will present students with questions from a selection of topics learnt throughout the semester 2 module content.

General Notes

N/A