ABSTRACT
The background prerequisites for this textbook are general chemistry, mathematics up to calculus, and fluid mechanics. In very few instances, an elementary knowledge of calculus is used, but mostly the mathematical treatment makes intensive use of algebra. In fluid mechanics, the only sophisticated topic used is the Reynolds transport theorem. Although this topic is covered in an undergraduate course in fluid mechanics, it was thought advantageous to review it here. The other background prerequisite is general chemistry. Environmental engineering students and civil engineering students, in particular, seem to be very weak in chemistry. This part will therefore also provide a review of this topic. Depending upon the state of knowledge of the students, however, this part may or may not be discussed. This state of knowledge may be ascertained by the instructor in the very first few days of the course, and he or she can tailor the discussions accordingly.
