CHSC-4B, Understanding the Chemistry of Sustainability

CHSC-4B, Understanding the Chemistry of Sustainability Spring 2014 Monday & Wednesday, 5:00-6:20 PM, Shapiro Science Center room 016

Dwight Peavey, PhD Senior Scientist US EPA Region 1 Boston, MA 02109

Visiting Scholar Department of Chemistry & Environmental Studies Program

Email: [email protected]

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, innovative resources management, green chemistry, environmentally preferable products, lean manufacturing, low impact design, zero waste, energy & water footprints, and full environmental accounting & reporting. Students will explore how corporations, educational institutes, and other organizations have embraced 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 80% 4 x 1 hr exams (20% X 4 = 80%) 10% Sustainability Team Presentation

Class & Team participation are essential since the four, 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. Four, 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 the first one hour exam, I urge you to meet with me during office hours to discuss how you prepare for class and how you research the major topics.

If you fail one (1) of the exams, you will be able to retake one (1) exam and improve your grade up to a 75%.

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 the societal environmental impacts

Are our chemicals, materials and products properly managed?

How does society pollute the major media (air, land & water)?

Innovations in the sustainable use of chemicals in society

3) Understanding Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

How "cradle to grave" analysis/assessment provides hope

Managing and preserving Earth's resources: minerals, energy (renewable & fossil fuels), land, food & water

Why Corporate Sustainability Reporting is mandatory

4) Understanding sustainable solutions

Successful & sustainable companies, corporations, communities, universities, governments and nations

Finding sustainable solutions to global climate change

Role of government, education & individuals Team presentation:

Each team of two students will chose a sector from a provided list for presenting.

The team will research the companies and corporations within that sector and identify the most sustainable company or corporation. The team must get approval of their company or corporation 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/three 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.

Principles of Environmental Chemistry, 3rd edition, James E. Girard, Jones & Bartlett Publishers is on reserve at the library as a reference for the principles of environmental chemistry.