Ateneo - UPO

The course includes the introduction of the main concepts of classical thermodynamics useful for the definition of the concept of energy and spontaneity of chemical reactions and physical transformations. The main physical-chemical processes relevant to the dynamics of the climate and the environment will be treated with particular attention to the impact of energy production on climate change.

lecturer's notes;P.W. Atkins e J. De Paula, "Chimica Fisica", Zanichelli
Colin Baird, "Chimica Ambientale", Zanichelli.
B. J. Finlayson-Pitts e J. N. Pitts, “Atmospheric Chemistry”, John Wiley and Sons.

The course is divided into lectures in which the student will approach the fundamental principles that govern the properties and behavior of matter through a macroscopic / phenomenological but also microscopic approach. The interpretative tools necessary for understanding the environmental and energy issues and for evaluating its possible solutions are provided.

Knowledge deriving from the basic courses of General Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Lectures in the classroom, exercises guided and performed by students, collegial discussion sessions. During the course, students will be stimulated to interact with the teacher and solving exercises in collegiate sessions will allow them to stimulate the application of knowledge, learning skills and autonomy of judgment.

Theoretical lessons include many practical examples. Especially for the thermodynamics part, students are asked to carry out exercises on the blackboard and to discuss the results collectively. The preparation of a short seminar will be required to deepen environmental and energy issues.

The evaluation of the preparation will take place with an oral test. Sufficiency is achieved by showing basic knowledge and skills on the topics covered in the course and the possession of an adequate vocabulary. Excellence is achieved by demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the topics required in the oral exam and demonstrating a critical sense. The oral exam consists of some questions on the various topics covered, with the aim of evaluating in an extensive and in-depth way the candidate's preparation, critical sense and ability to learn.
The students' communication skills will be assessed during the oral exam in relation to the language used by the students to answer the various questions asked.

Fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and its applications in real situations. Introduction to the principles of classical thermodynamics; internal energy, enthalpy and entropy. Thermochemistry. Helmholtz and Gibbs functions. Phase changes and physical transformations. Phase diagrams. Chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium. Introduction to environmental problems: the problem of anthropogenic pollution and depletion of the ozone layer, radiation-matter interaction, greenhouse effect and energy balance models, the concept of tropospheric aerosol. The main non-renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment. Renewable energy sources: solar radiation and thermal processes, photosynthesis and biomass, photovoltaic effect, nuclear energy.

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the basic principles and methods of Classical Thermodynamics; knowledge of the main state functions and their relationships, of the calculation of heat, work and efficiency; knowledge of the concept and use of the chemical potential, also in relation to the laws of chemical equilibrium; application to simple model problems. Knowledge of the basic principles of the effects of pollution on the environment. Understanding of the main effects of human activity on the earth's climate with particular attention to energy sources. Basic preparation on the various energy sources and discussion of the associated advantages and disadvantages.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to solve physical and chemical problems involving thermodynamic laws; ; ability to recognize and quantify elements related to thermodynamics in complex problems and processes; ability to use the knowledge acquired in the field of environmental and energy problems to understand simulated data or data relating to a real problem.

Autonomy of judgment: ability to critically analyze the elements related to classical thermodynamics and aspects related to environmental and energetic issues.
Communication skills: ability to relate on scientific topics, and in particular chemical-physical, in a precise, concise and clear way, both in writing and orally. It is assessed during the exam by analyzing the language used by students in answering oral questions.

Learning skills: ability to use didactic material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of higher knowledge and for continuous updating.