EVT 2500 PBC
EVT 2500—Analysis of Environmental Pollutants
Three Semester Hours
RH 6/14
Prerequisites
Recommend general chemistry, physics, algebra, and calculus
Course Description
Covers important techniques necessary for analyzing environmental samples. Methods established by EPA are used to analyze samples for heavy metals, volatiles, and semi-volatiles.
Methods of Course Instruction
All material for this course is print-based. Instructor and students communicate and exchange materials through postal mail.
E-Print Option
In this course, an option exists to use e-mail to submit your lesson assignments. Your assignment will be returned to you either as an e-mail attachment or as a hard copy sent through the postal mail, depending on the preferences of the instructor and/or program.
Textbooks and Supplies
Csuros, Maria. Environmental Sampling and Analysis Lab Manual. CRC Press, 1997. [ISBN 9781566701785]
Other: You will need a hand-held calculator for both the lesson assignments and the examinations. The Casio FX260SLR scientific calculator, or an equivalent model, is recommended.
Number of Lessons
The course has eight lessons complete with graded assignments and two supervised course examinations. The lessons are as follows:
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Chemical Analysis
- Lesson 2: Safety and Laboratory Work
- Lesson 3: Quality Assurance of Chemical Measurements
- Lesson 4: Laboratory Apparatus and Glassware
- Lesson 5: Midcourse Examination
- Lesson 6: Chemicals, Reagents, and Standards in Lab Work
- Lesson 7: Common Chemical Laboratory Techniques
- Lesson 8: Gravimetric Methods of Analysis
- Lesson 9: Titrimetric Analysis of Chemicals
- Lesson 10: Final Examination
Types of Writing Assignments
The writing assignments in Lessons 1–4 and 6–9 consist of short-answer questions that require you to define a term or identify a concept and problems that require you to use calculation and problem-solving skills. All assignments have clear directions in each lesson. Please note: for all calculation and problem-solving assignments, you must show work. Each assignment is submitted to your instructor for evaluation and grading.
For this course, there are two supervised exams—a midcourse and a final. You will have two hours to complete each exam. The exams are comprehensive, fill-in-the-blank, calculation, and problem-solving questions. All work must be shown on the calculation and problem-solving parts of the exam. Specific information about each examination and the form necessary to schedule the examination with a supervisor is included in Lessons 5 and 10.
Grading Criteria
Your final grade for the course will be weighted on the following factors:
- Lesson/Lab Assignments — 30%
- Midcourse Exam — 30%
- Final Exam — 40%