00088 - Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student acquires basic knowledge of the structure of matter and the thermodynamic and kinetic principles that regulate its transformation, as well as the basis for understanding the relationships between structure, properties and reactivity of molecules, with particular reference to aspects related to greenery and landscape. The student is also able to understand, from a molecular point of view, the chemical reactions that occur in the biosphere and to predict the behavior of a molecule as a function of its structure.

Course contents

The Chemistry course is divided into two modules, General and Inorganic Chemistry (Module I) and Organic Chemistry (Module II).

Contents of Module I (5 CFU)
Structure of matter. Mixtures of substances. States of aggregation.
Atoms and their periodic properties. Chemical bonds and stability of matter. Structure of molecules and chemical formulas. The concept of mole. Reactions and balancing of chemical equations. Chemical thermodynamics and dynamic equilibria. Solutions and solubility. Acids and bases. Oxidations. Speed of reactions and effect of temperature.

Expected results
At the end of the module, the student knows the structure of the atom, the properties of the elements and their ability to form compounds, molecular structures, chemical reactions, states of matter, equilibria in solution, acid-base properties of molecules. Therefore, he/she has the skills necessary to study the subsequent topics of his/her Course of Studies in which knowledge of the chemical properties of matter will be fundamental.

Contents of Module II (Part A - 2 CFU)
Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes. Stereochemistry. Correlation between structure and properties of organic molecules. IUPAC systematic nomenclature: alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, thiols and thioethers. Benzene and aromaticity. Molecules containing the carbonyl function. Monosaccharides and Polysaccharides. Description of amino acids.

Expected results
At the end of this teaching unit, the student acquires basic theoretical knowledge on the structure of organic matter and the thermodynamic and kinetic principles that regulate its transformation. The student will also be able to predict, starting from the structure, the properties and reactivity of organic molecules.

Contents of Module II (Part B - 1 CFU)
Laboratory activities
The student will separate 3 substances of different acidity through thin layer chromatography (TLC). The student will be able to evaluate the relative acidity of the substances examined in light of the inductive and conjugative effect of the functional groups present within them. The student will be offered some methods to recover the substances themselves in view of subsequent characterizations.

Expected results
At the end of this laboratory activity the student will have gained the experience necessary to grasp the practical implications of the notions learned in the theoretical lessons.

Readings/Bibliography

For Module I
Title: Chimica
Authors: Bertini Ivano, Luchinat Claudio, Mani Fabrizio
Publisher: CEA
Pages: 512
ISBN: 8840812857
ISBN-13: 978884081285

Title: Viaggio nella Chimica
Authors: Alberto Credi et al.
Publisher: EdiSES
Pages: 481
ISBN:978 88 3623 111 9

For Module II
Title: "Fondamenti di Chimica Organica",
Authors: Wade,
Publisher: Piccin.

Title:"Chimica Organica",
Authors: McMurray,
Publisher: Zanichelli.

Teaching methods

- Module I (General Chemistry): the Module consists of a single theoretical teaching unit that will take place with lectures that will illustrate the theoretical bases of the various topics and during which exercises will be carried out to apply the notions learned.


- Module II (Organic Chemistry): The Module is divided into two teaching units: the first, theoretical, consists of lectures accompanied by exercises to apply the notions presented. The second teaching unit includes laboratory activities aimed at deepening from an experimental point of view some aspects of the topics covered in class.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment will be carried out at the end of the lessons of both Modules. Students will have to take two separate tests and the final evaluation will be the weighted average of the scores obtained in the two tests.

Module I (General Chemistry): The learning assessment takes place through a final exam that verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills through a written test lasting 2 hours. The written test consists of 6 exercises that concern: chemical equations, molecular structures, numerical exercises relating to the application of notions learned during the course (solutions and their properties, pH, solubility, electrochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics). Students who pass the written test with a grade from 18/30 to 30/30 can ask for this result to be recorded within the session. The student can ask to improve the result of the written test by taking an individual oral test. This possibility will also be offered to students who have obtained a grade not sufficient but not less than 15/30 in the written test. The oral exam will draw on the topics covered in the written exam and will include all the topics of the Program.
The exam tests will be carried out in person.

Module II (Organic Chemistry): During the oral exam, the student will address the topics covered in class (available in the texts recommended for study and in the teaching material presented) and will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: (i) knowledge, understanding and in-depth analysis of the topics covered; (ii) critical and expository ability; (iii) correctness of technical-scientific language. The oral exam may have a maximum score of 30 points, possibly with honors. Educational gaps and/or inappropriate language - even in a context of minimal knowledge of the exam material - will lead to an insufficient grade.

The rounds are proposed within the specific windows defined within the Course of Study and students can book for the oral exam exclusively using the methods provided by the Alma Esami online system. For any information on booking methods, connect to the "almaesami" application.

Teaching tools

Module I (General Chemistry) - Video projectors, blackboard in the classroom. Sharing of slides and other lesson files from the site containing the teacher's teaching material on the UNIBO Portal.


Module II (Organic Chemistry) - The Wade textbook will be used actively and constantly as teaching material. Additional material will be provided through the page on the Unibo "Virtual" site.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Capozzi

See the website of Luca Laghi