Introduction to Environmental Modeling (ENVR 451) – Fall Semester

Textbook: “Essentials of Chemical Reactor Engineering.” H. Scott Fogler.

Objective: Gain an understanding of the fundamentals of environmental modeling with a focus on chemical reaction rates and reaction mechanisms. The course will cover mole balances, rate laws, chemical kinetics, and reactor design. These principles can be applied to any environmental system where chemical transformations must be described. This course will provide competencies in identifying environmental engineering problems, needs, and objectives. We will evaluate problems quantitatively using measurements and models of contaminant transport or reactions in environmental media (e.g., air, soil, and water). We will develop and design appropriate controls and facilities to solve environmental engineering problems. Demonstrate written and oral communication skills related to environmental engineering. Obtain broad exposure to contemporary issues in environmental sciences, environmental health and environmental engineering. Students will be asked to demonstrate effective written and oral health communication skills appropriately adapted to professional and lay audiences with varying knowledge and skills.

 

Environmental Crisis Management (ENVR 989) – Spring Semester

This course is a culminating experience where students extend, critique and apply knowledge gained in the classroom. The immersive capstone project gives the students the opportunity to integrate and synthesize their learning through a tangible project. The course will focus on practical solutions to public health related disasters. The experience-based topic will have the flexibility to allow for substantive contributions from students of all backgrounds enrolled in the Gillings School of Public Health.

The spring session will be an experiential learning experience though a real-time simulation of humanitarian and environmental emergencies. The course will be led by three instructors, two ENVR professors and one adjunct with professional experience in emergency management. Depending on the academic background of each enrolled student they will be placed in working groups for the course. These working groups will contain students of similar academic backgrounds who have taken UNC courses through either our MPH or MSEE program. These groups will be overseen by the three instructors.

 

Air Quality and Atmospheric Sciences Seminar (ENVR 777)

This is a seminar series focused on topics covering any aspect of air quality and atmospheric sciences.

 

Environmental Chemistry Processes (ENVR 403/ENEC 403)  – Summer Semester Sevilla Study Abroad Program

Textbook: “Environmental Chemistry,” Colin Baird and Michael Cann.

During this course you will study the chemistry of air and how anthropogenic activities affect this chemistry on planet Earth. Specifically, we will examine the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species found in the air. This course is divided into 3 major parts that reflects the most pressing issues in Environmental Chemistry today: (1) Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution; (2) Climate Change; and (3) Atmospheric aerosols. All students who take this course are expected to demonstrate a mastery of all topics through successful completion of quizzes, problem sets, and exams.

Atmospheric aerosols are known to play a role in the Earth’s climate system, yet there still exist large uncertainties in the amount to which they impact the atmosphere. One goal of this course is to provide the knowledge needed to achieve an understanding of how atmospheric aerosols influence climate, and the source of current scientific uncertainties. Primary focus in this section will be given on the chemistry that leads to the formation, evolution, and aging of organic aerosols, especially since organic compounds contribute a large fraction (i.e., 20-90%) towards the total mass of atmospheric fine (i.e., 2.5 μm and smaller) aerosol.