Environmental Physics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Students are introduced to the application of physics to environmental problems (from climate change to air pollution). In addition, the
course deals with state-of-the-art experimental and modelling approaches widely used in the environmental research field. The main
goal of the course is to draw students to the complexity and multi-disciplinary character of the applications of physics to the study of
the environment and processes governing it.
course deals with state-of-the-art experimental and modelling approaches widely used in the environmental research field. The main
goal of the course is to draw students to the complexity and multi-disciplinary character of the applications of physics to the study of
the environment and processes governing it.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students:
1.will be able to discuss about environmental issues related to the atmosphere using the correct scientific approach and dealing with
the multiple interactions among different components and formation/transformation/deposition processes;
2.will be able to describe physical-chemical processes underlying the themes of interest (E.g. greenhouse effect, ozone hole,
photochemical smog, atmospheric aerosols, ) both in terms of their phenomenology and using proper theory;
3.will know experimental methods and principles of operation to characterise physical-chemical-optical properties of atmospheric
components;
4.will know basic principles of modelling approaches to study and forecast atmospheric pollutants.
1.will be able to discuss about environmental issues related to the atmosphere using the correct scientific approach and dealing with
the multiple interactions among different components and formation/transformation/deposition processes;
2.will be able to describe physical-chemical processes underlying the themes of interest (E.g. greenhouse effect, ozone hole,
photochemical smog, atmospheric aerosols, ) both in terms of their phenomenology and using proper theory;
3.will know experimental methods and principles of operation to characterise physical-chemical-optical properties of atmospheric
components;
4.will know basic principles of modelling approaches to study and forecast atmospheric pollutants.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Main topics are:
- Atmosphere's structure and composition. The planetary boundary layer: physical properties and methodologies for its characterisation. Radiation-matter interaction (scattering, absorption and extinction processes).
- The Greenhouse effect. Earth-Sun radiative balance. Greenhouse gases properties. The role of atmospheric aerosols: direct and indirect radiative forcing. The feedback processes.
- Stratospheric ozone: production and destruction chemical reactions. Ozone global distribution. The "ozone hole": the role of chemical reactions and atmospheric dynamics. The polar stratospheric clouds and heterogeneous chemistry reactions. Linkage between stratospheric ozone and climate
- Tropospheric ozone and photochemical smog. Chemical reactions of ozone production and destruction. Measurement methods and current legislation. Effects on human health and vegetation. Typical patterns in different environments.
- Gaseous pollutants: Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulphur compounds. Emission sources. Effects on human health and the environment. Measurement methods and current legislation.
- Atmospheric aerosols: formation processes and emission sources. Physical-chemical characteristics: size, morphology, surface area, and composition. Impacts on environment, human health, and cultural heritage. Introduction to: nucleation phenomena, aerosol dynamics in the atmosphere and deposition processes, electrical and optical properties.
- Sampling methods (online and offline). Filtration theory.
- Analytical techniques for the detection of the elemental (e.g. ED-XRF, IBA, ICP-MS, ), ionic (IC), and carbonaceous (e.g. TOT) components of atmospheric aerosol. Current legislation.
- Aerosol optical properties (extinction, absorption, scattering). Experimental techniques for characterising optical properties of atmospheric aerosol.
- Atmosphere's structure and composition. The planetary boundary layer: physical properties and methodologies for its characterisation. Radiation-matter interaction (scattering, absorption and extinction processes).
- The Greenhouse effect. Earth-Sun radiative balance. Greenhouse gases properties. The role of atmospheric aerosols: direct and indirect radiative forcing. The feedback processes.
- Stratospheric ozone: production and destruction chemical reactions. Ozone global distribution. The "ozone hole": the role of chemical reactions and atmospheric dynamics. The polar stratospheric clouds and heterogeneous chemistry reactions. Linkage between stratospheric ozone and climate
- Tropospheric ozone and photochemical smog. Chemical reactions of ozone production and destruction. Measurement methods and current legislation. Effects on human health and vegetation. Typical patterns in different environments.
- Gaseous pollutants: Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulphur compounds. Emission sources. Effects on human health and the environment. Measurement methods and current legislation.
