Course syllabus for Green chemistry

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-22 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameGrön kemi
  • CodeKBT245
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPMCN
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEnergy and Environmental Systems and Technology, Chemical Engineering
  • DepartmentCHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 30141
  • Maximum participants50 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Minimum participants12
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0114 Written and oral assignments 2.5 c
Grading: UG
2.5 c
0214 Examination 5 c
Grading: TH
5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Basic knowledge in inorganic and organic chemistry is required. Basic knowledge in catalysis is beneficial.

Aim

The course explains the principles of green chemistry and end-of-pipe methods, with a basis in the molecular and materials chemistry, and discusses alternative chemistry solutions to support a sustainable development. The level of understanding should be such that the students in their professional career critically can participate in discussions regarding selection of chemical methods (i.e., reactions) for increased sustainability within industrial production of chemicals and fuels, and to avoid environmental stress caused by pollution and energy-related problems.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Apply the principles of green chemistry to critically evaluate and propose:
  • green chemical alternatives
  • chemical routes for green industrial chemical production
  • chemical solutions for green energy storage and conversion processes
  • chemical methods for efficient pollution prevention

Content

Green chemistry approaches and ethical/moral dilemmas will be discussed within the fields of:
  • Chemical production: choice of feedstock, solvents, catalysts, synthesis routes including photochemical, electrochemical, microwave and ultrasonic assisted synthesis of organic and inorganic chemicals as well as functional chemicals such as  surfactants, oils, pesticides, fertilizers, hygiene products, pharmaceuticals etc
  • Chemical energy storage and conversion: chemical energy carriers, synthesis routes for alternative fuels including electrofuels and hydrogen
  • Alternative feedstocks: renewable biological matter, carbon dioxide and water
  • Emission control: methods used in chemical, automotive and shipping industry such as adsorption, ion-exchange and catalytic methods.

Organisation

The course contains a series of lectures corresponding to 5.0 hp based on a textbook and some additional material handed out during the course, and five case studies equal to 2.5 hp. The case studies should be reported in written at latest one week before the written exam. Time for consultancy of case studies is scheduled.

Literature

Green Chemistry - An introductory text (3nd edition, RSC Publishing) by Mike Lancaster.
Complementary materials such as lecture notes and texts will be distributed via the learning platform Canvas.

Examination including compulsory elements

Written exam (grades TH) and approved case studies (grades UG).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.