GENERAL CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC AND ORGANIC
It is essential condition for addressing issues of Module A of the course the knowledge of concepts and basic fundamentals of mathematics (eg integral, exponential, logarithm, derivative, vector, tensor, matrix ...) and physical (eg the concepts of force, pressure, speed, potential energy, kinetic energy ...). For Module B it is essential the knowledge of general chemistry concepts (eg electronic structure, theory of valence bond and molecular orbital, training and breaking of bonds, acis and bases, ...) that are considered preparatory to the understanding of organic chemistry.
The examination for Module A consists in a written test of typically 2,5 h duration. Both fundamentals of chemistry and exercises of stoichiometry will be included. The questions may contain problems and exercises with calculations, balance of reactions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 point, while the wrong answers are subtracted 0.5 points. The examination of Module B is a written text with exercises on nomenclature, chirality, reactivity, conformational stability, acidity and synthesis of organic molecules. Generally another question is on the description of the chemistry of a natural class of compounds (aminoacids and proteins, carbohydrates, lypids and nuclei acids). The test is considered passed with the achievement of 36 points out of 72 and a null score is given for each incorrect answer. During the course of exercises in the final part of the course, the teacher illustrates examples of exercises performed in previous exam topics. The final mark is the weighted average of the written tests of Module A and Module B respectively with a weight of 9/15 (nine / fifteenth) and 6/15 (six / fifteenth). Both tests must be passed with at least the result of 18/30. The teachers positively evaluate the use of an appropriate and appropriate scientific language in addition to the knowledge of the contents for the attribution of a positive evaluation. An oral exam can be defined as a description of the teachers.
Module A of the course, implemented to be suitable for students of science-based degree programs, it offers a wide and timely introduction to the basic principles, theoretical and experimental of general chemistry, with frequent references to the real world. We expect, as learning results: i) understanding of the atomic model and its application to electronic configurations and the periodic table; ii) the thermochemical aspects and treated kinetic; iii) the theory of acids and bases; iv) chemical balance. Not to be neglected are the abilities in i) drawing Lewis structures; ii) predict the stereochemistry by VSEPR theory; iii) represent molecular orbital diagrams for simple diatomic molecules; iv) perform simple calculations in stoichiometry (including the reactions) balance. Finally, it is essential to learn to use periodic properties, intermolecular interactions, concepts of thermodynamics, kinetics and chemical equilibrium for the interpretation of wide phenomenology of general chemistry. Module B is designed to introduce and develop the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry for students who have previously assimilated the fundamentals of general and inorganic chemistry. The goal that arises is the knowledge i) of the Nomenclature of organic compounds and functional groups in organic chemistry; ii) the stereochemistry of organic molecules and their orientation in three-dimensional space; iii) the reactivity of the compound and how you can favor some transformations affecting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters; iv) the synthesis and the study which regards the possibility of preparing organic compounds of different molecular complexity. It will also be important to the acquisition of chemical concepts of natural compounds and the knowledge of the major classes of natural organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
Module A of the course is divided into 7 credits, equal to 56 hours, intended for the illustration of the program and theoretical explanations through frontal lessons and into 2 credits, equal to 24 hours, in which exercises relating to the topics illustrated in the course are carried out and which are completely similar to those given in the exam tests. The main contents of Module A can be summarized as follows: 1. Definitions of matter, states of aggregation, element, compound, mixture, atom, isotope. 2. Evolution of the atomic model. Notes on quantum mechanics: Schroedinger wave equation for hydrogenoid and polyelectronic atoms; atomic orbital; electronic spin; electronic configurations of the elements. 3.The periodic table and periodic properties: atomic, ionic, metallic, covalent radii; ionization energies, electronic affinities, electronegativities. 4.The ionic bond: lattice energy, Born-Haber cycle. The covalent bond: Lewis formulas and their exceptions; partially polar, dative and coordinative covalent bond. 'Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion' theory. Model of the bonding hybrid orbital. Molecular orbital model. The metallic bond: electron sea theory; band theory for metals and semiconductors. 5. Liquid, solid and gaseous states. Phase transitions phase diagrams. 6.Chemical thermodynamics: enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy; first, second and third law of thermodynamics. 7. Chemical equilibrium: equilibrium thermodynamic constants; Le Chatelier principle. 8.Chemical kinetics: reaction rate; first, second, zero order reaction; Arrhenius equation; 'collision' and 'activated complex' theory. 9.Acids and bases: definitions by Arrhenius, Broensted, Lewis; acid-base balances; acid and basic ionization constants; pH scale. pH of aqueous solutions of strong acids, weak acids, strong bases, weak bases; titrations. 10. Outline of radiochemistry and nuclear chemistry. 11.Solubility equilibria in water. Slightly soluble salts: the effect of the common ion; effect of the dissolution of a salt on the pH in aqueous solution. 12. Notes on electrochemistry. 13.Stoichiometry: the ratio of mass to mole; balancing reactions; the preparation of non-reactive or reactive solutions; the carrying out of reactions in the absence or presence of a limiting agent. Module B is divided into a theoretical part (4 credits) and exercises (2 credits). The exercises will generally take place at the end of the illustration of each topic with exercises for immediate application of the theoretical part addressed. At the end of the theoretical lessons, further sessions of summary exercises will be held with the carrying out of tests assigned in previous exam sessions. The main contents of Module B are: 1.Structure and chemical bond; acids and bases. What is organic chemistry. Nomenclature. Organic structures and functional groups 2. Classes of organic compounds: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, dienes, aromatic compounds, alkyl halides, organometallic compounds, alcohols, phenols, ethers, thiols, sulfides, aldehydes and ketones, amines, nitro compounds, heterocyclic derivatives, carboxylic acids and their derivatives . 3.Organic reactions. Nucleophilic addition, electrophilic addition, elimination, nucleophilic substitution, aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions, acyl nucleophilic substitution reactions 4. Alpha carbonyl substitution reactions and condensation reactions 5. Acidity and basicity and pKa. 6.Delocalization and conjugation 7.The stereochemistry of tetrahedral compounds 8. The chemistry of life and biomolecules: carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids Type of teaching activities The teaching activities of Module B consist of lectures and exercise sessions.
The teaching activities of Module A consist of 7 credits of frontal lessons, while for the remaining two credits Sessions of exercises are organized. For Module B the 6 credits are made up of lectures in which sessions of exercises are inserted.
The teachers are available for further details and clarifications on any requests from students by receiving at their office after contact via email or telephone: MODULE A: angelo.maspero@uninsubria.it (031-2386472); MODULE B: andrea.penoni@uninsubria.it (031-2386440)
Modules
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Credits: 9
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Credits: 6