701-0471-01L Atmospheric Chemistry
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2020 |
| Lecturers | M. Ammann, T. Peter |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | German |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0471-01 G | Atmosphärenchemie | 2 hrs |
| M. Ammann, T. Peter |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | The lecture provides an introduction to atmospheric chemistry at bachelor level. It introduces the kinetics of gas phase reactions, the concept of solubility and reactions in aerosols and in clouds and explains the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for global (e.g. stratospheric ozone depletion) as well as regional (e.g. urban air pollution) environmental problems. |
| Learning objective | The students will understand the basics of gas phase reactions and of reactions and processes in aerosols and clouds. The students will understand the most important chemical processes in the troposphere and the stratosphere. The students will also acquire a good understanding of atmospheric environmental problems including air pollution, changes to regional and global ozone formation and oxidation capacity, stratospheric ozone destruction, as well as the relationship between air pollution and climate change. |
| Content | - Origin and properties of the atmosphere: composition (gases and aerosols), structure, large scale dynamics, UV radiation - Thermodynamics and kinetics of gas phase reactions: enthalpy and free energy of reactions, rate laws, mechanisms of bimolecular and termolecular reactions. - Tropospheric photochemistry: Photolysis reactions, photochemical O3 formation, role and budget of HOx, dry and wet deposition - Aerosols and clouds: chemical properties, primary and secondary aerosol sources, solubility of gases, hygroscopicity, kinetics of gas to particle transfer, N2O5 chemistry, SO2 oxidation, secondary organic aerosols - Air quality: role of planetary boundary layer, summer- versus winter-smog, environmental problems, legislation, long-term trends - Stratospheric chemistry: Chapman cycle, Brewer-Dobson circulation, catalytic ozone destruction cycles, polar ozone hole, Montreal protocol - Global aspects: global budgets of ozone, methane, CO and NOx, air quality - climate interactions |
| Lecture notes | Vorlesungsunterlagen (Folien) werden laufend während des Semesters jeweils mind. 2 Tage vor der Vorlesung zur Verfügung gestellt. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Attendance of the lecture "Atmosphäre" LV 701-0023-00L or equivalent is a pre-requisite, and basic courses in physics and chemistry are expected. On Mondays (or upon agreement) a tutorial is offered. This allows the students to discuss unresolved issues from the lecture or to discuss the problems of the exercise series. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 3 credits |
| Examiners | M. Ammann, T. Peter |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | German |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | oral 20 minutes |
| Additional information on mode of examination | In der zweiten Semesterhälfte wird während der Vorlesung eine freiwillige schriftliche Zwischenprüfung à 45 min abgehalten, die auf den vorangegangenen Übungsserien basiert. Diese Note trägt mit einem Gewicht von 30% zur Schlussnote bei, wenn diese besser ausfällt als die mündliche Sessionsprüfung. |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| Main link | Information |
| Only public learning materials are listed. | |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
