Ateneo - UPO

The purpose of the course is to provide students the basic knowledge in general and inorganic chemistry. The connection with the various biological disciplines will be discussed, in particular with the use of examples and numerical exercises.

Theory (choose one):
- Kotz, Treichel, Townsend, Treichel ̶ Chimica, EdiSES, VI ed, 2017
- Silberberg, Amateis - Chimica, Mc Graw Hill, IV ed, 2019

Stoichiometry and exercises (choose one):
- M. Bruschi - Stechiometria e laboratorio di chimica generale, II ed, Pearson
- Caselli, Rizzato, Tessore ̶ Stechiometria, EdiSES, V ed, 2015

The course aims at introducing the students of the main understanding of chemical phenomena, with details of applicative aspects. A supplementary noteworthy effort will be set on the chemical behavior of aqueous solutions and related chemical reactions, to establish the necessary basis for supplementary chemistry courses and related biological courses.

Mathematics and scientific basic knowledge of secondary school.

Classroom lessons in which the main topics reported in the above mentioned program will be disseminated. Course is hereafter completed by practical classroom exercises to tackle a few of the exposed topics.

Learning Control: Interactive discussion of the explained topics will be stimulated. Students will be involved in the shared resolution of applicative exercises, to strengthen their knowledge and test actual progresses.

The final exam is a 2-hour written test, containing questions of both general chemistry (6 questions, each one may give max. 2 points) and applied stoichiometry exercises (6 numerical exercises, each one may give max. 3 points). The sum of the points must be at least 18 to pass the examination.

The matter: physical states, definition of matter (elements, compounds and mixtures). The atomic structure. Atoms and isotopes. Compounds and molecular representations (the laws of definite proportions and of multiple proportions). Atomic and molecular weights. Definition of a.m.u. Avogadro's Number and the concept of mole. Chemical reactions (oxidation numbers, balance of redox and non-redox reactions). The quanto-mechanical description of the atom (orbital concept, quantum numbers, the Aufbau principle). The Periodic Table and its correspondence with the electronic structure of elements. Periodic properties. The chemical bond: the octet rule, ionic bonds, covalent bonds in the theory of valence bond.
Hybrid orbitals. The concept of resonance. Bond order and bond lengths, multiple bonds. Electronegativity, polarity of bonds and molecules. Intermolecular forces (ion-dipole, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonds, induced dipoles, dispersion forces). The aggregation states of matter. Gas: definition and the law of perfect gases. Liquid and solid states. State changes (state diagrams). Solutions: concentrations and colligative properties. Thermodynamics: definitions, the principles of thermodynamics, enthalpy, entropy, free energy. Chemical kinetics: definitions and integrated kinetic laws (zero order, 1st and 2nd order), activation energy and the control of a reaction rate (Arrhenius' law), catalysts. Chemical reactions: the law of the action of masses and Le Chatelier principle, influence of experimental parameters on the chemical constants. Reactions in aqueous solutions. Autoprotonation of water and the pH, acid-base concepts, strong and weak acids and bases (classification and their strength, the structure of most important acids containing N, P, S and halogen elements), hydrolysis, buffer solutions. Products of solubility: definition and applications. Electrochemistry: standard potentials and Nernst's equation, galvanic and electrolitic cells, corrosion. Descriptive Chemistry: metals, semimetals and non-metals. Principal properties of these groups. Stoichiometry exercises related to these issues.

Knowledge and understanding:theoretical and operational knowledge related to the basic laws of chemistry (moles, reactions, bonds and molecular structure, matter states, solutions, equilibrium, pH, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry); development of an appropriate scientific language.Application of knowledge and understanding:become able to apply the theory for the assignment of chemical names for the most common inorganic compounds, to balance a chemical reaction, for the resolution of stoichiometry exercises, related to gases, solutions, to acid-base features of substances and to electrochemistry; become able to match a chemical structure to the related physical features and to the specific reactivity.Personal critical evaluation:become able to interpret chemical reactions with a critical approach, by applying a scientific method to be hereafter transferred to the incoming chemical and biochemical courses.Communicative skills:become able to manage an appropriate scientific language during the course comprehension tests.