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Recommended Graduate Courses in Arai Research Lab

In addition to the environmental soil and water science research, students will gain a broad knowledge through a variety of multidisciplinary courses in environmental (molecular) science, environmental engineering, environmental toxicology, (micro)biology, and geosciences include soil sciences. Students will be vigorously training in wet chemistry experiments, and various microscopy and molecular scale techniques, and will gain important professional development skills (e.g., mentoring, teaching, communication, presenting research, publishing and writing grant proposals) during the graduate work.

AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING (ABE)

 

ABE 454: Environmental Soil Physics Credit: 3 Hours. (Spring)

Provides the theoretical basis for understanding and quantifying the physical, hydrological, geotechnical, and thermal properties of soil in relation to environmental processes. Topics include general soil properties as a porous media, particle size, soil structure and aggregation, water retention and potential, flow in saturated soil, flow in an unsaturated soil, soil temperature and heat flow, soil mechanics, infiltration, and soil-plant-water relations. Prerequisite: TAM 335 or with consent of instructor

 

 

CROP SCIENCES (CPSC)

 

CPSC 440: Applied Statistical Methods I. Credit: 4 Hours.

Statistical methods involving relationships between populations and samples; collection, organization, and analysis of data; and techniques in testing hypotheses with an introduction to regression, correlation, and analysis of variance limited to the completely randomized design and the randomized complete-block design. Same as ABE 440, ANSC 440, FSHN 440, and NRES 440. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MATH 012 or equivalent.

 

 

CPSC 542: Applied Statistical Methods II. Credit: 5 Hours.

Statistical methods as tools for research. Principles of designing experiments and methods of analysis for various kinds of designs, experimental (completely randomized, randomized complete block, split plots, Latin square) and treatment (complete factorial); covariate analysis; use of SAS for all analyses. Prerequisite: CPSC 440 or equivalent.

 

CPSC 543: Appl. Multivariate Statistics. Credit: 4 Hours.

This class introduces students to statistical methods that consider several variables at once. Emphasis will be given to the applications of multivariate methods to data sets in biology and ecology. Students will develop good knowledge as to how multivariate methods work, they will be able to apply these methods using SAS and R and they will be able to make inferences on the results of the analyses for subsequent scientific publication. Same as STAT 543. Prerequisites: CPSC 440 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

 

 

CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

 

CHEM 420: Instrumental Characterization. Credit: 2 Hours.

Lecture course covers the fundamentals of instrumental characterization including: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, potentiometry, voltammetry, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas and liquid chromatography. 2 undergraduate hours. 2 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 440; or credit or concurrent registration in CHEM 442; or consent of the instructor.

 

CHEM 436: Fundamental Organic Chem II.  Credit: 3 Hours.

Course is the second term of a two-term integrated sequence and should be taken the term following enrollment in CHEM 236. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given for both CHEM 436 and CHEM 332. Prerequisite: CHEM 236 and CHEM 237; or CHEM 232 and CHEM 233 with consent of instructor.

 

CHEM 437: Organic Chemistry Lab. Credit: 3 Hours.

Laboratory experiments in organic chemistry with emphasis on synthesis, purification and spectroscopic identification of organic compounds. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 233 or CHEM 237 and credit or concurrent registration in CHEM 332 or CHEM 436.

This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:

UIUC: Advanced Composition

 

CHEM 438: Advanced Organic Chemistry. Credit: 3 Hours.

Advanced topics in structure, synthesis and reactions of organic chemistry. Lecture only course. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 332 or CHEM 436.

 

CHEM 440: Physical Chemistry Principles. Credit: 4 Hours.

One-term course in physical chemistry emphasizing topics most important to students in the biological and agricultural sciences. Not open to students in the specialized curricula in chemistry and chemical engineering. Laboratory experience in this area provided by CHEM 315 to be taken preferably after CHEM 440. Same as BIOC 440. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 222 and CHEM 232, or equivalent; PHYS 102; and MATH 241 or equivalent calculus including partial derivatives.

 

CHEM 442: Physical Chemistry I. Credit: 4 Hours.

Lectures and problems focusing on microscopic properties. CHEM 442 and CHEM 444 constitute a year-long study of chemical principles. CHEM 442 focuses on quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy and dynamics. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for both CHEM 442 and PHYS 485. Prerequisite: CHEM 204 or CHEM 222; MATH 225 or MATH 415, and a minimal knowledge of differential equations, or equivalent; and PHYS 211, PHYS 212, and PHYS 214 or equivalent.

