ID:
D50046
Duration (hours):
72
CFU:
9
SSD:
Chemical Foundations of Technologies
Located in:
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Url:
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT/CIVIL ENGINEERING Year: 1
Year:
2026
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Ciclo Semestrale (21/09/2026 - 11/12/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of general chemistry and the tools required to describe and interpret the structure of matter, the properties of elements and compounds, and the main chemical transformations.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe atomic structure and interpret the periodic properties of the elements;
- identify and represent the main types of chemical bonding and molecular geometries;
- correctly use chemical formulas, nomenclature, and scientific terminology;
- balance chemical equations and perform stoichiometric calculations;
- apply quantitative relationships concerning gases, solutions, thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry;
- interpret the behaviour of acids, bases, buffer systems, and solubility equilibria;
- analyse basic chemical problems and select the data and equations required for their solution;
- evaluate the dimensional consistency and plausibility of calculated results;
- communicate chemical concepts, calculation procedures, and results using appropriate scientific terminology;
- recognise the contribution of chemistry to the development of more sustainable processes and technologies.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
Students will acquire knowledge of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, transformations of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, and electrochemistry.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to solve quantitative problems and interpret basic chemical phenomena.
Making judgements:
Students will be able to select the appropriate relationships for solving a problem, assess the consistency of the results, and correlate the structure of substances with their properties and reactivity.
Communication skills:
Students will be able to describe chemical concepts and transformations and clearly present the procedures used to solve problems, using appropriate symbols, units of measurement, and scientific terminology.
Learning skills:
Students will develop a study method that enables them to independently explore the topics covered and undertake subsequent courses requiring basic chemical knowledge.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe atomic structure and interpret the periodic properties of the elements;
- identify and represent the main types of chemical bonding and molecular geometries;
- correctly use chemical formulas, nomenclature, and scientific terminology;
- balance chemical equations and perform stoichiometric calculations;
- apply quantitative relationships concerning gases, solutions, thermochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry;
- interpret the behaviour of acids, bases, buffer systems, and solubility equilibria;
- analyse basic chemical problems and select the data and equations required for their solution;
- evaluate the dimensional consistency and plausibility of calculated results;
- communicate chemical concepts, calculation procedures, and results using appropriate scientific terminology;
- recognise the contribution of chemistry to the development of more sustainable processes and technologies.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
Students will acquire knowledge of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, transformations of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, and electrochemistry.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to solve quantitative problems and interpret basic chemical phenomena.
Making judgements:
Students will be able to select the appropriate relationships for solving a problem, assess the consistency of the results, and correlate the structure of substances with their properties and reactivity.
Communication skills:
Students will be able to describe chemical concepts and transformations and clearly present the procedures used to solve problems, using appropriate symbols, units of measurement, and scientific terminology.
Learning skills:
Students will develop a study method that enables them to independently explore the topics covered and undertake subsequent courses requiring basic chemical knowledge.
Course Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites are required.
However, students should preferably possess:
- basic knowledge of arithmetic and algebra;
- the ability to perform calculations involving fractions, proportions, powers, roots, and logarithms;
- the ability to solve simple first-degree equations;
- knowledge of scientific notation;
- the ability to use and convert the main units of measurement;
- basic knowledge of mass, volume, density, temperature, pressure, and energy;
- the ability to read and interpret simple graphs and tables.
The mathematical knowledge listed above is important for solving the numerical problems addressed during the course and included in the written examination.
However, students should preferably possess:
- basic knowledge of arithmetic and algebra;
- the ability to perform calculations involving fractions, proportions, powers, roots, and logarithms;
- the ability to solve simple first-degree equations;
- knowledge of scientific notation;
- the ability to use and convert the main units of measurement;
- basic knowledge of mass, volume, density, temperature, pressure, and energy;
- the ability to read and interpret simple graphs and tables.
The mathematical knowledge listed above is important for solving the numerical problems addressed during the course and included in the written examination.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures and guided problem-solving sessions.
