ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2A

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

COURSE HANDBOOK
AND
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
2011-2012
FOREWORD

On behalf of all the staff may I welcome you into Environmental Chemistry. Some of you have met
us before in Environmental Science 1, while for others it will be your first experience of
Environmental Chemistry. I hope that you will find the course interesting and rewarding, but more
importantly that you enjoy your time with us.

The state of our environment is something that affects all of us, whether it is a global issue such as
climate change or the problems of contaminated land in Glasgow. In order to tackle such problems
we need to understand how the environment works and what effect human activity has on it. This is
the essence of our courses in Environmental Chemistry. In Environmental Chemistry 2A we will deal
with the composition of the natural environment, the processes that occur in it and how the different
components interact. Environmental Chemistry 2B, taken in the second semester, deals with the
consequences of human activity on the environment. Throughout both courses the laboratory
classes will illustrate how we can measure the chemical constituents of the environment. For those
of you who want to continue studying Environmental Chemistry, these aspects are considered in
more detail in our various third and fourth year courses.

There is a high demand for graduates who understand environmental issues and over recent years
our students have gone into a variety of jobs, especially in environmental consultancy and
environmental monitoring. We hope that we can pass on to you some of our enthusiasm for
Environmental Chemistry, which will prepare you for life beyond university in your chosen field.

I wish you all success in your studies over the coming year.

Dr Ian Pulford
Head of Environmental Chemistry

2
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2A THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

COURSE AIMS:

By using a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, this course aims to describe the chemistry
and functioning of the components of the natural environment, the interactions between these
components and the processes that operate within and between them. This will provide an
understanding of the chemistry of rocks, soils, sediments, water, air and living organisms. Particular
attention will be paid to the processes that cause mobilisation or immobilisation of chemical species,
their mobility and cycling between the different environmental components.

The chemistry of environmental materials and processes and the chemical analysis of environmental
samples are strongly emphasised to provide a sound scientific background for understanding the
functioning of the natural environment. This knowledge is then applied in Environmental Chemistry
2B to the monitoring, controlling and remediation of pollution of the environment due to human
activity.

Students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic facts and
experimental basis of environmental chemistry. They should be able to solve problems of a
numerical and logical nature in the context of this understanding and be able to demonstrate practical
skills in techniques in environmental chemistry.

The course acts as an introduction, along with Environmental Chemistry 2B, to the subjects covered
in greater detail in the honours programmes in Environmental Chemistry (M.Sci. and B.Sc.);
Environmental Biogeochemistry and Environmental Chemistry and Geography. Environmental
Chemistry 2B, Environmental Systems and Pollution, should be taken following this course to provide
entry to the honours programmes, but each is a complete course in its own right, suitable for students
intending to proceed to a three year degree or honours in other subjects. These two courses also
provide an appropriate chemical background for students intending honours in biological or earth
sciences.

3
ACADEMIC STAFF

Dr. I. D. Pulford Room C5-07 Joseph Black Building

(Class Head) Tel Ext. 5950 E-mail: Ian.Pulford@glasgow.ac.uk

Dr. T. H. Flowers Room C5-05 Joseph Black Building

Tel Ext. 5952 E-mail: Hugh.Flowers@glasgow.ac.uk

EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Professor M.E. Hodson, Department of Geography & Environmental Science, University of Reading

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normally a grade D in Chemistry-1.

A grade C in Environmental Science-1 will be accepted with an appropriate pre-University
qualification in chemistry.

TIMETABLE

When taught: First semester (weeks 1-11)

Lectures: 1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Lecture theatre A5-04, Joseph Black Building

Laboratory classes: 2 5pm on Monday and Friday.

Laboratory C5-09, Joseph Black Building

CLASS WEBSITE

The address of the class website is www.chem.gla.ac.uk/environment. It can also be accessed from
the chemistry Department website: follow the links Teaching Student Notices Environmental
Chemistry. Class notices and downloadable course material will be posted on this site
The website can also be accessed through Moodle.

Please check the website regularly for information.

