AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This teaching provides general information on methods used for chemical analyses and examples of the theoretical-practical approach to the study of environmental chemical problems, with particular regards to the procedures commonly used for research and environmental monitoring of the coastal marine areas.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides general information on analytical methods and examples of theoretical-practical approach to the study of environmental chemical problems, with particular regards to the procedures commonly used for research and environmental monitoring of the coastal marine area. It allows the student to apply the  concepts assimilated in the previous chemistry courses and in the theoretical part of this teaching, through some exercises in volumetric and instrumental analysis.

At the end of the course the student must be able to:

- describe the theory of volumetric analysis for the different chemical equilibria (acid-base, precipitation, complexation, oxidation-reduction)

- construct the relevant titration curves theoretically; choose the suitable indicator for a specific titration; predict the influence of experimental conditions on the titration performance

- apply the theoretical knowledge acquired by carrying out various volumetric analyzes of different types in the laboratory

PREREQUISITES

Fundamentals of chemistry (I year)

Analytical Chemistry (III year, first semester)

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is theoretical-practical: 32 hours of lectures (2 hours per lesson), and 16 hours of laboratory divided into 4 experimental sessions (4 hours each), based on the academic calendar.

Each lesson covers the main concepts and topics of the teaching through the use of PowerPoint presentations. In the laboratory exercises, 4 experiences of volumetric analysis applied to environmental samples will be proposed (acidity of water, halides in sea water, hardness of drinking water, dissolved oxygen).

Attendance at the lectures is strongly recommended, even if not mandatory, unlike the practical exercises in the laboratory which are essential to be able to take the exam. At the end of the laboratory exercises, within the times indicated by the teacher, the student must submit a written report. In order to take the exam, the student must have completed at least three of the four practical exercises and submitted the related written report. The report will contribute to the evaluation of the exam according to the methods that will be carefully described by the teacher during the presentation lesson of the teaching.

The slides of the lessons and the analytical protocols for practical exercises in the laboratory are published and made available on AULAWEB.

"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 Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.”

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Volumetric Analysis. Laboratory equipment. Theoretical aspects of volume. Titration curves Precipitation titrations (Mohr, Fajans and Volhard methods). Neutralization titrations. PH indicators. Complexometric titrations. Influence of pH on the EDTA dissociation. Distribution rate (a), predominantly graphs (a / pH). Metallochromic indicators (Neroeriocromo T). Oxidation-reduction process and Nerst equation. Construction of symmetrical and asymmetrical titration curves. Redox and specific indicators (salda d’amido). Characteristics of KMnO4 and its applications in redox titrations.
Laboratory exercises: 4 exercises in volumetric analysis (pH of natural water, seawater halides, drinking water hardness, dissolved oxygen).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Skoog, West, Holler, Chimica Analitica. Una Introduzione, EdiSES

- D.C.Harris, Chimica Analitica Quantitativa, Zanichelli

- D.A.Skoog, D.M.West, Introduzione alla chimica analitica, Piccin

- Skoog, West, Holler, Crouch, Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica, EdiSES

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons of the first semester will start in September/October 2024.

Refer to the detailed timetable below link:

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

Class schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL APPLIED CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students wishing to take the exam must book at least two days in advance on: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/prenotazione
The exam is oral, has a duration of about 30 minutes and includes questions on topics specified in the detailed program that is illustrated to students and deposited on AulaWeb, incliding questions on the practical laboratory part. The student will have to demonstrate that he has achieved the educational objectives both by exposing the topics orally and by writing down possible chemical reactions, formulas, graphs and diagrams related to the questions. If the commission considers that these objectives have not been achieved, the student will be asked to withdraw.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral test is aimed at assessing the knowledge and understanding of the subject, based on the training objectives described above; the ability to link the various topics is evaluated.
The exam is always conducted by two tenured professors and is conducted in such a way as to evaluate not only if the student has acquired the required knowledge, but also if he has deeply understood the topics and if he is able to apply them to simple analytical problems.
Considering that at least one of the two professors has many years of teaching experience in the discipline, the commission is able to accurately verify the achievement of the educational objectives of teaching. If these are not reached, the student is invited to deepen the study and, if necessary, to ask further explanations to the teacher.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance is recommended as it facilitates the understanding;  participation in most practical laboratory exercises is required.