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

This course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of general and inorganic chemistry required to understand the chemical processes underlying biological phenomena from an atomic and molecular perspective. In particular, the course seeks to: • Develop a thorough understanding of atomic structure and its relationship to the chemical properties and reactivity of elements, including their ability to form chemical bonds • Introduce the principles of stoichiometry and thermodynamics, enabling students to grasp the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions, including energetic considerations • Examine chemical reactions in aqueous solutions, chemical equilibria, acid-base and redox reactions, with particular focus on their relevance in biological systems • Provide the foundations of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics as applied to biochemical processes • Foster the ability to apply chemical methods and concepts to the understanding of living systems

To successfully follow the course, it is recommended that students possess a foundational background in mathematics and physics at secondary school level. In particular, the following are essential: -Familiarity with algebraic operations, literal expressions, proportions, equations, and basic functions -Basic knowledge of the International System of Units (SI) and fundamental concepts such as mass, volume, density, energy, and temperature -Ability to apply the scientific method and to interpret numerical and graphical data No prior knowledge of chemistry is required, as all fundamental concepts will be introduced progressively during the course.

The course will be delivered through traditional lectures, during which the concepts outlined in the syllabus will be introduced. It will be complemented by classroom-based numerical exercises (stoichiometry), aimed at applying selected concepts covered during the lectures.

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.

Student learning will be supported and monitored through in-class discussion of the topics covered. Throughout the course, students will be actively engaged in solving stoichiometric exercises to encourage preparation and assess ongoing progress. Final assessment consists of a written examination lasting two hours. The exam will include six theoretical questions (each correct answer worth a maximum of 2 marks out of 30) and six stoichiometric calculation exercises (each correct exercise worth a maximum of 3 marks out of 30). A total score of at least 18 out of 30 is required to pass the exam.

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: Students will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge related to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including moles, chemical reactions, bonding and molecular structure, states of matter, solutions, equilibria, solution pH, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Students will also develop an appropriate and accurate scientific vocabulary. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to: recognise and name the most common inorganic chemical compounds; balance chemical reactions; perform stoichiometric calculations; solve problems related to gases, solutions, acid-base properties of substances, and chamical equilibria; correlate chemical structure with the physical properties and reactivity of compounds; Autonomy of judgement: Students will cultivate the ability to interpret and rationalise chemical reactions using a critical, methodological, and scientific approach—moving beyond just memorisation—and apply these skills to further studies in other areas of chemistry and biochemistry. Communication skills: Students will be able to use appropriate scientific language effectively and accurately.