4
COURSE WORK

The course work consists of:

Lectures and associated reading

Laboratory classes
Laboratory reports and other continuously assessed work
2 class exams
1 degree exam

The formal contact hours break down as follows:

Lectures 44 hours
Class exams 2 hours
Labs (incl tutorials) 72 hours

Total notional learning hours 300 hours

Credit rating 30

LECTURES

Title Lecturer Hours

Introduction to the Natural Environment and Environmental Chemical IDP 11

Processes

The Soil and Sediment Environments IDP 9

The Aquatic Environment THF 3

The Atmospheric Environment THF 3

The Biological Environment THF 4

Biophysical Processes in the Environment THF 10

Environmental Nitrogen Cycle THF 4

These lectures form the basis for communicating the key ideas and concepts of the subject. The
notes you take at the lectures will form the core of information that you will use to gain an
understanding of environmental chemistry and should be supplemented by reading of textbooks, by
talking with the lecturers and by information gained in laboratory classes and tutorials. It is therefore,
extremely important that you attend the lectures and obtain a good set of lecture notes copying
other peoples notes is always a poor substitute to having your own. The lectures are illustrated
using PowerPoint, overhead transparencies and 35 mm slides, supported by handouts containing
detailed material and additional reading for you to follow up the ideas and concepts for yourself.

If you are having difficulty in taking good notes, or in deciding what are the key points,
discuss it with the lecturer who will be happy to guide you.
5
A tutorial session dealing with examination techniques is held in week 11.

Support information for the course, including previous class examination papers and laboratory data,
is available on the course website.

To access the material use the following when prompted:

User name: envchem
Password: afeweb

LABORATORY CLASSES

The program of laboratory classes is designated to:-

1. Support and augment the theoretical background covered in the lecture modules.
2. Teach safe working practices in the chemical laboratory.
3. Develop the necessary technical skills for the environmental chemist.
4. Provide hands on experience in the use of a range of analytical instruments.
5. Teach analytical techniques for the environmental chemist.
6. Develop independence and initiative.
7. Teach skills in the interpretation of analytical data.
8. Develop report-writing skills.

LABORATORY MODULES

Analysis of environmental materials (IDP)

Introduction to the soil and biosphere (THF)

At the end of each laboratory module the completed laboratory manual will be collected for a final
assessment.

6
C0NTINUOUS ASSESSMENT WORK

The continuously assessed work constitutes 60% of the final grade and is spread throughout the
course as follows

End week 4 Friday 14 Oct Hand in reports for Analytical 10%

labs (IDP)

Hand in data for phosphatase

(soil lab reports book 1)

End week 5 Friday 21 Oct Hand in answers to old exam 5%

questions (IDP)

Week 6 beginning 24 Oct Class Exam 1 10%

End week 7 Friday 4 Nov Hand in soil lab reports book 2 5%

(Preliminary laboratory
measurements) (THF)

End week 8 Friday 11 Nov Hand in phosphatase essay 5%

Week 10 beginning 21 Nov Class Exam 2 10%

Thursday week 11 1 Dec Hand in soil lab reports book 3 15%

(Chemical and biological data)
(THF)

7
DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF CREDIT

The class work comprises all lectures, laboratory classes and class exams, and is compulsory.

The minimum requirement to qualify for credit for the course will normally be:

a) attendance at 75% of laboratory classes.

b) completion and submission of work equivalent to 75% of the continuous assessment
marks.
c) completion of both class exams.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in credit for the course being refused. Medical or
compassionate grounds for non-completion may be taken into account at the discretion of the
examination board, but these cannot be used to excuse failure to complete more than 50% of the
course work.

Attendance will be reviewed continuously and students whose performance falls below the required
standard will be notified.

ABSENCE FROM CLASSES

Any student who is absent from any part of the course should follow the procedure laid down in the
University Student Absence Policy:
http://senate.gla.ac.uk/academic/policies/student_absence_policy

8
ASSESSMENT

The course is assessed by continuous assessment and a final examination as follows:

Laboratory reports and

other continuously assessed work 40%
Class exam - 2 @ 10% 20%
Final exam (1.5 hour paper) 40%

CLASS EXAMS

There are two 1-hour class exams held in weeks 6 and 11 during a lecture period, covering the
previous section of the course. Each class exam constitutes 10% of the final degree mark. Absence
must be supported by valid documentation. This will be considered by the Examination Board, which
will consider the evidence presented and decide whether good cause has been established.

