Time Schedule:
David A Kalman
ENV H 432
Seattle Campus
Laboratory and lecture on sampling. Field and laboratory analysis of chemical and physical agents found in the occupational and ambient environments. Prerequisite: ENV H 431. Offered: W.
Class description
This class is the second in a 3 quarter series intended to give students a background and some familiarity with measurement for environmental assessment. The focus of EnvH 432 is detection, sampling, and analysis of chemical hazards in different environmental media. This is an introductory course, potentially leading to more specific courses on sampling and analysis of air, water, wasterwater, marine samples, soils, occupational hazards, etc. The objectives for this class are:
1. Provide hands-on experience with field sampling, field measurement, and lab measurement for example chemical contaminants in air, water, and solid environmental media. 2. Introduce and provide practical experience in issues of sampling: selection of sampling method and sampling strategy to assure valid representative samples of air, water, and solid media. 3. Introduce several kinds of currently-used semi-quantitative field indicators for chemical agents; provide an understanding of the common operating principles and limitations for using them. 4. Introduce several kinds of currently-used field meters for chemical agents; provide an understanding of the common operating principles and preparatory procedures for using them. 5. Show and provide some experience in operating major kinds of laboratory instruments used for chemical analysis: ftir, uv/visible absorption spectrometers, gas chromatographs, atomic absorption spectrometers. 6. Introduce basic concepts in quality control and quality assurance for measurement data, and provide practical experience in their application to actual situations. 7. Survey literature sources of standard methods for environmental assessment and provide a framework for method selection 8. Encourage teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and good written communication. Provide knowledge needed to critically evaluate the reliability of measurement data.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
lecture and lab
Recommended preparation
EnvH 431; read assigned materials and seek additional information using references provided; assess lab findings critically and explore the performance and limitations of each technique used. Comminucate your findings effectively, providing the basis for your conclusions and specific limitations you are aware of.
Class assignments and grading
lab and field sampling and analysis tasks, together with background reading for comprehension
written assignments, class participation, final exam. No midterm.
