Environmental Science is a broad interdisciplinary subject wherein first year students require guidance on its scope and nature. This module provides an overview of scientific thinking, scientific method and environmental science. It outlines the significance of the role of chemistry and biology in selected large scale environmental phenomena.

Fossil Fuels: Carbon based Chemistry, Fossil Fuels Burning, Global Warming, Environmental Impact, Fossil Fuel reduction and associated benefits for enhancing the UN Sustainability goal in the area of Climate Action. Energy: Concepts and definitions, Chemistry and energy, Generation of power Renewable energy & Energy Storage, Wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, Geothermal, hydro, batteries. Air pollution and abatement: Power stations, Fossil fuel burning, CO2 NOx, SO2, Particulates, VOC, fundamental calculations/units, Soil and agriculture (associated pollution). Chemicals in the workplace: Hazardous properties of chemicals, Managing chemicals in the workplace, Hazard classifications, CPL / CLP requirements, Chemical Agent Regulations Code of Practice, Hierarchy of Control, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), Overview of 'COSSH Essentials'.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structural concepts of organic carbon based chemistry 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the broader and global environmental impacts of the exploitation of hydrocarbon fuels 3. Evaluate how reducing fossil fuel consumption can have a positive impact on enhancing the UN Sustainability Goal around reducing climate change 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basis of selected chemical reactions and associated calculations 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of power and energy generation, of technologies used to reduce emissions, and the use of renewable alternatives to fossil fuels 6. Demonstrate an understanding of the types of pollution associated with soil, agriculture and fossil fuel combustion 7. Demonstrate an understanding of the hazardous properties of chemicals in the workplace and the adverse health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals 8. Demonstrate an understanding of hazardous chemical classification systems and the chemical agents code of practice 9. Describe an approach for managing chemical agents safely in the workplace

On successful completion of this module, students will appreciate the importance and relevance of environmental science to society.

On successful completion of this module, students will have developed skills in the interpretation of data.

Lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. Tutorials based on identifying links between the various topics covered in lectures, plus clarification of explanations where necessary. Overviews of research developments on environmental topics in climate change, clean air renewable energy and safe and sustainable processes will be described. The module will aid students in becoming more curious, open-minded and knowledgeable on environmental science and develop their sense of personal, professional and social responsibility around current environmental issues.