Environmental Chemistry II digs into advanced topics like atmospheric chemistry, water pollution, and soil contamination. You'll explore chemical processes in air, water, and soil, focusing on pollutants' behavior and their environmental impacts. The course covers climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, and remediation techniques for contaminated sites.

Is Environmental Chemistry II hard?

Environmental Chemistry II can be challenging, especially if you're not solid on your basic chem. It involves a lot of complex systems and interconnected processes, which can be tricky to wrap your head around. That said, if you're into environmental issues and have a decent grasp of chemistry fundamentals, you'll probably find it pretty interesting and not too overwhelming.

Tips for taking Environmental Chemistry II in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Stay on top of current environmental news - it'll make the course more relevant
Practice drawing diagrams of chemical cycles (like carbon or nitrogen cycles)
Form a study group to tackle complex problems together
Watch documentaries like "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Chasing Coral" for real-world context
Use online resources like Khan Academy for extra help on tricky concepts
Don't just memorize - try to understand the underlying principles

Common pre-requisites for Environmental Chemistry II

General Chemistry I and II: These courses cover fundamental chemical principles, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. They're essential for understanding more advanced environmental chemistry concepts.
Organic Chemistry: This class focuses on carbon-based compounds and their reactions. It's crucial for understanding pollutants and their interactions in the environment.

Classes similar to Environmental Chemistry II

Environmental Toxicology: Explores the effects of toxic substances on ecosystems and organisms. You'll learn about bioaccumulation, dose-response relationships, and risk assessment.
Atmospheric Chemistry: Focuses on the chemistry of Earth's atmosphere, including air pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change. It's like Environmental Chem II but with a stronger focus on the air.
Aquatic Chemistry: Dives deep into the chemical processes in water systems. You'll study water quality, dissolved gases, and the behavior of pollutants in aquatic environments.
Geochemistry: Examines the chemical composition and processes of the Earth. It covers topics like mineral formation, weathering, and the global carbon cycle.

Environmental Science: Combines natural sciences with aspects of social sciences and humanities to understand environmental issues and develop solutions.
Chemistry: Focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Environmental Chemistry is a specialized branch within this broader field.
Environmental Engineering: Applies scientific and engineering principles to improve and protect the environment, focusing on water and air pollution control, recycling, and waste management.
Earth Sciences: Studies the Earth's structure, composition, and processes, including how human activities affect the planet's systems.

What can you do with a degree in Environmental Chemistry II?

Environmental Consultant: Advises organizations on environmental issues and helps them comply with regulations. You might assess contaminated sites or develop pollution prevention strategies.
Water Quality Analyst: Tests and analyzes water samples to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. This role often involves fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
Air Quality Specialist: Monitors and analyzes air pollution levels and develops strategies to improve air quality. You might work for government agencies or private companies to ensure compliance with air quality standards.
Hazardous Waste Manager: Oversees the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This job involves developing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.