OFA CHIMICA L-34
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: VALENTINA OLIVERIExpected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to provide the minimum essential knowledge of Chemistry as an indispensable cultural foundation for understanding the course in GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ELEMENTS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Through the study of the fundamental laws governing matter, students are expected to acquire basic knowledge of its structure.
Based on the Dublin Descriptors, by the end of the course the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
- Knowledge and understanding: the student will acquire basic knowledge of the structure of matter, stoichiometry, atomic structure, and the periodic organisation of the elements.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: the student will be able to classify substances and mixtures, perform simple stoichiometric calculations, balance chemical equations, and obtain essential information from the periodic table.
- Making judgements: the student will be able to assess the correctness of simple procedures and results relating to the topics covered.
- Communication skills: the student will be able to use basic chemical terminology and symbols appropriately.
- Learning skills: the student will acquire the essential tools needed to continue the study of GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ELEMENTS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal meeting in order to arrange any compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs.
Course Structure
The teaching methods used during the course include lectures, participatory and/or cooperative activities aimed at acquiring basic knowledge of Chemistry. Practical exercises, individual research, and group work are also planned to develop the ability to apply the acquired basic knowledge.
In particular, the course includes 12 hours.
Required Prerequisites
Basic mathematics, proportions, powers, units of measurement, graph reading, and calculator use.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is mandatory for students who are required to fulfil their OFA obligations. It is also strongly recommended for students who do not have any OFA requirements to complete.
Regular and consistent attendance at lectures will have a positive impact on the student’s final assessment and on their understanding of the course content in GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ELEMENTS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
Detailed Course Content
- WHAT IS CHEMISTRY - The scientific method; matter; states of matter; pure substances (elements and compounds); mixtures; methods for separating mixtures.
- ATOMIC STRUCTURE - Subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons; the atomic model and Rutherford’s experiment.
- STOICHIOMETRY - Atomic number and mass number; isotopes; atomic mass unit; the concept of the mole; laws of stoichiometry; determination of a compound’s formula; atomic weight and molecular weight; chemical equations and their balancing.
- THE PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS - Periodic classification and electronic configuration of the elements.
Textbook Information
- Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, John C., Treichel, Paul M., Townsend, John, Treichel, David. A.
- The material provided on Studium
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotz, Treichel, Townsend | CHIMICA | Edises | 2021 | 9788836230518 |
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WHAT IS CHEMISTRY? – The scientific method; matter; states of matter; pure substances (elements and compounds); mixtures; methods for separating mixtures. | Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, Treichel, Townsend |
| 2 | ATOMIC STRUCTURE – Subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons. Rutherford’s atomic model and exper | Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, Treichel, Townsend |
| 3 | PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS – Periodic classification and electronic configuration of the elements. | Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, Treichel, Townsend |
| 4 | STOICHIOMETRY - Atomic number and mass number; isotopes; atomic mass unit; the concept of the mole; laws of stoichiometry; determination of a compound’s formula; atomic weight and molecular weight; chemical equations and their balancing. | Chimica: Esercizi e Casi PraticiD'Arrigo et al.EdisesTownsend |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The examination consists of a written test comprising 10 multiple-choice questions, covering exclusively the topics addressed during the foundation courses. The test is considered passed with at least 7 correct answers.
Textbooks, formula sheets, course notes, or periodic tables are not allowed during the written test, nor is the use of mobile phones, even in calculator mode. Only the use of a calculator is permitted. Students must present themselves with a valid identification document.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1. Which of the following is a state of matter?
A. Solid
B. Energy
C. Light
2. Which of the following is a mixture?
A. Pure oxygen
B. Water and salt
C. Pure iron
3. The atomic number indicates the number of:
A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Molecules
4. Which particle has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
5. What is the purpose of balancing a chemical equation?
A. To change the elements
B. To have the same number of atoms in the reactants and products
C. To remove the products
6. The elements in the periodic table are arranged according to:
A. Atomic number
B. Colour
C. Physical state