Instrumental Analysis In this course we will learn fundamental concepts of instrumental analysis and scientific writing. Lecture topics include experimental design and quality control; sample collection and preparation; calibration, error, and data analysis; statistics; and the theory and operation of chemical instrumentation. Multi-week laboratory projects provide hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis using a variety of research-quality instrumentation (e.g., UV/Vis spectrophotometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, voltammetry and amperometry). Writing workshops promote professional scientific writing skills through guided practice in writing analysis, peer review, and revision. (CHEM 0203 or CHEM 0205 and CHEM 0211) 3 hr. lect., 3 hr. Lab.

Community-Engaged Environmental Studies Practicum In this course students work in small groups with one of a variety of partners and organizations to complete a semester-long, community-engaged project. Project themes vary by term and typically focus on local and regional environmental issues that have broader application. Projects rely on students’ creativity, interdisciplinary perspectives, skills, and knowledge developed through their previous work. The project is guided by a faculty member and carried out with a high degree of independence by the students. Students will prepare for and direct their project work through readings and discussion, independent research, collaboration with project partners, and consultation with external experts. The course may also include workshops focused on developing key skills (e.g., interviewing, public speaking, video editing). The project culminates in a public presentation of students’ final products, which may various forms such as written reports, policy white papers, podcasts, or outreach materials. (Open to Seniors) (ENVS  0112 OR APES[5]) AND (ENVS  0211 OR PSCI  0211) AND (ENAM 0215 OR ENVS  0215 OR ENGL  0215) AND (GEOG  0120 OR ENVS  0120 OR GEOG  0150 OR ENVS  0150 OR ENVS  0251 OR GEOG  0251 OR ENVS 0261 OR GEOG  0261 OR ENVS  0271 OR GEOG  0271 OR ENVS  0281 OR GEOG  0281 OR GEOG 0252))

Environmental Chemistry & Health In this course we will investigate the relationships between the molecular structure of major classes of environmental pollutants and their properties, environmental fate and transport, and environmental health concerns. Through readings, discussion, and quantitative problem solving, we will examine the chemistry governing global transport and accumulation of pollutants in soils/sediments, waters, the atmosphere, and biota, including the human body. We will examine patterns and causes of environmental injustice associated with toxic exposures and approaches for promoting a more sustainable and just chemical enterprise. Laboratory projects will focus on methods for monitoring and remediating pollution, for elucidating pollutant properties and behavior, and for understanding place-based factors that govern the nature and magnitude of pollution. (any 0200-level CHEM course) 3 hr. lect., 3 hr. lab.

Science of Environmental Systems We will utilize a systems approach to study selected environmental topics as we learn how to integrate scientific principles of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. We will also explore intentionally interdisciplinary approaches such as socioecological and regenerative systems frameworks. In lecture, we will take a more global approach as we examine climate change, water, energy, biodiversity, ecosystem services, pollution, and agriculture. We will discover emerging knowledge that is shaping potential solutions and learn how to evaluate such efforts through a systems science lens. In the lab units, we will investigate local manifestations of human-environment relationships through experiential, hands-on, embodied approaches.

Foundations of Analytical Chemistry In this course we will introduce fundamental concepts of analytical chemistry. Topics will include the tools and vocabulary of analytical chemistry, data evaluation, method standardization, sources of error, sample collection and preparation, chemical equilibrium, and titrations. The laboratory component of this course will give students hands-on experience with the tools and techniques in analytical chemistry, including using analytical glassware, calibration and experimental design, data handling and visualization, lab report generation, and keeping a scientific notebook. Lab projects will incorporate UV/Vis, titration, separation, and electrochemical methods for chemical, biomedical, and/or environmental applications. (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107) 3 hr. lect., 3 hr. lab.

Instrumental Analysis In this course we will learn fundamental concepts of analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and scientific writing. Lecture topics include experimental design and quality control; sample collection and preparation; calibration, error, and data analysis; statistics; and the theory and operation of chemical instrumentation. Multi-week laboratory projects provide hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis using a variety of research-quality instrumentation (e.g., UV/Vis spectrophotometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Writing workshops promote professional scientific writing skills through guided practice in writing analysis, peer review, and revision. (CHEM 0204 or CHEM 0242) 3 hr. lect., 6 hrs. lab.

Environmental Chemistry & Health IIn this course we will investigate the relationship between molecular structure and the behavior of chemical pollutants in natural and built environments, the science underlying health effects of toxic exposures, and environmental justice concerns associated with pollutant exposures. Through readings and active problem solving, we will examine the chemistry governing global transport and partitioning of chemicals among soils/sediments, waters, the atmosphere, and biota (including humans), as well as contaminant remediation strategies. We will study foundational principles of environmental toxicology and take a case study approach to identifying patterns of environmental injustice. In the laboratory, we will apply methods for monitoring pollution, understanding pollutant behavior, and assessing toxicity.

Seminar in Chemical Research This seminar provides students with experiences to support the preparation of a senior thesis. As the course involves participation in a mentored laboratory project and the intent to complete a senior thesis, students must make arrangements to work with a faculty advisor prior to gaining approval for course registration. The classroom portion of this seminar focuses on reading the scientific literature, giving effective oral presentations, and writing the thesis introduction. Particular emphasis will be given to computer and technology issues related to oral and written presentations. Participation will normally be followed by registration for CHEM 0500 or CHEM 0700 (winter term and spring).

Molly Costanza-Robinson

Reviews and ratings for Molly Costanza-Robinson at Middlebury College.Molly Costanza-Robinson teaches Instrumental Analysis, Community Engaged Practicum, Environmental Chemistry and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Molly Costanza-Robinson good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really enjoyed environmental chemistry. As an environmental chemistry major I was excited to take this class and it definitely felt like a culmination of all I had learned in the ES and chem departments. The class is an interesting mix of humanities and STEM; we read and discuss a book and readings about the chemical industry and justice and also do problem sets, lab reports and quizzes. Lab reports were definitely the hardest, most time consuming work. In each lab we were expected to write a full report which was quite difficult. Molly is a more difficult grader than most profs in the chem department; be prepared for that.

This course is definitely a what you make of it type of course. One thing that I found issue with was the large number of check-ins / progress reports that we had to do during class that took away from project time. Your experience in this class will depend on who is in your project group and if you get a project that you find exciting. 

This class is exactly what you expect. Lecture about the reading and then labs. The labs at times felt disconnected, but that was okay. Take my review with a grain of salt because I do not like environmental science as a subject.