Chemical Sciences

LUCIANO GALANTINI
DANILO DINI

The course aims to teach theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills related to the study of systems and processes from a thermodynamic point of view. Therefore, theoretical models for the study of equilibrium systems will be developed and the related demonstrations will be discussed. Furthermore, laboratory experiments related to some thermodynamic topics will be carried out, in order to consolidate the theoretical knowledge and acquire the ability to elaborate experimental data.
At the end of the course, as regards essential knowledge, the student must have acquired skills regarding the general principles of thermodynamics and the chemical-physical properties of gas, liquid, solid and solutions systems. In particular, it will have to know the thermodynamic quantities involved and their physical significance at the macroscopic level. The thermodynamic aspects of a process must be clearly understood. The student is expected to have the ability to: i) discern the thermodynamic aspects from the kinetic aspects among those that govern events; ii) select the equations and formulas most suitable for solving quantitative problems; iii) to understand how to measure a thermodynamic quantity (Dublin descriptors 1 and 2).
Laboratory experiences with related reports and classroom exercises are expected to be able to convey to the student the logical approach to the problems, the ability to synthesize and communicate the learned concepts with appropriate language (descriptors of Dublin 3 and 4) . Through the laboratory experiences and continuous references, made in the lectures, to phenomena that are daily manifested in human life, it will be provided solid scientific bases for the understanding of processes that take place in various areas and for their independent deepening by the student (Dublin descriptor 5).