CHSC-4B, Understanding the Chemistry of Sustainability, Spring 2015
Monday & Wednesday, 5:00-6:20 PM, Shapiro Science Center # 016
Dwight Peavey, PhD
Senior Scientist
US EPA Region 1
Boston, MA 02109
Visiting Scholar
Department of Chemistry & Environmental Studies Program
Email:
Phone: 617-918-1829 (EPA office)
Office: Rabb 274, Hours: Mon & Weds 4:00-5:00 PM or by appointment on Fridays
Textbook: none -We will use reviews, research papers, corporate reports, surveys & on-line recourses. All readings and PowerPoint lectures will be posted on LATTE.
Understanding the Chemistry of Sustainability
This course will examine how safe, healthier and sustainable chemistry will ensure a better world for future generations. Students will research key barriers and obstacles to a sustainable world and identify the solutions such as renewable energy, CO2 free transportation, healthier food, environmentally preferable products, toxic free manufacturing, zero waste, sustainable cities, and ecosystem restoration. Students will explore how corporations, educational institutes, and other organizations have used full environmental accounting & reporting as well as green chemistry, nanotechnology, bioengineering, innovative design and greater reliance on renewable resources to achieve environmental, societal and economic sustainability.
Pre-requisite: high school chemistry, biology or environmental science or basic college chemistry, biology or environmental science (or permission of the instructor).
Grading: 10% Class/Team Participation
75% 3 x 1 hr exams (25% X 3 = 75%)
15% Team Presentation; Solving Today’s Problems
Class & Team participation are essential since the three, one hour exams will be based on class presentations and discussions including the daily class article. Students will be expected to research and read about each topic prior to the class discussion. Handouts, videos and posted articles will be used to assist students in their understanding of the chemistry behind sustainability. Students will be expected to research assigned topics. Since class participation is important, I urge you to keep me informed if you are unable to attend class or have a conflicting obligation.
Three, one hour exams will test for basic knowledge of the subject topics based on readings, research, homework, class discussions and presentations.
If you miss an exam, you will be expected to make up the missed exam during the next class or at a later date by special permission from me.
If you do poorly on any hour exam, you will be able to retake the exam and achieve up to an 80%. I urge you to meet with me during office hours to discuss how you prepare for class and how you research the major topics.
There will be no final exam.
Four Major Subject Topics:
1) Understanding the principles of sustainability
What is Sustainability, and why is it important for all of us?
The history & origin of the sustainability movement.
Why is our life style unsustainable?
2) Understanding Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
How "cradle to grave" analysis/assessment provides direction
Managing and preserving Earth's resources: minerals, energy (renewable & fossil fuels), land, food & water
What does Corporate Sustainability Reporting achieve?
3) Understanding the societal environmental impacts
How does the private sector manage chemicals, materials, waste and products?
Which nations are polluting the major media (air, land & water)?
New and innovation materials and technologies to avoid pollutions
4) Understanding sustainable solutions
Finding sustainable solutions to global climate change
Successful & sustainable companies, corporations, communities, universities, governments and nations
Role of government, education & individuals
Team presentation:
Each team of two students will chose a topic/problem from a provided list for presenting. I will also approve a topic/problem not on the list.
The team will research the problem and identify the most sustainable solution, technology or corporation that address the problem. The team must get approval of their topic/problem by me prior to the presentation.
The presentation will demonstrate why this company or corporation is the most sustainable representative of the sector.
The presentation will be 10-12 minutes long during the last two classes of the semester.
All students’ work for this course shall comply with “Brandeis University’s Policy Regarding Academic Honesty & Plagiarism” as found in Section 5 of Rights and Responsibilities in the Brandeis University Handbook. If you have a doubt on how to properly present your work and others, please consult me prior to submission or presentation of an assignment.