Previous class exam papers are displayed on the notice board prior to each exam, are available on
the course website and copies are held by the Librarian in the Chemistry Branch Library.

LABORATORY WORK AND OTHER CONTINUOUSLY ASSESSED WORK

The laboratory work and other continuously assessed work is an integral part of the course and
marks gained constitute 40% of the final grade.

Laboratory reports must be handed in by the deadline set for work, which will be given by the lecturer
concerned both orally and on the notice board. Work handed in after the deadline will be assessed
according to the university policy laid out in the University Calendar (see below).

Laboratory marks are calculated as follows. This average mark for submitted work will be multiplied
by the fraction of laboratory classes attended and the work completed. If you hand in a completed
report for a laboratory class that you did not attend, the mark for that report will be used to calculate
the overall average mark, but will not be counted towards the number of labs attended and
completed for the purposes of awarding credit. You are encouraged to write up all laboratory reports,
whether or not you attended the relevant laboratory class, as they are an important part of the
teaching and learning process and are examinable.

To ensure consistency in marking all reports for each laboratory are marked by a single person using
a strict marking scheme laid down by the lecturer in charge. Any queries should be first discussed
with the person marking the report. The lecturer in charge of the laboratory module will be the final
arbiter of the mark for a report.

9
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT MARKS

All marks awarded for continuously assessed work are strictly provisional and for your guidance only.
The marks are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and the external examiner at the end
of the year. You must retain copies of all marked work as you may be required to submit them for
examination at the end of the year.

Penalties for late submission of coursework (extract from University calander)

16.25 Deadlines for the submission of coursework which is to be formally assessed will be published in course
documentation, and work which is submitted later than the deadline will be subject to penalty as set out below.
Where the work in question is a dissertation or other independent work for which, in order to qualify for the
degree, a minimum grade is prescribed, the penalty will be discounted for the purpose of determining whether
that prescription has been met.
16.26 Except as modified by 16.27 - 16.28, the primary grade and secondary band awarded for coursework
which is submitted after the published deadline will be calculated as follows:
1 (a) in respect of work submitted not more than five working days after the deadline:
(i) the work will be assessed in the usual way;
(ii) the primary grade and secondary band so determined will then be reduced by two secondary bands
for each working day (or part of a working day) the work was submitted late.
(b) work submitted more than five working days after the deadline will be awarded Grade H.

16.27 Penalties for late submission of coursework will not be imposed if good cause is established for the late
submission in terms of the definitions and procedures set out in 16.45 - 16.53.
16.28 Without prejudice to the regulations governing good cause for late submission of coursework set out in
16.45 - 16.53, a candidate who is unable to submit coursework by the published deadline, or who anticipates
being unable to so submit, may apply for a deferral of the deadline, or exemption from the penalties set out in
16.26 (a). Any such application will be subject to the following constraints.
1 (a) The application will be submitted to, and considered by, the person (normally the course convener)
identified in course documentation as responsible for coursework assessment.
(b) The outcome of the application will be determined at the discretion of the person responsible for
coursework assessment who will require to be satisfied that the candidate submitting the application
has been prevented by circumstances beyond his or her control from submitting the relevant work on
time.
(c) Deferral of the submission deadline, or exemption from a late penalty, will be commensurate with the
duration of the circumstances causing the late submission, and will be subject to a limit of three days.
(d) Where the application is not submitted until after the deadline for submission of the work itself, relief
from a late penalty will normally be granted only where the circumstances preventing the candidate
from submitting work on time have also prevented application for a deferral of the deadline for
submission.

10
DEGREE EXAMINATIONS

There will be one 1.5 hour written paper. The paper will consist of two sections each containing 4
questions. The student will be required to answer 2 questions from each section (a total of 4
questions).

