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Atmospheric Composition and Air Quality

MAQ34806

About this course

The objective of this course is to show how simple principles of physics and chemistry can be applied to describe a complex system as the atmosphere, and how one can reduce the complex system to build models. The second objective is to convey a basic but current knowledge of atmospheric composition in terms of air pollution and greenhouse gas concentrations, and their effects, along with an appreciation for the research that led to this knowledge. This course gives students the knowledge and skills to understand today's most pressing issues in atmospheric chemistry and air quality. This includes the chain of processes that occur between emissions of pollutants from natural and anthropogenic sources, and their effect on the composition of the atmosphere and on human health. Special emphasis is on quantifying the effects of air pollution through numerical modelling of the processes involved (e.g., transport, chemistry, deposition, biogeochemical cycles) and through acquisition and analysis of field measurements. Sources, effects and possible abatement measures of local air pollution, acid deposition, eutrophication, ozone in troposphere and stratosphere (the ozone hole) and climate change are explained.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain and apply basic numerical calculations in atmospheric physics and chemistry

  • Analyze the role of various physical and chemical processes in air pollution, climate change, and ozone destruction

  • Set up and apply simple models to simulate atmospheric change

  • Critically evaluate scientific papers on the effect of air pollution on human health

  • Explain the structure and composition of the atmosphere, and summarize the fundamental drivers of its composition

  • Explain the global cycles of oxygen (O), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) through the Earth reservoirs, and explain how these make life on Earth possible

  • Summarize what controls climate on Earth. Students should be able to reflect on the different roles of climate parameters such as solar radiation, CO2, water vapour, aerosols and clouds

  • Analyze the role of emissions and chemistry leading to ozone smog, and assess how ozone events may be countered in practice. They recognize the special role of aerosols in air pollution, climate change, and stratospheric ozone depletion

  • Apply the concepts of emissions, residence time, lifetime, and distance of transport to set up a mass balance

Assessment method

  • Written test with open and closed questions (50%) examen
  • Assignment model (25%) Average of all practical reports counts
  • Assignment oral presentation (12.5%) Oral presentation on paper air quality and health
  • Assignment other (12.5%) Homework assignments

Prior knowledge

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety Basic knowledge on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Resources

  • Practicum Manuals & Exercises -- Atmospheric Composition and Air Quality; and Brightspace site with: Pre-recorded and online (interactive) lectures; Lecture notes in PDF; Practical calculations: questions + answers. D.J. Jacob (1999 and last modified 2004). Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistrry. Princeton University Pres. ISBN-10: 06910018

Additional information

course
6 ECTS
  • Level
    master
  • Mode of instruction
    on campus
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Starting dates

  • 27 Oct 2025

    ends 21 Dec 2025

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P2
    Period 2 afternoon
    Register before 28 Sept, 23:59
These offerings are valid for students of TU Eindhoven