2024
Chemistry of Natural Systems
Name: Chemistry of Natural Systems
Code: QUI13556L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
This curricular unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive and integrated approach of chemical processes that occur in atmosphere, in aquatic systems and in the soils. It also aims to provide an overview of recent efforts in modeling these systems, highlighting the possibility of allowing either its monitoring and prediction. At the end students should know and understand the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry of atmosphere; know and understand the importance and the central role played by chemistry of water in the explanation and interpretation of phenomena occurring in many areas of science and technology; know and understand the fundamental concepts and principles of geochemistry; know and understand the dynamics of the main pollutants in soils; apply concepts and principles of chemistry to solve specific problems to preserve and to promote the natural resources; to understand how models are important as a tool for prediction, control and management.
Contents
Chemistry of atmosphere Chemical composition, structure and function; chemical reactions and photochemistry reactions; anthropogenic action and its effects; air quality.
Chemistry of water physical and chemical properties of water; sources of water; water quality control; chemical equilibriums in natural waters; atmosphere water sediments interaction; water quality modelling.
Chemistry of soil Geochemistry of surface; soil composition; plants growth and trace elements; soil pollution.
Chemistry of water physical and chemical properties of water; sources of water; water quality control; chemical equilibriums in natural waters; atmosphere water sediments interaction; water quality modelling.
Chemistry of soil Geochemistry of surface; soil composition; plants growth and trace elements; soil pollution.
Teaching Methods
Teaching and learning is based on the individual work of the student, supported by the recommended reading and by the notes taken by the students during the contact hours and during individual research by the student himself, whenever possible, in the facilities equipment of the University. The theoretical classes are not purely expository but accompanied by the resolution of problems and interspersed with classes for the orientation of the learning process. The theoretical lectures are complemented with practical sessions that are in concert.
The assessment will be based in two components, a theoretical component (60%) and a project component (40%). The approval in the theoretical component can be achieved by one final exam or by partial exams. The approval in the project component is obtained by the elaboration of written reports and by oral presentations and discussion of some proposed activities.
The assessment will be based in two components, a theoretical component (60%) and a project component (40%). The approval in the theoretical component can be achieved by one final exam or by partial exams. The approval in the project component is obtained by the elaboration of written reports and by oral presentations and discussion of some proposed activities.