The examination papers are complied by the teaching staff and are then checked and approved by
an external examiner.

Previous examination papers are displayed on the notice board and available on the course website
prior to the examination, and copies are held by the Librarian in the Chemistry Branch Library.

EXAM PAPER MARKING

The papers are marked by a team of examiners including the external examiner according to the
University marking scheme. Marking of degree examinations is anonymous.

Each question is first marked by the lecturer setting the question and then checked by a second
marker. The marks for each candidate are totalled, grades assigned and borderline cases identified.
Each students final grade is considered individually at an examiners meeting and by the external
examiner. Periods of illness covered by a medical certificate and other mitigating circumstances are
considered at these meetings. In the event of a difference of opinion between the examiners the
external examiner is the final arbiter.

Assessment is made using the University Code of Assessment (see page 13).

Please note that it is not possible to resit any component of assessment based on laboratory
or group work, or when there has been corrected work returned for formative assessment.

11
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY TO LEVEL 3 COURSES

Environmental Chemistry 3M:

At least a grade B in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B, and a
grade point average > 12.

Environmental Chemistry 3H:

Normally a grade C or better in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B,
and a grade point average > 9.

Environmental Chemistry 3:
Normally a grade D or better in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B,
and a grade point average > 9.

Environmental Chemistry and Geography 3H:

Normally a grade C in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B, and a
grade B in Geography 2, and a grade point average > 9.

Geography, Chemistry and the Environment 3:

Normally a grade D or better in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B,
and in Geography 2, and a grade point average > 9.

Environmental Biogeochemistry 3H:

Normally completion of all credit-bearing Earth Science courses from Level 2 at grade C or better,
and Environmental Chemistry 2A and 2B at grade C or better, and a grade point average > 9.

Environmental Biogeochemistry 3:
Normally a grade D or better in both Environmental Chemistry 2A and Environmental Chemistry 2B,
and all credit-bearing Earth Science courses from Level 2 at grade D or better, and a grade point
average > 9.

12
 SCHEDULE A

Non-Honours Secondary Bands & Primary verbal descriptors for attainment Honours Secondary Bands &
Courses Aggregation Scores of Intended Learning Objectives Courses BDS Aggregation Scores
Primary BVMS
Primary Secondary Aggregation MBChB Secondary Aggregation
Gloss Honours
Grade Band* Score Band* Score
Class

1 22 1 22
Exemplary range and depth of attainment
2 21 of intended learning outcomes, secured 2 21
by discriminating command of a
comprehensive range of relevant
A Excellent 3 20 First Honours 3 20
materials and analyses, and by
deployment of considered judgement
4 19 relating to key issues, concepts and 4 19
procedures
5 18 5 18

1 17 Conclusive attainment of virtually all 1 17

intended outcomes, clearly grounded on a
close familiarity with a wide range of Upper Commend-
B Very Good 2 16 2 16
supporting evidence, constructively Second ation
utilised to reveal appreciative depth of
3 15 understanding 3 15

1 14 Clear attainment of most of the intended 1 14

learning outcomes, some more securely
grasped than others, resting on Lower
C Good 2 13 Pass 2 13
circumscribed range of evidence and Second
displaying a variable depth of
3 12 understanding 3 12

Acceptable attainment of intended

1 11 1 11
learning outcomes, displaying a qualified
familiarity with a minimally sufficient
D Satisfactory 2 10 range of relevant materials, and a grasp Third Pass 2 10
of the analytical issues and concepts
which is generally reasonable, albeit
3 9 secure 3 9

1 8 1 8
Attainment deficient in respect of specific
learning outcomes, with mixed evidence
E Weak 2 7 as to the depth of knowledge and weak Weak Fail 2 7
deployment of arguments or deficient
manipulations
3 6 3 6

5 1 5
Attainment of intended learning outcomes
appreciably deficient in critical respects,
F Poor 4 Poor Fail 2 4
lacking secure basis in relevant factual
and analytical dimensions
3 3 3