 

CHEM 444: Physical Chemistry II. Credit: 4 Hours.

Continuation of CHEM 442, focusing on thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and kinetics from single molecules to the bulk, in gases and in the condensed phase. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit is not given for both CHEM 444 and PHYS 427. Prerequisite: CHEM 442.

 

CHEM 460: Green Chemistry. Credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

This course seeks to reduce the environmental consequences of the chemical industry. It includes modifying engineering practices, the development of new catalytic processes, modification of existing chemical processes, and bioremediation. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 312, CHEM 332, CHEM 360, or consent of instructor.

 

CHEM 488: Surfaces and Colloids. Credit: 3 or 4 Hours.

Same as MSE 480. See MSE 480.

 

 

CHEM 512: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. Credit: 4 Hours.

Descriptive chemistry of the main group and transition elements, reactions and reaction mechanisms of inorganic systems, and electronic structure of inorganic molecules and solids. Prerequisite: CHEM 312 or approval of instructor.

 

CHEM 516: Physical Inorganic Chemistry. Credit: 4 Hours.

Includes group theory and use of physical methods to provide information about the geometry, electronic structures, and reactivity of inorganic compounds in solution; emphasizes NMR and ESR. Prerequisite: CHEM 444.

 

CHEM 520: Advanced Analytical Chemistry. Credit: 4 Hours.

Treatment of the basic issues of importance in modern analytical chemistry. Topics include basic chemical and measurement concepts, measurement instrumentation and techniques, and principles, tools, and applications in spectroscopy, electrochemistry, separations, sensors, mass spectroscopy and surface characterization. Prerequisite: CHEM 315, CHEM 420, and CHEM 444.

 

CHEM 522: Experimental Spectroscopy. Credit: 4 Hours.

Principles and applications of spectroscopic measurements and instrumentation. Atomic and molecular absorption, emission, fluorescence, and scattering, emphasizing physical interpretation of experimental data. Prerequisite: General physics and chemistry equivalent to a major in physical sciences for a bachelor's degree.

 

 

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (CEE)

 

CEE 438: Science & Environmental Policy. Credit: 3 Hours.

Environmental treaties, the role of science and scientists in managing the national and global environment, effective science communication, scientific assessments, and the use of quantitative tools to inform policy decisions. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CEE 202 or IE 300, STAT 400, or equivalent introductory probability and statistics course.

 

CEE 440: Fate Cleanup Environ Pollutant. Credit: 4 Hours.

Investigation of the regulatory and technical issues affecting solid and hazardous waste management, with an emphasis on the principles governing the transport, fate, and remediation of solid and hazardous waste in the subsurface, including advection, dispersion, sorption, interphase mass transfer, and transformation reactions. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CEE 330.

 

CEE 442: Env Eng Principles, Physical. Credit: 3 Hours.

Analysis of the physical principles which form the basis of many water and air quality-control operations; sedimentation, filtration, inertial separations, flocculation, mixing, and principles of reactor design. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CEE 437.

 

CEE 443: Env Eng Principles, Chemical. Credit: 4 Hours.

Application of principles of chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics to air and water quality. Thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base chemistry, complexation, precipitation, dissolution, and oxidation-reduction. Applications. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CEE 437.

 

CEE 444: Env Eng Principles, Biological. Credit: 4 Hours.

Application of principles of biochemistry and microbiology to air and water quality, wastes, and their engineering management; biological mediated changes in water and in domestic and industrial wastewater. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CEE 443.

 

COMPARATIVE BIOSCIENCE (CB)

 

CB 449: Basic Toxicology. Credit: 3 hrs.

Emphasis on physiology and biochemistry of intoxication; discusses the types of cellular response to toxic compounds and therapeutic agents. Same as CPSC 433, FSHN 480, and ENVS 480. See FSHN 480. Offered Fall semester every year.

 

GEOLOGY (GEOL)

 

GEOL 460   Geochemistry   credit: 3 Hours.

Fundamental chemical and physical concepts applied to geological processes; topics include: origin, distribution, and geochemical behavior of elements; chemical evolution of the Earth; geochemistry of natural waters and sedimentary rocks; isotope geochemistry, crystal chemistry, trace element geochemistry and organic geochemistry. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOL 107; CHEM 104; CHEM 105; MATH 220 or MATH 221; or consent of instructor.