Lectures are devoted to presenting theoretical principles, discussing chemical phenomena, and examining the relationships between the structure, properties, and reactivity of substances.
Classroom exercises involve the guided solution of quantitative problems related to the different course topics, with particular attention to the correct formulation of the solution procedure, the use of units of measurement, and the assessment of the plausibility of the results.
Problem-solving activities, self-assessment questions, and applied examples will be used to encourage active student participation and the progressive consolidation of knowledge.
Independent student work includes: studying the textbooks and teaching materials; reviewing the topics discussed during lectures; independently solving the assigned exercises; preparing for the written and oral examinations.
Lectures are devoted to presenting theoretical principles, discussing chemical phenomena, and examining the relationships between the structure, properties, and reactivity of substances.
Classroom exercises involve the guided solution of quantitative problems related to the different course topics, with particular attention to the correct formulation of the solution procedure, the use of units of measurement, and the assessment of the plausibility of the results.
Problem-solving activities, self-assessment questions, and applied examples will be used to encourage active student participation and the progressive consolidation of knowledge.
Independent student work includes: studying the textbooks and teaching materials; reviewing the topics discussed during lectures; independently solving the assigned exercises; preparing for the written and oral examinations.
Assessment Methods
The examination is designed to assess the achievement of the learning objectives and expected learning outcomes. It consists of a mandatory written test followed by an oral examination.
Written test
The written test consists of five exercises, mainly involving stoichiometric and quantitative problems related to the topics covered during the course.
The approximate duration of the test is two hours.
The written test assesses:
- the ability to identify relevant data;
- the correct formulation of the solution procedure;
- the ability to apply chemical laws, equations, and quantitative relationships;
- the accuracy of calculations and units of measurement;
- the ability to assess the plausibility of the result.
The written test is passed when at least three out of five exercises are correctly solved. Passing the written test is required for admission to the oral examination.
Oral examination
The oral examination covers the topics included in the course syllabus and assesses:
- knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts;
- the ability to establish connections between different topics;
- the ability to interpret chemical phenomena and transformations;
- the ability to explain the procedures adopted in solving problems;
- clarity of presentation and appropriate use of scientific terminology.
The final grade, expressed on a scale of 30, is based on the overall assessment of the written and oral examinations.
Grading criteria
- 30–30 with honours: complete and in-depth knowledge of the course topics, excellent ability to apply and connect concepts, rigorous problem-solving skills, and clear and scientifically accurate presentation.
- 28–29: in-depth knowledge, very good application and reasoning skills, with only minor inaccuracies.
- 25–27: good knowledge of the course topics and correct application of fundamental concepts, with some inaccuracies or limitations in establishing connections.
- 22–24: satisfactory knowledge of the essential contents and ability to solve standard problems, with some non-critical gaps.
- 18–21: basic knowledge of the fundamental topics and limited autonomy in applying the relevant concepts.
- Fail: insufficient knowledge of the essential contents, major conceptual errors, or inability to formulate and solve fundamental problems.
Honours may be awarded to students who demonstrate particularly thorough preparation, full autonomy in problem solving, and the ability to establish relevant connections between different topics.
Mandatory Requirements
Written test: mandatory and a prerequisite for the oral examination.
Oral examination: mandatory after passing the written test.
Attendance: not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Texts
- P. Atkins, L. Jones, L. Laverman, Chemical Principles, latest available edition.
- Teaching materials, exercises and lecture slides provided by the lecturer through the institutional online platform.
The listed textbooks may be regarded as alternatives. Previous editions may also be used, provided that they cover the topics included in the course syllabus.
- Teaching materials, exercises and lecture slides provided by the lecturer through the institutional online platform.
The listed textbooks may be regarded as alternatives. Previous editions may also be used, provided that they cover the topics included in the course syllabus.
Contents
The course introduces the fundamental principles of general chemistry and provides the theoretical and quantitative tools required to interpret the structure, properties, and transformations of matter.
