815 WBB

Atmospheric chemistry is one of the fastest growing fields in the earth sciences because it is highly relevant to many environmental pollution problems such as acid rain, stratospheric ozone depletion, photochemical smog production, and global climate change. The goal of this course is to apply basic principles of physics and chemistry to describe the processes that control the chemical composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of a complex mixture of reactive and non-reactive gases, particulate matter, and hydrometeors that are constantly interacting with each other and the surface of the planet. As a result, the study of atmospheric chemistry has necessarily become a prime example of interdisciplinary research.

This course will consist of a series of modules each focusing on a different aspect of atmospheric chemistry or air pollution. Each module will begin with a review of the basic chemical principles, terminology, and quantitative tools necessary to fully understand the phenomenon. This basic review will be followed by a detailed description of the process or problem, example problem solutions, and a class discussion topic. All students will be expected to be prepared for and contribute to the class discussions.

• Hobbs, P.V., An Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry: A Companion Text to Basic Physical Chemistry for the Atmospheric Sciences, Cambridge University Press, 2000.
• Turco, R. P., Earth Under Siege: From Air Pollution to Global Change, Oxford University Press, 2002.

• Brimblecombe, P., Air Composition & Chemistry (2nd Ed.), Cambridge University Press, 1996.
• Finlayson-Pitts, B. J., and J. N. Pitts, Jr., Chemistry of the Upper and Lower Atmosphere, Academic Press, 2000.
• Heinberg, R., The Party is Over, New Society Publishers, 2005.
• Hobbs, P.V., Basic Physical Chemistry for the Atmospheric Sciences (2nd Ed.), Cambridge University Press, 2000.
• Jacob, D. J., Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry, Princeton University Press, 1999.
• Seinfeld, J. H., and S. N. Pandis, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, Wiley, 1998.
• Warneck, P., Chemistry of the Natural Atmosphere (2nd Ed.), Academic Press, 2000.
• Wayne, R. P., Chemistry of Atmospheres: An Introduction to the Chemistry of the Atmospheres of Earth, the Planets, and their Satellites (3rd Ed.), Oxford University Press, 2000.

Grades will be based upon your performance on the homework, exams, laboratory exercises, in-class presentations, and assigned paper. The weighted contribution of each of these items to your final grade is given below:

Homework applies and extends what is discussed in class. Much of the most important learning takes place when you do homework. As you work on the problems, you learn both the subject matter and how to solve complex problems. You may work on homework with other students, but do not copy from anyone. Late homework is not accepted, so turn in as much as you get done even if that is not everything. The main purpose for doing homework is to help YOU learn the material. Keep in mind that I am available during office hours or by appointment to assist you, if necessary.

Final grades are based on the following scale:
> 90 % guarantees an A or A-
> 80 % guarantees a B+, B, or B-
> 70 % guarantees a C+, C, or C-
> 60 % guarantees a D+, D, or D-
< 60% results in an E

Sometimes cutoff points are lowered to produce more natural break-points and a reasonable distribution of grades, but please don't count on it.

Students must take every exam with exceptions governed by University Policy. Plagiarizing, copying, cheating or otherwise misrepresenting ones' work will not be tolerated and will be dealt with as harshly as permitted under University Policy. Do not break the scientific code of honor.

I will not take attendance, but keep in mind that this course moves at a rapid pace. Missing just one class can result in a lack of understanding in future classes. In addition, some course material that you are responsible for will only be presented during lectures (i.e., will not be found in either of the books).