B6058 - Elementi di storia del pensiero chimico

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:

• recognizes the elements allowing to identify a logical structure in the historical development of Chemistry;
• knows the main paradigmatic turning points in the development of chemistry;
• is able of describing the chemical aspects underlying the main advances in chemical sciences.

Course contents

The teaching will focus on some crucial steps in the development of chemistry to facilitate the connection with the teaching of the discipline.

• Reflection on the scientific method. How science works: the opinion of some philosophers of science.
• The chemistry of "airs" and the overcoming of the concept of phlogiston
• The definition of ponderal laws
• Cannizzaro's "revolution": the concept of valence
• The classification of elements
• The atomic models

Knowledge and skill requirements to take the course

Solid skills in basic chemistry and good familiarity with consulting bibliographic material, also in English, are essential.

Readings/Bibliography

Articles, book chapters and other materials from specialist literature will be provided during the course by the teacher and/or deposited on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The lessons will be carried out mainly in frontal mode, given the limited time available, while still leaving room for discussion on the various topics covered.

The "Virtuale" platform will be used to make teaching materials available to corroborate and explore the topics covered in class and as a place for feedback from the teacher, or students, on any learning consolidation activities.

Assessment methods

Provided that the minimum mandatory percentage of participation is confirmed and that possible assignments have been handed in as requested during the lectures, the assessment of the learning outcome of the course will take place during the final examination for the teaching qualification in the focal discipline, as stated in the Art. 9 of the DPCM 08/04/2023.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, videoprojector, "Virtuale" platform, Teams platform

Office hours

See the website of Sergio Zappoli