Starting with the very basic chemical terminology, this program provides simple, straightforward explanations of the chemistry behind important environmental topics. Case studies and real world examples are used throughout the course to make the chemistry of everyday life more understandable. Attending this course will improve your ability to comprehend key data found in material safety data sheets, laboratory analytical reports, and environmental assessments. The science behind many global environmental problems is also explained.

Topics covered in this course include:

• The chemistry behind material safety data sheets
• Sampling and analysis
• Chemical compatibility
• Biological Chemistry – the structure of fats, carbohydrates, DNA, and proteins
• Chemical and physical reactions
• Organic compounds and how to classify them
• Nuclear chemistry and radioactivity
• The unique chemistry of water
• Chemical measurement (metric units, PPM, PPB)
• Ozone depletion
• The greenhouse effect/global warming/global dimming
• Biomagnification/bioaccumulation
• Wastewater treatment
• The detrimental effects of air pollution
• The hazards of CB’s and CFC’s, Halogenated solvents
• The potential hazards of plastics

See course offerings and Registration Information

Day One

• Defining and Understanding Matter
• The Periodic Table
• Metric Measurement
• Structure and Bonding
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Case Studies

Day Two

• Organic Chemistry
• Biological Chemistry
• The Chemistry of Water
• The Chemistry Behind MSDS
• Chemical Compatibility
• Hazardous Waste Characteristics

Day Three

• Chemical and Physical Reactions
• Sampling and Analysis