Ateneo - UPO

The Module A (1CFU) explores the dual nature of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemical substances and materials, highlighting the relationship between molecular structure, physicochemical properties, technological applications, and safety aspects. Following an introduction to the phenomenon of chemophobia, the course examines the concept of chemical hazard, the classification of chemicals under the CLP Regulation and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and the main properties governing the behaviour of industrially relevant substances. Through selected case studies involving widely used chemicals and major industrial chemical accidents, the Module A discusses the dual nature of chemical substances and introduces the concept of dual use, with reference to the principal international frameworks governing the control of chemical substances.

Teaching materials (lecture slides) will be made available through the DIR online learning platform.
For further reading:
Chemical Weapons Convention: https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention/download-convention
OPCW, Chemistry in Conflict – Workbook (3rd Edition): https://www.opcw.org/sites/default/files/documents/2018/11/Chemistry%20in%20Conflict%20workbook_3rd%20Edition_November%202018_2.pdf

The Module A (1CFU) aims to provide a scientific perspective on the dual nature of chemistry, highlighting how the intrinsic properties of chemical substances and materials can be exploited both for highly beneficial technological and industrial applications and, under certain circumstances, may also represent potential sources of risk.
The Module A addresses the topic of chemophobia by introducing students to a critical scientific evaluation of the physicochemical properties of chemical substances, their reactivity, and their modes of use. It also examines the chemical principles underlying the main threats arising from the misuse of widely used industrial chemicals and materials.

A sound knowledge of the fundamental principles of General and Inorganic Chemistry is required, with particular reference to atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties of the elements, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical equilibria, the reactivity of the main classes of inorganic compounds, and the physicochemical properties of chemical substances.
These prerequisite knowledge and skills are acquired through successful completion of the course Fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry and Laboratory.

The course is delivered through in person lectures, supported by multimedia presentations. Teaching activities include the presentation of the fundamental theoretical concepts, as well as the analysis and discussion of case studies involving industrially relevant chemicals and major industrial chemical accidents, with the aim of illustrating the relationship between the physicochemical properties of chemical substances, their applications, and safety aspects.
Examples drawn from the scientific literature, technical documentation, and relevant regulatory frameworks will also be discussed to provide further insight into the topics covered and to encourage active student participation.
The teaching materials (PDF files) used during the lectures will be made available on the DIR online learning platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-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 assessment of learning for module A takes place through a written test which includes
1. 7 multiple-choice questions, each evaluated 1 point, for a total of 7 points;
2. 1 open-ended question, evaluated up to 3 points.
The maximum score that can be achieved is 10 points.
To pass the course, it is necessary to achieve an evaluation of not less than 6/10.
The final grade of the course will be determined by the sum of the scores obtained in the three modules, for a maximum overall score of 30 points, corresponding to 30/30.

The module examines the dual nature of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemical substances and materials, highlighting how the same physicochemical characteristics can enable highly valuable scientific, technological, and industrial applications while, under specific conditions, also representing potential sources of risk.
Following a brief introduction to the phenomenon of chemophobia, the module explores the concept of chemical hazard, distinguishing it from risk and examining the principal properties that characterize industrially relevant substances, including reactivity, stability, flammability, explosivity, corrosivity, oxidizing capacity, and behaviour under different operating conditions. The principles of chemical hazard classification and risk communication will be introduced through the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and the European CLP Regulation, providing students with the tools to understand the relationship between the intrinsic properties of chemical substances, hazard classification, and their safe use.
The module then focuses on the dual nature of chemical substances, illustrating how the same compound may find application in a wide range of industrial and technological processes owing to its intrinsic chemical properties. Through selected case studies, particular attention will be devoted to industrially relevant chemicals, including ammonia, chlorine, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acid. For each compound, synthesis, physicochemical properties, industrial applications, handling procedures, and safety aspects will be discussed.
The concept of the dual use of chemical substances will subsequently be introduced, illustrating how chemicals and precursors developed for legitimate industrial purposes may also be employed in contexts different from those for which they were originally intended. The course will present the main international frameworks governing the control of sensitive chemicals, with particular emphasis on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the role of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in monitoring dual-use chemicals.
The final part of the module is devoted to the analysis of major industrial chemical accidents that have significantly contributed to the development of modern process safety and international chemical safety regulations. Through the study of the chemical transformations involved in the Oppau, Flixborough, Seveso, Bhopal, and Beirut accidents, students will examine the underlying reaction mechanisms, the operating conditions that led to these events, and their impact on the evolution of process safety engineering and chemical plant management.
The module concludes by emphasizing that a thorough understanding of the properties of chemical substances, their reactivity, and the conditions under which they are produced, handled, and used provides the scientific basis for understanding the dual nature of chemistry and for designing safer and more sustainable chemical processes, materials, and technologies.

Knowledge and Understanding: upon completion of the course, the knowledge required to describe the phenomenon of chemophobia from a scientific perspective; understand the relationship between the structure, properties, and applications of chemical substances; identify the principal physicochemical properties that determine the intrinsic hazards of chemical substances; understand the principles of chemical hazard classification and risk communication.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding: upon completion of the course, the ability to correlate the physicochemical properties of chemical substances with their industrial and technological applications; distinguish between the intrinsic hazard of a chemical substance and the risk associated with its use; analyse case studies involving industrially relevant chemicals by interpreting their properties, applications, handling procedures, and safety aspects.
Making Judgements: the ability to critically evaluate the role of chemical substances on the basis of their intrinsic properties will be developed, distinguishing between physicochemical characteristics, conditions of use, and potential risks, with particular reference to the major case studies discussed during the course.
Communication Skills: the ability to use appropriate scientific terminology to describe the properties, reactivity, applications, and safety aspects of chemical substances, as well as to discuss the principal topics covered in the course, will be acquired.
Learning Skills: the competencies required to independently deepen knowledge of the properties, classification, safety aspects, and major industrial applications of chemical substances will be developed through the consultation of scientific literature and relevant technical documentation.