Ateneo - UPO

The course will cover topics of chemistry-physics applied to complex systems, and will focus on phenomena that occur in the atmosphere. The main photochemical reactions in the stratosphere and troposphere will be described and elements related to the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere will be given. The main pollution phenomena, such as the ozone hole and acid rain, will be addressed.

.W. Atkins, Physical Chemistry, VI Ed., Oxford University Press.
Mark Zemansky, Calore e Termodinamica", Zanichelli.
Colin Baird, Chimica Ambientale, Zanichelli.
B. J. Finlayson-Pitts e J. N. Pitts, “Atmospheric Chemistry”, John Wiley and Sons.

The course aims to provide students with the basic principles of physical chemistry to understand and describe the main physicochemical phenomena related to the environment, the effects of anthropogenic actions on humanity, and any modifications that affect their balance. The course will allow students to develop communicative skills by acquiring appropriate vocabulary related to the topics discussed. The course also aims to develop the ability to learn independently and the critical thinking that allows the student to draw conclusions on discussed topics.

No prerequisites required

The course includes frontal lessons in the classroom, where the topics covered will be presented and discussed with the students. Students (in groups of 2 or 3 people) will have to prepare and organise an oral presentation to deepen some of the topics agreed with the teacher. To this end, methods will be provided to make an adequate bibliographic search, and the students will be supported by the teacher in the organisation of the seminar.

The in itinere learning control will be carried out through the organisation of the seminar and the lecture dedicated to the processing of data provided by the teacher. The final evaluation will be carried out through the exposure of the oral presentation. 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/services-students-physical-orlearningdisabilities.
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 final exam will be based on the oral discussion to verify the learning of the topics addressed in class. Questions will be asked about the program and the oral presentation prepared by the student, which will be an integral part of the assessment. The examination method allows evaluating not only the theoretical skills acquired but also the organisational and communication skills of the students, as well as their ability to work autonomously. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the proposed basics and to be able to critically analyse a proposed problem. The level of difficulty corresponds to the program being run and the reference texts indicated.

The course will cover topics relevant to the chemical and physical description of chemical species of environmental importance. Particular attention will be given to the introduction of photochemical processes and gas-solid adsorption principles, as well as to the treatment of thermodynamic processes of environmental interest. Knowledge about the chemical constituents and physical structure of the atmosphere will be provided. Moreover, topics related to the chemistry of the stratosphere and the ozone problem, global warming and the chemistry of the troposphere, with particular reference to photochemical smog and particulate matter pollution, will be introduced. Finally, the impact of large plants for the production of energy will be discussed with particular emphasis to processes leading to the formation of harmful pollutants (dioxins) and their inhibition. The spread of pollutants in the atmosphere and hydrosphere will be introduced.

Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the main chemical-physical phenomena of environmental importance. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to investigate a physico-chemical topic in depth using common facilities for bibliographic research. Autonomy of judgement: Ability to critically analyse recent literature on physico-chemical topics proposed in lectures. Communication skills: ability to report using appropriate language on physico-chemical topics in a correct manner. Learning ability: ability to use the lecture material for a critical and reasoned study, also for a subsequent autonomous acquisition of higher knowledge and for continuous updating.