Ateneo - UPO

Elements of thermodynamics aimed at understanding the laboratory experiments; lab exercises of thermodynamics, thermochemistry and electrochemistry; use of chemical software. See "Programma esteso" (Extended Program) for more detailed information.

The reference textbook is:
P. Atkins “Physical Chemistry” (ed. 5 and following).
Material given from the teacher

In this laboratory module, the student’s preparation is completed with practical experiences using simple chemical-physical instruments to develop the knowledge and the ability to perform simple laboratory procedures (requiring the use of specific physico-chemical tools) and stimulate the ability to draw conclusions on the results of experiments in relation to some concepts learned in the theoretical course (making judgement skills). Moreover, the student will develop the skills by acquiring an appropriate vocabulary, also thanks to the preparation and then to the oral discussion of a report containing the main results obtained in the laboratory and to the preparation of the laboratory book.
It is expected that the student will develop the critical ability to draw conclusions on the main topics discussed during the course.
The development of practical experiences will also make it possible to verify the learning ability of the basic topics of physical chemistry 1.

Students are expected to have followed the course of Physical Chemistry I.

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 control of the learning process will be carried out by discussing experimental results at the end of each laboratory experiments. A further check will be made on the basis of the final report produced by the students. 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/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities 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 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 3 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.
The report must be delivered to the teacher at lest 7 days before the exam. 
This exam allows you to evaluate the acquired theoretical knowledge and the learning skills, the ability to apply them to real cases, the ability to collect and critically analyze the obtained results, the communicative 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 proving to have independent judgment even on topics not directly covered in the course.
The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated. A positive evaluation of the theory exam is needed to have access the laboratory exam.

The course aims to provide the essential elements to complete the knowledge already described in the theoretical course of Physical Chemistry 1.
It will be organized in a first part of presentation of laboratory experiences (with the explanation of the key steps of the reactions to be performed and the illustration of some techniques to be employed) and an experimental part.
Particular attention will be given to thermodynamic and thermochemical concepts. In particular, calorimetry experiments will be performed to determine the enthalpy of simple combustion, neutralization, dissolution and fusion reactions. The relative density of pure and mixed liquids will also be measured. Specific experiences are also proposed to observe the validity of Bolyle's law and to measure the vapor pressure of a gas. Finally, UV-Vis spectroscopy will be used to determine the pKa of an indicator.
Lab experiments will be supported by computer lessons during which students will be shown some software of chemical-physical interest in molecular graphic modeling.
The experiences are organized i to stimulate the students' learning capacity, adding practical concepts to the basic theory.
The student will be guided to the preparation of the laboratory workbook, which must clearly report the data of each experiment and to the preparation of the scientific report that effectively describes the results of the experiments carried out.

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the basic concepts of thermodynamics and thermochemistry. Basic knowledge of calorimetric methods (calorimeter of combustion, solution and differential scanning calorimeter) and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods. Use of instruments to measure liquid density. Use of systems and methods for determination of gas properties. Using software to visualize molecules. Learning of an appropriate 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. It is evaluated during the oral examination by describing the data obtained from practical experiences.

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.