The course covers the following topics: physical quantities, units of measurement, significant figures, and dimensional analysis; atomic structure, subatomic particles, isotopes, and atomic mass; atomic models, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals, and electron configurations; the periodic table and periodic properties of the elements; ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; Lewis structures, resonance, formal charge, bond polarity, and molecular polarity; molecular geometry according to the VSEPR model and basic concepts of hybridization; chemical formulas and nomenclature of the main inorganic compounds; the mole, molar mass, and percentage composition; chemical reactions and balancing chemical equations; stoichiometric calculations, limiting reagent, theoretical yield, and percentage yield; states of matter and gas properties; the ideal gas equation and gas mixtures; liquids, solids, and intermolecular forces; solutions, concentration units, solubility, and dilution; colligative properties of solutions; principles of thermochemistry and chemical thermodynamics; internal energy, heat, work, enthalpy, and entropy; spontaneity of chemical processes and Gibbs free energy; reaction rates, rate laws, reaction order, and activation energy; effects of temperature and catalysts on reaction rates; chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, and Le Châtelier’s principle; equilibria in aqueous solution; acids and bases, pH, pOH, dissociation constants, and buffer solutions; solubility equilibria and solubility product; oxidation-reduction reactions, balancing redox reactions, and principles of electrochemistry; galvanic cells, electrode potentials, and electrolysis; the role of chemistry in sustainable production processes, responsible use of resources, and reduction of environmental impacts.
Particular attention will be devoted to solving numerical problems concerning stoichiometry, gases, solutions, thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, pH, and electrochemistry
The course covers the following topics: physical quantities, units of measurement, significant figures, and dimensional analysis; atomic structure, subatomic particles, isotopes, and atomic mass; atomic models, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals, and electron configurations; the periodic table and periodic properties of the elements; ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; Lewis structures, resonance, formal charge, bond polarity, and molecular polarity; molecular geometry according to the VSEPR model and basic concepts of hybridization; chemical formulas and nomenclature of the main inorganic compounds; the mole, molar mass, and percentage composition; chemical reactions and balancing chemical equations; stoichiometric calculations, limiting reagent, theoretical yield, and percentage yield; states of matter and gas properties; the ideal gas equation and gas mixtures; liquids, solids, and intermolecular forces; solutions, concentration units, solubility, and dilution; colligative properties of solutions; principles of thermochemistry and chemical thermodynamics; internal energy, heat, work, enthalpy, and entropy; spontaneity of chemical processes and Gibbs free energy; reaction rates, rate laws, reaction order, and activation energy; effects of temperature and catalysts on reaction rates; chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants, and Le Châtelier’s principle; equilibria in aqueous solution; acids and bases, pH, pOH, dissociation constants, and buffer solutions; solubility equilibria and solubility product; oxidation-reduction reactions, balancing redox reactions, and principles of electrochemistry; galvanic cells, electrode potentials, and electrolysis; the role of chemistry in sustainable production processes, responsible use of resources, and reduction of environmental impacts.
Particular attention will be devoted to solving numerical problems concerning stoichiometry, gases, solutions, thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, pH, and electrochemistry
More information
Teaching materials used during the course and a selection of exercises may be made available through the institutional online platform.
Attendance at lectures and problem-solving sessions is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, particularly to acquire an appropriate method for setting up and solving numerical problems.
Students who do not attend classes are required to study the entire course programme, the recommended textbooks, and any teaching materials made available by the lecturer.
Information on office hours is available on the lecturer’s institutional webpage. Meetings may also be arranged by institutional email.
For students with disabilities or specific learning disorders, compensatory measures and reasonable adjustments will be applied in accordance with current regulations and in agreement with the relevant University services.
Attendance at lectures and problem-solving sessions is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, particularly to acquire an appropriate method for setting up and solving numerical problems.
Students who do not attend classes are required to study the entire course programme, the recommended textbooks, and any teaching materials made available by the lecturer.
Information on office hours is available on the lecturer’s institutional webpage. Meetings may also be arranged by institutional email.
For students with disabilities or specific learning disorders, compensatory measures and reasonable adjustments will be applied in accordance with current regulations and in agreement with the relevant University services.
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CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
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