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Applications of Green & Sustainable Chemistry - CHE00002M

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

Module summary

Diminishing fossil resources, increasing oil prices and numerous other drivers are rapidly forcing society to seek new, sustainable sources of carbon for future chemicals, energy and materials production. This module looks at the variables in this complex equation, from the design of a synthetic route, energy consumption, alternative feedstocks and engineering methods for efficient chemical production.

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

Diminishing fossil resources, increasing oil prices and numerous other drivers are rapidly forcing society to seek new, sustainable sources of carbon for future chemicals, energy and materials production. This module looks at the variables in this complex equation, from the design of a synthetic route, energy consumption, alternative feedstocks and engineering methods for efficient chemical production.

Module learning outcomes

  • Analyse and use real examples to illustrate how the principles of green chemistry can be applied to chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

  • Critically analyse the changing trends in raw material utilisation and to understand the potential of alternative feedstocks.

  • Evaluate engineering methods for improving process efficiencies

  • Calculate and critically evaluate the mass and energy balance in a chemical production process

  • Critically analyse, discuss and the importance of energy efficiency and the range of energy sources, both economically and in terms of impact on climate change

  • Demonstrate a high level of practical ability in the design and execution of green chemical processes

  • Have an excellent knowledge of how biomass can be used as a feedstock for future production industries

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:

  • Clean Synthesis

  • Sustainable Industrial Technologies and Processes

  • Renewable Resources

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 40
Essay/coursework 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Students receive written feedback from each assessment

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.