OVERVIEW

This class , held at the beginning of the first semester, aims to provide and strengthen the student's basic knowledge of chemistry by using simple examples from fundamental chemistry.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will review the basic concepts of inorganic and physical chemistry, to balance the initial knowledge due to the different background of the students. Starting with practical, concrete chemical examples the required basic principles will be derived.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The class aims to provide students with the tools to consolidate their understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, taking into account the heterogeneity of prior educational backgrounds, particularly within an international context. The teaching approach is based on a practical and inductive method: starting from the analysis of real-world examples and applications of chemistry in everyday and professional life, students will be guided toward the deduction and formalization of the underlying theoretical principles. This methodology is intended to level out initial differences in knowledge and foster active, reflective, and engaged learning.

By the end of the class, students are expected to:

• have consolidated their knowledge of the basic principles of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry;
• drawing from practical examples, be able to construct simple interpretative models and tackle basic problems and numerical exercises;
• in terms of transversal skills, be able to integrate previous, and potentially uneven, knowledge into a coherent understanding of chemical principles;
• have developed the ability to learn independently and think critically;
• be able to communicate the acquired concepts clearly and appropriately, both orally and in writing, using the specific terminology of the discipline with accuracy.

PREREQUISITES

A solid background of basic chemistry, physics, and mathematics acquired during the bachelor's degree is essential.

TEACHING METHODS

Introduction to chemical bonding; structure–property relationships for archetypal ionic and covalent inorganic elements and compounds; chemical equilibria; lattices and defects; alloys; non-equilibrium solidification. Introduction to the structure of organic molecules. Classes of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, arenes. Organic compounds containing heteroatoms. Introduction to polymers. Review of classical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Effect of thermomechanical treatments on structure and mechanical properties.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to chemical bonding; structure–property relationships for archetypal ionic and covalent inorganic elements and compounds; chemical equilibria; lattices and defects; alloys; non-equilibrium solidification. Introduction to the structure of organic molecules. Classes of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, arenes. Organic compounds containing heteroatoms. Introduction to polymers. Review of classical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Effect of thermomechanical treatments on structure and mechanical properties.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

P.Atkins - J de Paola Chimica Fisica - 2012 (quinta edizione) Zanichelli Bologna (english edition)

Mark Weller, Jonathan Rourke, Fraser Armstrong, Simon Lancaster, and Tina Overton, Inorganic Chemistry – Eighth Edition, 2025, Oxford University Press.

Fundamentals of Polymer Science – P. C. Painter, M. M. Coleman - Technomic Publishing Co., Inc. , 1997- 2nd edition.

Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials – J. M. G. Cowie – Blackie Academic & Professional, Chapman & Hull Eds., 1991 – 2nd edition.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons timetable is available within the link below:

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written self-assessment test administered at the end of the class. Based on the outcomes, each student will have the opportunity to review and deepen their understanding of the topics in which knowledge gaps have emerged.For students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), please refer to the “Additional Information” section, in accordance with current regulations and the university’s official guidelines.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The purpose of the examination is to assess the achievement of the learning objectives established for the class, in terms of acquired knowledge, the ability to apply concepts in practice, and the level of independent study skills.

In particular, from the self-assessment test it will be possible to ascertain the student's acquired ability to:

- apply fundamental concepts of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to develop simple interpretive models and solve basic problems;

- integrate prior and new knowledge to develop the capabilty to learn independently and critically;

- expound concepts learned, both orally and in writing, with adequate language skills.

If the learning objectives are not fully achieved, students will be encouraged to review and further explore the topics where difficulties emerged, with the support of explanations and teaching materials provided by the instructor.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) – Exam Accommodations

Students with disabilities or with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload the relevant certification through the University website at [servizionline.unige.it], in the "Studenti" section. The documentation will be verified by the University’s Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD. Subsequently, and with sufficient advance notice (at least 10 days before the exam date), students must send an email to the instructor responsible for the exam. The message must also be sent in copy (cc) to both the School Inclusion Representative for students with disabilities and SLD (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), and to the Inclusion Services Office mentioned above.

The email must include the following information:

The name of the course

The date of the exam session

The student’s surname, first name, and student ID number

The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures requested and deemed necessary

The School Inclusion Representative will confirm to the instructor that the student is entitled to request accommodations and that such accommodations should be discussed and agreed upon with the instructor. The instructor will then respond to confirm whether the requested accommodations can be applied.Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam date, to allow the instructor sufficient time to assess their feasibility. In particular, if the student intends to use concept maps during the exam (which must be significantly more concise than those used for study purposes), failure to respect the submission deadline may result in insufficient time to make any necessary adjustments. For further information regarding the request for services and accommodations, please refer to the document: Guidelines for Requesting Services, Compensatory Tools, and/or Dispensatory Measures and Specific Aids.

Ask the professors in charge for other information not included in the teaching schedule.