Stockholm university
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Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

This course introduces the basic chemical and physical processes taking place in our atmosphere.

Nordic lights
Photo: Inna Nybom

How do clouds form? What caused the ozone hole? How are pollutants removed from the air?
After this course, you should be able to answer these questions (and many more) and have a good understanding of the different natural processes in the atmosphere and their anthropogenic perturbations. In addition, you will get the theoretical basis for understanding how atmospheric phenomena are measured and investigated (practical work is part of the courses “Environmental field work” and “Laboratory Methods in Environmental Science”). You will also learn how to visualize and interpret atmospheric observations within several hands-on exercises. This course is a prerequisite for the courses “Aerosols, Clouds, and Climate” and “Air Quality”.

  • Course structure

    Content:
    •    A brief survey of the Atmosphere
    •    Atmospheric trace constituents
    •    Tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry
    •    Aerosols: Primary and secondary sources, transformation, main chemical and physical properties
    •    Atmospheric thermodynamics and cloud formation
    •    Dry and wet removal processes for gases and aerosols
    •    Cloud water chemistry
    •    Atmospheric electricity

    Teaching format

    Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and exercises. Seminars and exercises are mandatory. The course is offered in English.

    Syllabus in English

    Syllabus_MI7022 (231 Kb)

    Assessment

    The course is examined as follows: Assessment takes place through written reports, oral presentations and a final exam as well as particiaption in seminars and exercises. The examination will be conducted in English.

     

    Your rights and responsibilities:
    Your rights and responsibilities as a student

    Examiner

    Sarah Steimer, Sarah.Steimer@aces.su.se

     

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

    Atmospheric Science, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey” by Wallace & Hobbs

     

    Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics by Seinfeld and Pandis, Wiley Chemistry of the upper and lower atmosphere by Finlayson-Pitts, Academic Press

  • Course reports

  • Contact

    Study counsellors

    studeranu@aces.su.se


    Course coordinator

    Sarah Steimer, Sarah.Steimer@aces.su.se