Ateneo - UPO

Laboratory exercises aimed to apply the fundamentals of IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, group theory and the kinetics of chemical reactions. See "Programma esteso" (Extended Program) for more detailed information.

P.W. Atkins, “Physical Chemistry", 6th edition, Oxford University Press;
P.W. Atkins, “Chimica Fisica", Zanichelli, Bologna (VI edizione, XI English version);
Collana Schaum "Teoria e problemi di Chimica Fisica" - ETAS Libri

The purpose of this course is to enable students to apply the basic notions concerning the kinetics of chemical reactions and the fundamentals of optical spectroscopy in real-world problems through laboratory experiences. These experiences allow students to acquire the required knowledge and skills to approach the use of tools normally used in chemical laboratories, such as UV-Visible and FT-IR spectrometers.
Communication skills: the results of the experiences will first be discussed in a collegial way with the students and then they will have to be described in a report that the students will have to deliver and discuss during the examination.
This will allow acquiring the necessary communication skills and acquiring and knowing how to use an appropriate chemical vocabulary in relation to the experimental topics covered in the course, and to write reports on laboratory activities and to interpret the results of the experiments made. The communication skills will also be stimulated through the drafting of the laboratory notebook.
Autonomy of judgment: students will be stimulated to critically analyze the results obtained in practical experiences, identifying possible errors and proposing solutions.
Learning skills: the ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study will be stimulated, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of superior knowledge and for a continuous updating.

It is recommend the acquisition of the topics covered in the course of Physical Chemistry II.

Introductory lectures on practical laboratory experiences, to recall the chemical-physical bases needed to understand the procedures and comment on the results. During these lessons the experiments that students will have to do in the lab will be explained in detail. The student will have to complete a laboratory book and to work in groups (two or three students) both for practical experience and for the preparation of the final written report. The ability to learn and autonomy of judgment will be taught through a collegial discussion of the results obtained during the laboratory.

A first level of learning control is made on the basis of a discussion of the data obtained during which the students illustrate the experiences made in the laboratory and critically comment on the results. This is done at the conclusion of each specific topic discussed. Further monitoring is done on the basis of a written report.

The final exam will include a discussion of a report of a laboratory experience and verification of learning the theoretical basis of the discipline.
The presence at the laboratory course is compulsory. It is required for the student to compile a laboratory book to develop the ability to describe a practical experience and collect data in a proper way. The student must also produce a written report containing a critical analysis of the results obtained in the experience to develop the ability to draw conclusions from the experiences and communication skills.
The final judgment will be based on the evaluation of the written report and an oral test consisting of 4 questions, two of which will be related to the discussion of two of the experiences described in the report, one will be based on the theoretical basis (illustrated during the introduction lessons) of one of the practical experiences , and one will relate to the operating principles of one of the instruments or techniques used in the laboratory.
This modality of examination allows to evaluate the ability to learn, the ability to apply them to real cases, the ability to collect and critically analyze the results obtained, the communication skills in exposing the work done.
To overcome the test, the student must at least demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics and their applications in the lab. Excellence is achieved by also evaluating the student's ability to reason on topics similar to those proposed in class.
The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated.

The basic aspects of the kinetics of chemical reactions will be treated, with particular interest on laws regulating the rate of chemical reactions. Examples of some simple reactions will be given. Kinetics parameters of more complex reactions, with particular reference to the effects caused by the presence of catalysts, will be illustrated. The procedures for resolution of exercises of kinetics applied to chemical processes will be explained. Elements of rotational and roto-vibrational spectroscopy will be recalled and the inertia moments and bond distances of HCl and CO will be determined. The laboratory experiments will concern the use of IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies. It will be followed, with the help of different spectroscopic techniques, kinetics of a reaction catalyzed in homogeneous phase. Rotational and roto-vibrational spectra of HCl in vapour phase will be analysed. The group theory will be used to analyse the spectrum of benzene.
Students will also be shown how to effectively draft scientific reports and the laboratory notebook and will be shown how to use the teaching material for further study.

Knowledge and understanding: Basic knowledge of IR and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods, basic of kinetics applied to chemical reactions.
Applying knowledge and
understanding: ability to collect data in a suitable way and to fill in a laboratory notebook; ability to apply the theory in the execution and understanding of the laboratory experiments and to the explanation of the results.
Making judgements: skill to critically analyze the results of the practical experiences, understanding possible errors and suggesting solutions.
Communication skills: ability to report on the work done (and generally on chemical-scientific topics) in a precise, concise and clear manner, both in written and oral form. Ability to effectively draft the final report and the laboratory notebook. Acquisition of a proper scientific language.
Learning skills: ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of superior knowledge and for a continuous updating.
The ability to learn is followed in class by discussing the experiences carried out in the laboratory and is evaluated during the examination by discussing the reports produced by the student.