 

GEOL 560   Aqueous Geochemistry   credit: 4 Hours.

Introduction to geochemical processes occurring in natural waters, with emphasis on the thermodynamic and kinetic controls governing chemical speciation, surface complexation, redox cycling and mineral formation and stability. Applications to a variety of soil and groundwater systems will be presented. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 104; CHEM 105; MATH 220 or 221; GEOL 460; or equivalents; or consent of instructor.

GEOL 561: Geomicrobiology & Geochemistry. Credit: 4 hours.

Covers geomicrobiology as it relates to geochemistry with a primary focus on groundwater environments. Topics include energetics of microbial metabolism, the influence of microorganisms on geochemistry, geochemical influences on microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycles, and molecular biology tools in groundwater. Prerequisite: One year of college-level chemistry or consent of instructor required; one semester of college-level biology recommended.

GEOL 563   Analytical Geochemistry   credit: 4 Hours.

Introduces principles and applications of chemical and isotopic analysis of geological materials, including x-ray spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy. Lectures cover theory of analysis while practical laboratory based exercises focus on how instruments work and instrument operation. Individually tailored analysis project constitutes a major part of assessment. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

 

SCHOOL of INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY (IB)

 

IB 485: Environmental Toxicology and Health. Credit: 3 hours.

Explores toxicological, environmental, public health, occupational and ecological aspects of the use and release of toxic substances in the environment; features case histories of environmental contamination that illustrate ecological, health, and social aspects of pollution; emphasizes biochemical mechanisms and ecosystem consequences. Prerequisites: 1 year college chemistry or 1 year college biology or permission of instructor

 

 

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (NRES)

 

NRES 471: Pedology. Credit: 3 Hours. (Fall)

The science of soil genesis, classification, and morphology. Includes factors of soil formation, properties and methods used in distinguishing soils, interpretation of soil profiles and soil stratigraphy, causes of soil variability, and the impact of soil properties upon soil management, land-use decisions, and the environment. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: NRES 201.

 

NRES 475:  Environmental Microbiology. Credit: 3 hours. (Spring odd numbered years)

Microbial communities control nutrient cycles and biogeochemical transformations in natural, managed and engineered ecosystems. Microorganisms recycle organic matter, transform contaminants, and maintain ecosystem health. Understanding the ecology of natural microbial communities will deepen our understanding of how ecosystems function. Since microbial communities are critical for ecosystem function, microbial ecology can also assist the development of models to predict how ecosystems will respond to future environmental conditions. Prerequisite: NRES 201 and CHEM 104.

 

NRES 487: Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry. Credit: 3 hours. (Fall odd numbered years) Study of soil chemical processes (sorption, desorption, ion exchange, precipitation, dissolution, and redox reactions) of nutrients and inorganic and organic contaminants in soils and organic matter. Chemical complex equilibria and adsorption phenomena at the solid (soil, sediments, minerals)-water interface will be emphasized. Prerequisite: NRES 201, CHEM 104, or consent of instructor.

 

NRES 488: Soil Fertility and Fertilizers. Credit: 3 hours. (Spring)

Provides a broad-based understanding of the basic principles of soil fertility and their application. Coverage includes the occurrence, cycling, and plant availability of the essential mineral nutrients in soils; fertilizer sources, soil reactions, and efficiency; evaluating fertilizer and lime needs; methods of fertilizer application; and the economics of fertilization.

Prerequisite: NRES 201.

 

NRES 490: Surface Water System Chemistry. Credit: 4 Hours. (Spring)

Examines the interaction of chemical and biological processes that govern the chemistry of streams, lakes, and wetlands, and the response of aquatic organisms to pollution. Chemical equilibrium and kinetic principles are used to analyze the behavior of surface water systems through the use of models. Topics include modeling of field studies in environmental inorganic chemistry and biogeochemistry. The laboratory section will be devoted to instruction in the use of computer models and to their practical application. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Credit not given for both NRES 490 and CEE 443. Prerequisite: CHEM 104; one of MATH 220, MATH 221, MATH 234.

 

NRES 572: Chemistry of Soil Fertility. Credit: 4 hours. (Spring even numbered years)

The chemistry of essential plant nutrients in soils, and their quantitative relationships to plant growth. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: NRES 201 and CHEM 222.

 

 

NRES 512: Scientific Writing Credit: 1 hour.

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