The student must acquire the basic theoretical knowledge necessary to enable, in subsequent years, the study of mineralogy, geochemistry, and all subjects that require basic chemical knowledge.
Course Prerequisites
Mathematical tools and concepts: basic knowledge of mathematical analysis, logarithms and exponential functions, proportions – not forgetting arithmetic and elementary trigonometry. Physical tools and concepts: the concept of energy (potential, kinetic, electrostatic) and mass. No prior knowledge of chemistry is required.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, partly supported by electronic presentations and partly carried out on the blackboard, with periodic exercises when needed. Electronic teaching materials are distributed to students.
Assessment Methods
The oral exam, lasting about 30–40 minutes, first includes verification of (1) knowledge of the periodic table of the elements and the electronic configuration of atoms, and (2) knowledge of basic chemical nomenclature (oxides, hydroxides, salts, binary acids, and oxoacids). Two main topics are then discussed, for example: (1) Lewis theory of covalent bonding, (2) valence bond theory, (3) ionic bonding, (4) states of matter, (5) thermodynamics, (6) redox processes, (7) acids and bases, (8) phase diagrams, (9) inorganic chemistry (iron, copper, aluminum), (10) coordination chemistry, (11) nuclear chemistry, (12) organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, functional groups, fossil fuels).
Texts
Autore: Nivaldo J. Tro Titolo: Introduzione alla Chimica Casa editrice: Pearson (Ed. 2018) ISBN-10 : 8891904538 ISBN-13 : 978-8891904539
Autori: L. Palmisano, M. Schiavello Titolo: Elementi di Chimica Casa editrice: EdiSES (Ed. 2020) ISBN-10 : 8836230237 ISBN-13 : 978-8836230235
Contents
The course aims to provide students with the fundamental tools needed to: Understand the electronic structure of atoms and the periodic table of the elements. Understand chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, metallic, non-bonding interactions). Understand the states of matter (solid, liquid, gaseous, and solutions). Understand chemical equilibrium through the analysis of acid–base and redox reactions, as well as by means of an elementary thermodynamic treatment. Learn the basic tools of stoichiometry necessary for the quantitative interpretation of chemical relationships. Understand the foundations and nomenclature of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The instructor is available, by appointment, to provide clarifications, either in the office or remotely. Students who are unable to attend lectures, for example due to work or health reasons, must contact the instructor to arrange meetings, also online, in order to receive supplementary teaching support and to verify their level of learning and understanding.
