The Role of Atmospheric Chemistry at Caltech

The Role of Atmospheric Chemistry at CaltechCaltech Chemistry is known for its constant experimentation with all kinds of chemicals and especially with the newest one: the sun. To that end, several classes at Caltech offer a course entitled 'The Role of Atmospheric Chemistry' to learn about that very subject. The aim of this class is to keep students informed about how the environment affects their lives and to increase their awareness about global environmental problems.The classes for this subject are offered by the Department of Earth Sciences (EES) as part of their Department of Chemistry. The teacher of the class, Dr. Scott Chamberlain, conducts lectures on topics such as ozone depletion, carbon dioxide chemistry, marine biology, air pollution, and new climate change. These are some of the aspects of this major that may be covered in these classes. If you are considering a career as a scientist in the environmental field, you can take advantage of a course like this one.You may have heard of one of the professors who led the research that discovered lead in ancient Mexican mummies, but there is another person who is considered by many to be the real hero. He is David H. Gluck, professor emeritus of physics and astronomy. He is a pioneer in the field of atmospheric chemistry and a tireless advocate for the preservation of the environment.Gluck was instrumental in discovering lead contamination in the environment by studying the fallout of the atomic bombings of Japan. Not only did he develop the first analytical method to detect these pollutants, he also learned the value of environmental preservation while conducting the study. If you have ever wondered about this, this professor's story is a good example of the type of person you would want to be working in the field of science.Other classes at Caltech will be taught by another scientist who is known as the 'father of atmospheric chemistry.' This is Dr. Robert Stewart, and the topic for this class is 'Ozo ne and Climate,' which explains the role of oxygen as a greenhouse gas.For this course, Stewart offers lecture sessions on the evolution of ozone from its formation in the upper atmosphere to its destruction by ultraviolet radiation, the effects of ozone on the Earth's climate, and the 'cosmic wind' that brings oxygen to the surface and life to the oceans. Just as important is the inclusion of a list of environmental materials such as food, clothing, and electronics that are made from ozone, and why you should be concerned about this harmful pollutant.Many other classes at Caltech have their own perspectives on the role of science in the overall protection of the environment. One class teaches students how to look at the creation of a planet and its development as an organism through a series of charts. You may also find some classes, such as those on the environment and the health effects of pollution, as being fun and interesting.