1 2 1 2
Attainment of intended learning outcomes
markedly deficient in respect of nearly all
G Very Poor 2 1 intended learning outcomes, with Very Poor Fail 2 1
irrelevant use of materials and incomplete
and flawed explanation

No convincing evidence of attainment of

intended learning outcomes, such
H 0 No credit Fail 0
treatment of the subject as is in evidence
being directionless and fragmentary

Failure to comply, in the absence of good cause, with the published requirements of the course or programme
CR CREDIT REFUSED
and/or a serious breach of regulations
PLAGIARISM (see The University of Glasgow Plagiarism Statement - page 23)

Students are reminded that this regulation applies to all work contributing to assessment, including
lab reports and projects. All assessed work must be your own individual effort. Copying of lab
reports, for example, is plagiarism. You may share data, where appropriate, but the calculations,
answers to assignment questions and the discussion of results must be your own work. You need not
cite references to textbooks used to answer assignment questions but you should follow the above
rules when writing an extended discussion of results.

All work submitted for assessment must be accompanied by a completed Declaration of Originality
Form (see page 24). Copies of these forms will be incorporated in laboratory handbooks, or will be
available in the laboratory for inclusion with submitted work.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Students opinion on course content and presentation is welcomed either informally or through the
staff-student committee. Feedback is obtained through formal questionnaires and informal
discussion sessions.

STAFF STUDENT COMMITTEE

Two student representatives will be elected to represent this class at meetings of the Chemistry
Department Staff-Student Committee.

CHARGE FOR LAB MANUALS, LECTURE HANDOUTS ETC.

A charge of 20.00 will be made at the start of the course to cover the cost of laboratory manuals,
lecture handouts, etc.
TEXTBOOKS

Some aspects of the course are not adequately covered in any textbook. Therefore attendance at
lectures is vital, more so than in most other courses.

The following textbooks are recommended.

For Environmental Chemistry 2A and 2B:

Environmental Chemistry at a Glance. Pulford, Ian and Flowers, Hugh. Blackwell
Publishing, 2006

If you intend to continue in Environmental Chemistry beyond Level 2:

An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry. Andrews, J.E., Brimblecombe, P., Jickells, T.D.,

Liss, P.S. and Reid, B.J. Blackwell Publishing, 2004.

The following textbooks may be useful for consultation for different parts of the course. All are
available on short loan in the Chemistry Branch Library.
Principles of Environmental Chemistry. R M Harrison. Royal Society of Chemistry 2007

Environmental Chemistry. ONeill P. Chapman Hall 3rd edition 1998

Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Soil Science. White R E. Blackwell Scientific
Publications, 3rd edition 1997
Environmental Science. Cunningham W P and Saigo B W. W C Brown Publishers 7th edition
2003
Soil Science: methods and applications. Rowell D L. Longmann 1994
Environmental Chemistry. Manahan S E. Lewis Publishers 7th edition 2000
Introductory Chemistry for the Environmental Sciences. R M Harrison et al. Cambridge
University Press 2nd edition 1996

15
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2A THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

AIMS AND INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Title: Introduction to the Natural Environment and Environmental Processes

Duration: IDP 11 lectures

Aims: To provide an overall picture of the natural environment and the basic chemical
concepts underlying this course: to describe the main types of rocks and minerals
and the weathering processes acting on them; to describe the main processes
which control chemical mobility in the environment and the factors which influence
them.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Describe the components of the natural environment and interactions between
them.

Describe the properties of the main rock types, silicate minerals, aluminosilicate
clay minerals, and major non-silicate minerals - oxides, carbonates, sulphides,
phosphates.

Explain the role of the components listed above in processes in the surface
environment.

Describe the weathering processes acting on rocks and minerals - dissolution,

hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, oxidation, complexation

Describe the processes of dissolution/precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption,

complexation/chelation.

Explain the role of the above processes in the surface environment.

Explain the concept of pH; identify causes of acidity/alkalinity; buffering; explain

the effects of pH changes in environmental systems

Explain the concept of redox potential and describe how it is measured. Describe
and explain the chemical changes due to changes in redox potential. Describe abd
explain the effects of redox changes in environmental systems.

