CHEMISTRY

The Chemistry course (FOY15) of the Foundation Year aims at introducing fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactions; develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and cultivate an appreciation for the importance of chemistry in daily life and scientific research.

Students are expected to actively engage in the learning process, which includes attending lectures, completing assignments, and asking questions. They should also be prepared to develop strong problem-solving skills, apply mathematical concepts to chemical calculations, and understand the fundamental principles that underlie chemical phenomena.

No prerequisite are required for attending the course

Lesson 1 - Essential Ideas (2h)
• Chemistry in Context
• Phases and Classification of Matter
• Physical and Chemical Properties
• Measurement Uncertainty, Accuracy, and Precision
• Mathematical Treatment of Measurement Results

Lesson 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions (2h)
• Early Ideas in Atomic Theory
• Evolution of Atomic Theory
• Atomic Structure and Symbolism
• Chemical Formulas
• The Periodic Table
• Ionic and Molecular Compounds
• Chemical Nomenclature

Lesson 3 - Composition of Substances and Solutions (2h)
• Formula Mass and the Mole Concept
• Determining Empirical and Molecular Formulas
• Molarity

Lesson 4 - Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions (3h)
• Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations
• Classifying Chemical Reactions
• Reaction Stoichiometry
• Reaction Yields
• Quantitative Chemical Analysis

Lesson 5 - Thermochemistry (2h)
• Energy Basics
• Calorimetry
• Enthalpy

Lesson 6 - Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties of Elements (3h)
• Electromagnetic Energy
• The Bohr Model
• Development of Quantum Theory
• Electronic Structure of Atoms (Electron Configurations)
• Periodic Variations in Element Properties

Lesson 7 - Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry (2h)
• Ionic Bonding
• Covalent Bonding
• Lewis Symbols and Structures
• Formal Charges and Resonance
• Strengths of Ionic and Covalent Bonds
• Molecular Structure and Polarity

Lesson 8 - Advanced Theories of Covalent Bonding (2h)
• Valence Bond Theory
• Hybrid Atomic Orbitals
• Multiple Bonds
• Molecular Orbital Theory

Lesson 9 - Gases (2h)
• Gas Pressure
• Relating Pressure, Volume, Amount, and Temperature: The Ideal Gas Law
• Stoichiometry of Gaseous Substances, Mixtures, and Reactions
• Effusion and Diffusion of Gases
• The Kinetic-Molecular Theory

Lesson 10 - Liquids and Solids (2h)
• Intermolecular Forces
• Properties of Liquids
• Phase Transitions
• Phase Diagrams
• The Solid State of Matter
• Lattice Structures in Crystalline Solids

Lesson 11 - Solutions and Colloids (2h)
• The Dissolution Process
• Electrolytes
• Solubility
• Colligative Properties
• Colloids

Lesson 12 - Kinetics (2h)
• Chemical Reaction Rates
• Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
• Rate Laws
• Integrated Rate Laws
• Reaction Mechanisms
• Catalysis

Lesson 13 - Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts (2h)
• Introduction
• Chemical Equilibria
• Equilibrium Constants
• Shifting Equilibria: Le Châtelier’s Principle
• Equilibrium Calculations

Lesson 14 - Acid-Base Equilibria (2h)
• Brønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases
• pH and pOH
• Relative Strengths of Acids and Bases
• Hydrolysis of Salts
• Acid-Base Titrations

Lesson 15 - Equilibria of Other Reaction Classes (2h)
• Precipitation and Dissolution
• Lewis Acids and Bases
• Coupled Equilibria

Lesson 16 - Electrochemistry (2h)
• Review of Redox Chemistry
• Galvanic Cells
• Electrode and Cell Potentials
• Potential, Free Energy, and Equilibrium
• Batteries and Fuel Cells
• Corrosion
• Electrolysis

Lesson 17 - Representative Metals, Metalloids, and Nonmetals (2h)
• Periodicity
• Occurrence and Preparation of the Representative Metals
• Structure and General Properties of the Metalloids
• Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals

Lesson 18 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry (2h)
• Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds
• Coordination Chemistry of Transition Metals
• Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties of Coordination Compounds

1 - Free Chemistry Book from OpenStax (source: RICE University)
2 - PDF or PPT notes

Exercises from "Problemi di Chimica Generale (Autore: Arnaldo Peloso) "

The final grade will be based on a mid-term evaluation and a final exam.

The final grade is calculated as follows:

a) Participation and Attendance – 20%
b) Mid-term Evaluation – 30%
c) Final Exam – 50%

The mid-term examination is written.
The final exam is composed of a written and optionally oral part.

- Power point presentations
- Exercises on the blackboard

English

written and oral