MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (MECH)
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The programme aims to produce students who can address today’s global challenges which are expedited by increasing industrialization and exploitation of natural resources. The students are able to manage resources sustainably, predict impact of activities and cleanup of past contaminated sites through systematic and creative thinking in problem solving.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least a good first degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology or Environmental Chemistry from any university recognized by Midlands State University.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
After completing the programme graduates are open to the following opportunities;
- environmental chemists in relevant industries
- experts and consultants in government and industry
- national and state authorities regulatory bodies
- academia as researchers
- PhD opportunities in the area of Environmental Chemistry and related fields
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
N.B. *Denotes core modules which are not Minimum Body of Knowledge and Skills
**Denotes core modules which are Minimum Body of Knowledge and Skills
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MECH 801 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 802 | Aquatic Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 803 | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | 18 |
| *MECH 804 | Health, Safety and Environment | 18 |
| **MECH 805 | Practical I | 18 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MECH 806 | Research Methods and Statistics | 18 |
| *MECH 807 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 808 | Environmental Toxicology | 18 |
| **MECH 809 | Green Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 810 | Practical II | 18 |
Level 2 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| *MECH 901 | Modelling in Environmental Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 902 | Pollution Control in Chemical Industry | 18 |
| *MECH 903 | Environmental Pollution Risk Management | 18 |
| **MECH 904 | Environmental Soil Chemistry | 18 |
| **MECH 905 | Practical III | 18 |
Level 2 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
| **MECH 906 | Dissertation | 90 |
SYNOPSES
MECH 801 Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
The module introduces fundamental chemical, physical and biological mechanisms that explain the transport and chemical degradation of aquatic contaminants, such as sorption, biodegradation, redox mechanisms and photolysis.
MECH 802 Aquatic Chemistry
The module creates an understanding of the chemical reactions in natural waters by providing a comprehensive treatment of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical equilibria in natural aquatic systems (acid/base reactions, precipitation/dissolution reactions, complex formation, redox reactions and solid-solution interface reactions). This provides a solid foundation for understanding and evaluating how human activities can influence natural water systems.
MECH 803 Environmental Analytical Chemistry
An introduction to environmental analytical chemistry and an overview of important analytical methods and their range of application within detection of inorganic and organic compounds in the environment is given. Quantitative techniques such as electrochemical methods, spectrochemical/spectrophotometric methods, and separation techniques are reviewed. Theory on sampling, analyses of real samples, risk assessment of chemical experiments, important steps and procedures in analytical chemistry, and evaluation/interpretation of results is included.
MECH 804 Health, Safety and Environment
Regulations and guidelines concerning health, safety and the environment. Risk assessment and emergency preparedness are considered. Handling fire and hazardous chemicals with practical considerations is covered.
MECH 805 Practical I
Sampling and analysis of pollutants in water, soil, air and living organisms
MECH 806 Research Methods and Statistics
Principles of research, managing a research project; performing a literature review; organizing and performing data collection, analysis and presentation; writing and presenting a technical paper/report; understanding the dynamics of teamwork; critically evaluating a given research project and applying the findings appropriately; developing subject-specific skills. Major project: carried out in teams and reported in written and oral form.
MECH 807 Atmospheric Chemistry
The module provides a wide overview of the environmental impact of atmospheric constituents. Fundamental concepts of chemical reactions in troposphere and stratosphere are introduced. The importance and danger of greenhouse gases, the formation of photochemical smog, and the natural and disturbed ozone layer are considered. Students should are able to analyse fundamental chemical reactions in the atmosphere, and evaluating changes of the atmospheric composition.
MECH 808 Environmental Toxicology
The module gives an advanced understanding of uptake and distribution of environmental pollutants in an organism and how pollutants can affect molecular, cellular and organismal processes. Introduction to Environmental Toxicology, Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic, General Toxicology and Introduction to Risk Assessment, Environmental Toxicology, Exposure Assessment and Biomonitoring, Reproductive and Development Toxicology, Toxic effects of pesticides, POPs, Metals and of Radiation and radioactive Materials, Food toxicology, Nanotoxicology, Ecotoxicology is considered. Emerging pollutants and environmental forensics is also covered.
MECH 809 Green Chemistry
The twelve principles of Green Chemistry are considered together with their application to chemical synthesis, whilst contributing to improved sustainability.
MECH 810 Practical II
Conversion of pollutants to harmless or useful products.
MECH 901 Modelling in Environmental Chemistry
Basic principles of cheminformatics for building, validating and applying models of chemical property prediction related to toxicology and environmental effects are covered.
MECH 902 Pollution Control in Chemical Industry
Overviews of chemical industries producing chemicals which impact the environment are presented. Efficient technologies and processes which save raw materials, energy and by-product use as well as recycling for process efficiency and environmental protection are considered. Application of nanotechnology in environmental remediation.
MECH 903 Environment Management and Risk Assessment
Principles of integrated environmental management; environmental impact assessment; environmental management systems (ISO 14000 series), water resource management; environmental legislation; site investigation guidelines; natural hazard risk assessment; Statutory and regulatory controls on the environment. Air, water and land pollutants in general, standards, monitoring systems, and prevention and control techniques.
MECH 904 Environmental Soil Chemistry
The module covers the development and management of human soils, together with their physical chemical and biological properties. The knowledge assists in understanding the regulation of soils.
MECH 905 Practical III
The module involves reviewing recent articles related to environmental chemistry.
MECH 906 Dissertation
This is a research project, based on a dissertation on an approved topic. The module consists of a project proposal, progress report and the final dissertation, together with oral presentations of each stage.