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Principles & Systems Thinking in Green & Sustainable Chemistry - CHE00001M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will introduce the philosophy, principles and theory of green and sustainable chemistry within the context of UN SDGs and systems-thinking. The module is divided into 4 subject areas, and students will learn a range of practices and technologies providing a basis for applications and advanced concepts which form the later parts of the course.

Related modules

Pre-requisites: Chemistry / Chemical Sciences / other appropriate discipline undergraduate degree

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

To introduce the philosophy, principles and theory of green and sustainable chemistry within the context of UN SDGs and systems-thinking. The module is divided into 4 subject areas, and students will learn a range of practices and technologies providing a basis for applications and advanced concepts which form the later parts of the course.

Module learning outcomes

  • Discuss the fundamental philosophy, concepts and tools of green and sustainable chemistry embedded within holistic systems thinking.

  • Discuss, debate and accept accountability for related decision-making in green and sustainable chemistry within a wider context of UN Sustainable Development Goals, global megatrends and systems thinking.

  • Use and critically evaluate advanced green chemistry metrics

  • Develop and critique an awareness of the legislative, financial and social factors connected with reducing environmental impact.

  • Identify, differentiate between green and non-green solvents and offer suitable green alternatives in relation to their importance in chemical and related processes

  • Differentiate and critically evaluate the importance of heterogeneous catalysis to green chemistry.

The specific module learning outcomes map onto the following Programme Learning Outcomes

PLO 1: Apply whole systems thinking and inter/trans-disciplinary approaches to the creative problem solving of complex global grand challenges using holistic green chemistry and sustainable industrial technology related interventions in concert with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

PLO3: Effectively communicate detailed, complex, green and sustainable chemistry research concepts to both experts and non-experts through the application of a variety of key transferable skills such as IT, scientific writing, oral presentations, posters, team-working,etc

PLO5: Critically evaluate the environmental impact and sustainability of chemical processes and products, through the use of relevant metrics and whole systems thinking.

Module content

Topics in this module:

  • Introduction to Green Chemistry and Holistic-thinking.

  • Control of Environmental Impact of Chemicals.

  • Alternative Reaction Media for Green and Sustainable Chemistry.

  • Catalysis for Green and Sustainable Chemistry.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 80
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 10

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 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 constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.