• University of Leeds

Discovering Science: Atmospheric Chemistry

What can we learn about Earth, and other planets in and beyond our solar system, by studying their atmospheres?

15,316 enrolled on this course

Discovering Science: Atmospheric Chemistry

15,316 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 5 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Why join the course?

Learn about the role that radiation and greenhouse gases play in our understanding of atmospheric chemistry. As levels of CO2 in the atmosphere increase, you will discover the solutions scientists are exploring to reduce levels. And, discover how missions to other planets and moons in our solar system are revealing extraordinarily diverse atmospheres. Explore how an exponential increase in the discovery of new exoplanets is helping us learn about the evolution of our own atmosphere.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 9 seconds Learn about the atmospheres of the planets in our solar system, and develop your understanding of their extraordinary chemistry. In week one, Professor Dwayne Heard introduces you to the topical issue of climate and pollution. Discover what chemistry can tell us about the future health of our atmosphere, and begin to understand the complexity of climate change. In week two, discover how missions to other planets and moons in our solar system are revealing extraordinarily diverse atmospheres. Learn how the evolution of our own atmosphere is being understood through the recent discovery of more than 1,000 exoplanets around the stars in our galaxy.

Skip to 0 minutes and 55 seconds As part of the Discovering Science Programme, this course will demonstrate how science is communicated and will further develop your science writing skills, helping you reach a wider audience.

Skip to 1 minute and 7 seconds Sign up now for Discovering Science: Atmospheric Chemistry.

What topics will you cover?

  • The chemistry of atmospheric pollution.
  • The role that radiation and greenhouse gases play in atmospheric chemistry.
  • The role of chemical feedbacks.
  • An introduction to the FAGE container.
  • The research conducted using the FAGE container to predict climate and air quality.
  • Chemical solutions for reducing the amount of Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere.
  • The influence of humans on recent climate change.
  • Assignment: prepare interview questions to demonstrate an understanding of lowering CO2 emissions.
  • The role of chemistry in understanding the atmospheres in the solar system.
  • Space exploration in the media.
  • The evolution of technology in aiding knowledge of planetary atmospheres.
  • The Cassini-Huygens space mission.
  • Similarities and differences between Titan’s and Earth’s atmospheres.
  • The search for life or a habitable planet.
  • Assignment: a peer-reviewed task to write a press release about a space mission.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

This course has been accredited by the CPD Certification Service, which means it can be used to provide evidence of your continuing professional development.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the chemistry behind climate and pollution in Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Assess the future of living with climate change, the contributing impact humans are making and possible solutions.
  • Explore how knowledge of chemistry helps us to understand the planets in the solar system.
  • Assess the impact of current space missions and how these may help us find life on other planets.

Who is the course for?

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.

Who will you learn with?

I'm from West Yorkshire. I'm a Professor at the University of Leeds & Dean : Student Education. I research cancer & evolution https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/210/professor-paul-taylor

I'm a research scientist/Teaching Fellow within the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds, interested in the structure-based design of novel medicines for infectious diseases.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 11 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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