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 and storage 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.

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.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special
Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff
Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli
Studenti, consulting the University webpage:
https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learningdisabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special
education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer
to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities,
concerning academic aspects.

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.