16
Title: The Soil and Sediment Environment

Duration: IDP 9 lectures

Aims: To provide a basic understanding of the nature and properties of soil and
sediments.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Explain the concepts of soil profiles and horizons, and describe the system of
horizon nomenclature and the properties of specified soil horizons.

Describe the morphology of common, specified soil types and the processes that
occur in such soils.

List the five forming factors and illustrate how they influence soil development.

Describe and explain the properties and behaviour of clays and illustrate their
effects in soil.

Describe and explain the nature and chemical properties of soil organic matter and
its influence in soil. Summarise methods for the extraction and fractionation of
humic material. Explain the role of humic substances in the environment.

Define soil texture and illustrate its influence on soil. Define soil structure and
describe the main types of structural units found in soil and their effects on soil
properties. Explain and illustrate the mechanisms by which mineral and organic
soil components aggregate together.

Describe and explain the main types of sediments and the way they are
transported and deposited.

Describe and explain diagenetic processes in sediments.

17
Title: The Atmospheric Environment

Duration: THF - 3 lectures

Aims: To provide a basic understanding of the chemistry and functioning of the

atmosphere.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Describe and explain the formation of the atmosphere.

Classify regions of the atmosphere, and describe temperature and pressure

profiles, chemical composition of the earths atmosphere and mixing of gases
within the atmosphere.

Describe and explain solar radiation and energy balance in the atmosphere,
Hadley cells, Coriolos effects, jet stream and global circulation models

Describe and explain atmospheric circulation and the UK weather, high and low
pressure systems, the weather associated with Atlantic depressions.

Describe and explain atmosphere-ocean interactions, ocean current systems and

El Nio

18
Title: The Aquatic Environment

Duration: THF 3 lectures

Aims: To provide a basic understanding of the chemistry and functioning of the

hydrosphere.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Describe the physical and chemical properties of water.

Describe and explain the hydrological cycle, and illustrate and quantify the main
reservoirs and fluxes.

Describe the processes of evaporation and precipitation, and the chemical

composition of rain water.

Describe and explain groundwater chemical composition and the structure of

aquifers, rivers chemical composition and river flow, thermal stratification of lakes
and structure of estuaries.

Describe and explain the chemical composition and chemical balance of the
oceans, inputs and losses, salinity and ocean circulation.

19
Title: The Biological Environment

Duration: THF 4 lectures

Aims: To provide an understanding of the role of living organisms in the functioning of the
natural environment.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Describe and explain the energy and nutrient flows in the biosphere; primary
production, food chains and decomposition processes.

Describe the 6 Kingdoms of living organisms and review their forms and
interactions with environmental systems from the perspective of the Environmental
Chemist.

20
Title: Biophysical Processes in the Environment

Duration: THF 10 lectures

Aims: To provide an understanding of the effects of the chemical and physical

environment on primary production and decomposition processes.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
(a) Describe and explain the following factors affecting primary production:

Light, light intensity, light profile of water bodies

Inorganic nutrients (macro, micro, essential, beneficial); role in plants and animals

Total vs available nutrients; chemical forms in solution; root uptake processes (root
growth, mass flow, diffusion); mycorrhiza

Temperature, UK climate, heat balance. Temperature profiles of soils and water

bodies

Aeration in soil, sediments in water, the need for oxygen, gas exchange

Water, hydrological cycle and UK climate, soil water holding, plant available water,
soil water potential, water movement through soils and sediments, soil profiles
in relation to aeration and drainage.

(b) Describe and explain the following factors affecting decomposition processes

The global C cycle, decomposition of plant litter, nutrient supply, heterotrophic and
autotrophic nutrition, pH

Acidophiles, neutrophiles, alkalophiles, temperature, psyctrophiles, mesophiles,

thermophiles

Aeration, aerobes, facultative anaerobes, obligate anaerobes, fermentation

processes.

The Rhizosphere, the nature of humic material.

