AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to provide students with the knowledge necessary for the study of transformation processes on different phenomenological scales, paying particular attention to the link between the microscopic properties of matter and the macroscopic properties of interest for engineering applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to present to students an analysis that highlights differences and correlations between the main methodological approaches of chemical and process engineering: atomic-molecular theory, transport phenomena and unit operations. In this multi-scale context, the physical chemical understanding of the properties of matter is proposed as a basis for the development of applications of engineering interest.
Participation in the proposed training activities (lectures, exercises, seminars and visits), individual study and group discussion will allow the student to:

• acquire the first bases of quantum physical chemistry; 
• know the statistical interpretation of state functions, thermodynamic equilibrium conditions and chemical kinetics;
• calculate thermodynamic proprieties and material and heat transport coefficients on the basis of statistical mechanics;
• set in general terms the local balances of material and energy focusing on the diffusive flows;
• consolidate the ability to correctly apply macroscopic material and energy balances in contexts specific to chemical and process engineering.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of mathematical analysis, chemistry, physics and thermodynamics are useful for a profitable learning. However, no formal prerequisities are foreseen.

TEACHING METHODS

The module includes lectures in presence in the classroom. If possible, supplementary activities such as seminars, visits or laboratory activities will be proposed. Attendance is recommended.

Transversal skills in terms of communication skills and independent judgment will be acquired through the discussion in the classroom of concreate examples of complex problems.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it  ), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program of the module includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

1. Introduction
    • Journey from the micro to the macro through quantum physical chemistry

2. Microscopic scale
    • Statistical interpretation of thermodynamics
    • Statistical interpretation of chemical kinetics

3. Mesoscopic scale
    • Material and heat transport equations
    • Introduction to local material and energy balances

4. Macroscopic scale
    • Application to interfaces of macroscopic material and energy balances
    • Application to control volumes characteristic of plant systems

5. Conclusions
    • Journey from the infinitely small to the infinitely large through the theory of relativity

6. Possible supplementary activities
   • Seminars by experts
   • Visits to research centers or industries
 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The teaching material used during the lessons will be available in AulaWeb.

This material and the notes taken during the lessons are sufficient for the preparation of the exam.

In AulaWeb will also be suggested several texts of support and deepening.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BARBARA BOSIO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/10375/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final test of the module consists in passing an oral test usually based on three questions about the the contents of the lessons.

Two exam appeals for the ‘winter’ session will be available (January and February), three appeals for the ‘summer’ session (June, July and September) and two appelas during the teaching break provided by the Polytechnic School in Autumn and Spring. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam includes questions concerning all the contents proposed during the lessons, asked in terms of theoretical questions or application problems. The examination aims to assess the specific skills acquired and, in particular, the ability to apply them combined together to face concrete case studies. The quality of the exposition, the correct use of technical terminology and critical reasoning ability will be also assessed.