Course topics were presented by three lecturers; Dr. Meg Tivey (MT), Dr. Jeff Seewald (JS), and Dr. Jim Moffett (JM).
Course calendar.
| SES # |
TOPICS |
LECTURERS |
KEY DATES |
| I. Review of Thermodynamics, and Setting Up and Solving Equilibrium Problems |
| 1 |
Introduction, Review of Laws of Thermodynamics
Introduction to Tableau Method |
MT |
|
| 2 |
Gibbs Free Energy, Chemical Potential, eq. Constants
Setting Up Equilibrium Problems - Tableau Method |
MT |
Problem set 1 out |
| 3-4 |
Solving Problems by Approximation - Log C vs. pH Diagrams |
MT |
|
| 5 |
Temperature, Pressure, and Ionic Strength Effects on Equilibrium |
MT |
|
| 6 |
Properties of Water, Interactions Among Solutes, Activity Coefficients |
MT |
Problem set 1 due
Problem set 2 out |
| 7 |
Activity Coefficients and Debye-Huckel Theory |
MT |
|
| II. Acid-base Chemistry of Natural Waters |
| 8-9 |
The Carbonate System and Alkalinity |
JS |
|
| 10 |
Uses of Alkalinity |
JS |
Problem set 2 due
Problem set 3 out |
| 11 |
Limitations of Alkalinity Concept |
JS |
|
| 12 |
Buffer Capacity |
JS |
|
| 13 |
Class Discussion - Mid-term (Take-home) |
JS |
Problem set 3 due |
| III. Dissolution and Precipitation |
| 14 |
Mineral Solubility |
JS |
Problem set 4 out |
| 15 |
Stability Diagrams |
MT |
|
| 16 |
Chemical Weathering and Natural Water Composition |
MT |
|
| IV. Complexation |
| 17 |
Introduction to Complexation |
JS |
|
| 18 |
Trace Metals - Inorganic Complexation |
JS |
Problem set 4 due |
| V. Redox Chemistry |
| 19 |
Introduction to Redox Chemistry (Don't use Tableaux) |
JM |
Problem set 5 out |
| 20 |
Equilibrium Calculations with Redox Reactions |
JM |
|
| 21 |
Redox Potential (pe) as a System Variable |
JM |
|
| 22 |
pe-pH Diagrams |
JM |
Problem set 5 due
Problem set 6 out |
| 23 |
Trace Metals - Organic Complexation |
JM |
|
| 24 |
Effects of Complexation and Precipitation on Redox Equilibria |
JM |
|
| VI. Chemical Kinetics |
| 25 |
Oxidation Kinetics in Homogeneous Systems |
JM |
Problem set 6 due |
| 26 |
Heterogeneous Systems
Enzyme Catalysis |
JM |
|