21
Title: Environmental Nitrogen Cycle

Duration: THF - 4 lectures

Aims: To provide an understanding of the chemistry and functioning of the nitrogen cycle
in the environment.

Intended At the end of this series of lectures, students should be able to:
learning
outcomes:
Describe the global N cycle and explain the requirements for N and effects of N on
growth of plants.

Describe the processes of mineralisation and immobilisation, and explain their

importance in environmental systems.

Define nitrification; leaching of N; denitrification; inorganic chemistry of

ammonium/ammonia; N fixation organisms, non-symbioic and symbiotic
relationships, and explain their importance in environmental systems.

22
The University of Glasgow Plagiarism Statement
The following is an extract from the University of Glasgow Plagiarism Statement.
The full statement can be found in the University Calendar at
http://senate.gla.ac.uk/calendar/current/02-feesandgeneral.pdf#page=53.
This should be read in conjunction with the discipline specific guidance provided by
the Department at Insert link.

31.1 The University's degrees and other academic awards are given in recognition
of a student's personal achievement. All work submitted by students for
assessment is accepted on the understanding that it is the student's own effort.
31.2 Plagiarism is defined as the submission or presentation of work, in any form,
which is not one's own, without acknowledgement of the sources. Special cases
of plagiarism can also arise from one student copying another student's work or from
inappropriate collaboration.
31.3 The incorporation of material without formal and proper acknowledgement
(even with no deliberate intent to cheat) can constitute plagiarism.
Work may be considered to be plagiarised if it consists of:

a direct quotation;

a close paraphrase;

an unacknowledged summary of a source;

direct copying or transcription.

With regard to essays, reports and dissertations, the rule is: if information or ideas
are obtained from any source, that source must be acknowledged according to the
appropriate convention in that discipline; and any direct quotation must be placed
in quotation marks and the source cited immediately. Any failure to acknowledge
adequately or to cite properly other sources in submitted work is plagiarism. Under
examination conditions, material learnt by rote or close paraphrase will be expected
to follow the usual rules of reference citation otherwise it will be considered as
plagiarism. Departments should provide guidance on other appropriate use of
references in examination conditions.
31.4 Plagiarism is considered to be an act of fraudulence and an offence against
University discipline. Alleged plagiarism, at whatever stage of a student's studies,
whether before or after graduation, will be investigated and dealt with appropriately
by the University.
31.5 The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection systems, which
may be externally based, in the interests of improving academic standards when
assessing student work.
If you are still unsure or unclear about what plagiarism is or need advice on how to
avoid it, SEEK HELP NOW!
You can contact any one of the following for assistance:
Lecturer
Course Leader
Dissertation Supervisor
Adviser of Studies
Student Learning Service

23
Declaration of Originality Form
This form must be completed and signed and submitted with all assignments.
Please complete the information below (using BLOCK CAPITALS).
Name...............................................................................................................................
Student Number..............................................................................................................
Course Name...................................................................................................................
Assignment Number/Name.............................................................................................

An extract from the Universitys Statement on Plagiarism is provided overleaf. Please

read carefully THEN read and sign the declaration below.

I confirm that this assignment is my own work and that I have:

Read and understood the guidance on plagiarism in the Undergraduate

Handbook, including the University of Glasgow Statement on Plagiarism
Clearly referenced, in both the text and the bibliography or references, all

sources used in the work
Fully referenced (including page numbers) and used inverted commas for all
text quoted from books, journals, web etc. (Please check with the Department
which referencing style is to be used)
Provided the sources for all tables, figures, data etc. that are not my own work
Not made use of the work of any other student(s) past or present without
acknowledgement. This includes any of my own work, that has been previously,

or concurrently, submitted for assessment, either at this or any other
educational institution, including school (see overleaf at 31.2)
Not sought or used the services of any professional agencies to produce this

work
In addition, I understand that any false claim in respect of this work will result in

disciplinary action in accordance with University regulations

DECLARATION:
I am aware of and understand the Universitys policy on plagiarism and I certify that
this assignment is my own work, except where indicated by referencing, and that I
have followed the good academic practices noted above

Signed..............................................................................................................................

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