94277 - Environmental Sustainability

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be aware of the central role of sustainability perspective for the protection and the management of environment. The student will know the relationship between physico-chemical features of substances, their transformation in the environment and their environmental impact. She/he will become aware of the peculiar environmental impact posed by plastic materials. The student is expected to be able to: 1. predict and assess the environmental fate and the modalities of transformation of chemicals; 2. propose and implement methodologies to reduce and remediate the chemical pollution; 3. propose solutions to prevent and reduce pollution from plastic materials.

Course contents

The course will deal with the relationship between plastics and the environment.

1) The main characteristics of polymers/plastics and their history will be presented, together with the main processes for recycling

2) Some representative examples of bio-based and biodegradable polymers will be explained (starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates).The differences between bio-based polymers and biodegradable polymers will be examined

3) The environmental fate of plastic materials will be analyzed according to various environmental spheres (water bodies, oceans, soil and sediments, biota)

4) The adverse effects of plastic materials will be presented, analyzing the existing knowledge about the toxicity towards different biological endpoints

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific literature: reviews and papers

Teaching methods

4 x 180 min class lectures (with 2 breaks) with power point projection and discussion

Assessment methods

The final grade consists of a written exam.

The written exam consists of 6 open-ended questions. Familiarity with the graphical representation of organic molecules is also required.

Each answer is scored +5 if complete, detailed, and revised, with no inaccuracies or errors; +4 if complete, detailed, and without inaccuracies/errors; +3 if partially complete (>70%), with some inaccuracies; +2 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (50-70%); +1 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (<50%); 0 if incorrect or missing.

The maximum score achievable for all correct and complete answers is therefore 30 cum laude. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Students have 2 hours for the written exam. The use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, and computer media is not permitted during the exam. Calculators are permitted.

Teaching tools

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Samorì

See the website of Laura Tositti

See the website of Maria Clara Semedo Da Silva Costa