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Principles of Green Chemistry - CHE00001M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Avtar Matharu
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This introductory module explores the principles and theory of green chemistry. The module is divided into four subject areas, and students will learn a range of practices and
technologies which provides a basis for the applications which form the later parts of the course.

Module learning outcomes

  • To learn the fundamental philosophy, concepts and tools of green chemistry
  • To understand green chemistry within a wider context of UN Sustainable Development Goals and global megatrends
  • To learn how to use green chemistry metrics
  • To develop an awareness of the legislative, financial and social factors connected with reducing environmental impact
  • To understand the importance and role of solvents in chemical and related processes
  • To understand why solvent replacements are being sought
  • To understand the importance of heterogeneous catalysis to green chemistry
  • To recognise the key difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis in chemical processes

Module content

Topic in this module:

  • Introduction to green chemistry
  • Control of Environmental Impact
  • Alternative Reaction Media
  • Catalysis for Green Chemistry

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : Principles of Green Chemistry		 2.5 hours 80
Essay/coursework
Coursework : Principles of Green Chemistry: Control of Environmental Impact		 N/A 10
Essay/coursework
Essay : Principles of Green Chemistry: Catalysis		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The exam is a closed-book, in-person exam with a standard paper time of 2.5 hours. Re-assessment is through an essay-based coursework assignment.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reassessment Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written feedback on each assessment apart from the examination.

Indicative reading

General Background

Green Chemistry: An Introductory Text
M. Lancaster, Royal Society of Chemistry, Edition 3 2016, Print ISBN 978-1-78262-294-9, ePub eISBN 978-1-83916-294-7

Handbook of Green Chemistry, Green Processes, Designing Safer Chemicals
P. Anastas and P. Trevorrow, 2013, ISBN 3527326391

Green Chemistry Metrics: Measuring and Monitoring Sustainable Processes
A. Lapkin and D. Constable, 2008, ISBN 9781405159685

Sustainable Solvents: Perspectives from Research, Business and International Policy (Green Chemistry Series)
J. H. Clark, A. Hunt, C. Topi, G. Paggiola and J. Sherwood, 2017, ISBN 1782623353

Sustainable Catalysis (Green Chemistry Series)
M. North, J.H. Clark, 2015, ISBN 1782620583

Alternative Energy Sources for Green Chemistry (Green Chemistry Series)
G. Stefanifis, A. Stankiewicz, J.H. Clark, A. de la Hoz, J. Fan, R. Mato Chain, J. Santamaria, 2016 ISBN 1782621407

Green Chemistry for Surface Coatings, Inks and Adhesives: Sustainable applications (Green Chemistry Series)
R. Höfer, A.S. Matharu, Z. Zhang. 2019, ISBN 9781782629948


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.