- Atmospheric aerosols: formation processes and emission sources. Physical-chemical characteristics: size, morphology, surface area, and composition. Impacts on environment, human health, and cultural heritage. Introduction to: nucleation phenomena, aerosol dynamics in the atmosphere and deposition processes, electrical and optical properties.
- Sampling methods (online and offline). Filtration theory.
- Analytical techniques for the detection of the elemental (e.g. ED-XRF, IBA, ICP-MS, ), ionic (IC), and carbonaceous (e.g. TOT) components of atmospheric aerosol. Current legislation.
- Aerosol optical properties (extinction, absorption, scattering). Experimental techniques for characterising optical properties of atmospheric aerosol.
Prerequisites for admission
A knowledge of classical and modern physics, acquired during the three-year Bachelor's degree in Physics, is required. The course is therefore suitable for Master's degree students.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures (42 hours), delivered exclusively in person. Attendance is strongly recommended as the lectures involve significant interaction with students to develop their ability to identify physical processes and apply the correct theory to the topics in applied physics covered in the course, and to learn how to make the necessary connections between the topics covered relating to the complex system of the atmosphere and its components.
Teaching Resources
Teaching resources (e.g. lecture slides, scientific papers, reports,...) are available at the course website on the Unimi-Ariel platform.
Reference text-books:
- J.H. Seinfeld, S.N. Pandis: "Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics", John Wiley & sons
- W.C. Hinds: "Aerosol Technology. Properties, behavior and measurement of airborne particles", Wiley Interscience
- H.B. Singh: "Composition, Chemistry and Climate of the Atmosphere", Van Nostrand Reinhold
- Hewitt & Jackson: «HANDBOOK OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE», Blackwell Science ltd, disponibile online in biblioteca d'Ateneo
- aa.vv.: "Atmospheric Aerosols", Edited by C. Tomasi, S. Fuzzi, A. Kokhanovsky, Wiley
- S.K. Friedlander: "Smoke, Dust, and Haze", Oxford University Press
- Colbeck I., Lazaridis M. "Aerosol Science. Technology and Applications", Wiley Interscience
- Bohren and Huffman (2004): Absorption and scattering of light by small particles
- aa.vv.: "AEROSOL MEASUREMENT: Principles, Techniques and Applications", edited by Kulkarni, Baron, and Willeke
- Vincent: "Aerosol Sampling: Science, Standards, Instrumentation and Applications", ed. Wiley & sons
Many topics of the course can be also find in online books not listed above but available on the University digital library (or books available at the physical library).
Reference text-books:
- J.H. Seinfeld, S.N. Pandis: "Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics", John Wiley & sons
- W.C. Hinds: "Aerosol Technology. Properties, behavior and measurement of airborne particles", Wiley Interscience
- H.B. Singh: "Composition, Chemistry and Climate of the Atmosphere", Van Nostrand Reinhold
- Hewitt & Jackson: «HANDBOOK OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE», Blackwell Science ltd, disponibile online in biblioteca d'Ateneo
- aa.vv.: "Atmospheric Aerosols", Edited by C. Tomasi, S. Fuzzi, A. Kokhanovsky, Wiley
- S.K. Friedlander: "Smoke, Dust, and Haze", Oxford University Press
- Colbeck I., Lazaridis M. "Aerosol Science. Technology and Applications", Wiley Interscience
- Bohren and Huffman (2004): Absorption and scattering of light by small particles
- aa.vv.: "AEROSOL MEASUREMENT: Principles, Techniques and Applications", edited by Kulkarni, Baron, and Willeke
- Vincent: "Aerosol Sampling: Science, Standards, Instrumentation and Applications", ed. Wiley & sons
Many topics of the course can be also find in online books not listed above but available on the University digital library (or books available at the physical library).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral examination lasting approximately one hour. The oral examination will assess the candidate's knowledge of the scientific issues relating to the various topics, the theoretical foundations and the experimental methodologies required for the study of the processes and parameters covered during the course. In particular, the assessment will focus on understanding the complex 'atmosphere' system, the physics underlying the phenomena described, the ability to clearly and concisely outline the key points in any case studies that may be presented during the examination, and the ability to explain the interconnections between the various topics covered in lectures.
PHYS-06/A - Physics for Life Sciences, Environment, and Cultural Heritage - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Vecchi Roberta
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
office at the Physics Dept. (via Celoria 16), building E, room n.R007