Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
CHEM3141 Environmental chemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Chemistry Quota 50
Course Co-ordinator Prof Y X Li, Chemistry < yxpli@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof S K Lee,Chemistry)
(Prof Y X Li,Chemistry)
Course Objectives This course introduces students to Environmental Chemistry and enables them to understand the chemical principles involved in various environmental phenomena and processes.
Course Contents & Topics Atmosphere chemistry: atmospheric composition and behavior, ozone, air pollution

Energy and climate change: energy resources, carbon emission, and climate change

Water chemistry: water resources, water pollution, water purification, and water crisis.

Pollutants: persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, toxic heavy metals, toxicology

Waste treatment:  landfill, incineration

Big data analysis in environmental science
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 demonstrate knowledge on chemical principles of the various environmental phenomena and processes
CLO 2 describe the practical processes of chemistry in atmosphere, water purification, waste treatment, and energy production
CLO 3 critically discuss local and global environmental issues based on scientific principles and data
CLO 4 apply knowledge to analyze chemical processes involved in various environmental problems
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in CHEM2241 or CHEM2341 or CHEM2441 or CHEM2442 or CHEM2541

For those who have not got the above pre-requisite but with a pass in CHEM1042 and a pass in ENVS2001, and will work hard to cope with the course, they are welcome to join the course.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Environmental Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A - Demonstrate thorough grasp of the subject. - Demonstrate integration of the full range of appropriate theories, principles, and evidence. - Show evidence of strong analytical abilities, logical and independent thinking, and ablility to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. - Demonstrate highly effective organization and presentation skills.
B - Demonstrate substantial grasp of the subject. - Demonstrate general integration of theories, principles, and evidence. - Show evidence of analytical abilities and logical thinking, some evidence of independent thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. - Demonstrate effective organization and presentation skills.
C - Demonstrate general but incomplete grasp of the subject. - Demonstrate some partial integration of theories, principles, and evidence. - Show evidence of some analytical abilities and logical thinking, little evidence of independent thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. - Demonstrate moderately effective organization and presentation skills.
D - Demonstrate partial but limited grasp, with retention of some relevant information, of the subject. - Demonstrate limited integration of theories, principles, and evidence. - Show evidence of limited analytical abilities, little or no evidence of independent thinking, and limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. - Demonstrate limited or barely effective organization and presentation skills.
Fail - Demonstrate little or no grasp of the knowledge and understanding of the subject. - Demonstrate little or inapt integration of theories, principles, and evidence. - Show little or no evidence of analytical abilities, logical and independent thinking, and very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. - Demonstrate incoherent organization and poor presentation skills.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 3.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 30% Assignment 1 (poster presentation); 20% Assignment 2 (two short quizzes) 50.0 1,2,3,4
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 C. Baird and M. Cann: Environmental Chemistry, Freeman, latest edition.
S.E. Manahan: Environmental Chemistry, Lewis Publishers, latest edition.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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