Course 2024-2025

Chemistry - Fundamentals of Environmental and Life Sciences and Technologies [EITGB113]

  • 4 credits
  • 30h+15h
  • 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to : - Solve a numerical problem related to the stoichiometry of chemical reactions or thermodynamics (1st and 2nd principles) - Representing substances at the microscopic level using multiple semiotic systems - Determine the characteristics of substances at the microscopic level (electronic structure, chemical bonds, electronegativity, atomic radius, intermolecular forces) - Determine the characteristics of substances at the macroscopic level (solubility, boiling temperature, reactivity with other substances, state of matter) - Describe concrete applications in redox (batteries, etc.) or thermochemistry (self-heating capsules, etc.)

Objectives

Being intended for students whose primary orientation is neither chemistry nor basic science, this course aims to introduce the basic concepts of modern day-to-day chemistry, with an emphasis on its molecular aspects. In addition to the knowledge (concepts related to the structure of matter, concepts related to the transformation of matter) and disciplinary know-how (molecular representations by chemical equations, quantitative treatment of stoichiometric problems, etc.) involved, emphasis will be placed on the methodology specific to scientists (formulation of a research question, keys for conducting a short bibliographic search, critical attitude, etc.). The "Chemistry" course forms the foundation for the EINGB221 "Environmental Science and Technology" course, as well as other science courses in the Management Engineering CV.

Content

The first part of the course will consist in going from the atomic structure to the three-dimensional structure of mineral or organic molecules by way of the various modes of chemical bonding. As chemistry is essentially about transformations of matter, the second part will deal with the quantitative and energetic aspects associated with simple chemical reactions. Redox reactions will be addressed via the weighting approach and their main applications. It should be noted that no secondary school science course is required to take this course.


Teaching methods

The course is based on the explanation of concepts and methodologies illustrated by numerous applications of modern chemistry. The course is geared towards solving simple to complex problems and analysing technical objects. Interactivity will be supported, among other things, by the use of voting boxes to allow students to position themselves in relation to maintenance questions (nomenclature, molecular structure, weighting of equations, solving quantitative problems) and more complex questions (critical positioning in relation to scientific models, estimation of economic data, etc.). Each chapter of the theoretical course is complemented by a session (or half a session) of practical work. A question and answer session will be organised at the end of the term, in the presence of the lecturer and the course tutor. The teacher and the assistant are available to students by appointment during the term. Finally, a session of individual consultation of copies will be organised between the June and August sessions in the presence of the teacher and the assistant.

Evaluations

A formative assessment will be organised on a specific topic of the "chemistry" course: the nomenclature of mineral bodies and the molecular (or ionic) structure of compounds. The examination of the chemistry course cannot be a simple account of various stacked knowledge and skills. The student will have to show competence in the articulation of knowledge and skills through complex tasks. However, students will also be given a series of procedural exercises to test their mastery of more advanced elements of the subject. Regular attendance at the course and practical work will increase the chances of success in the test. The examination is a 2.5 hour written test, consisting of (1) open questions covering theoretical discussions, simple procedures and complex tasks covered in the course and practical work; (2) multiple choice questions focusing on more theoretical considerations.

Recommended readings

Principles of chemistry, Tro, 2015 Concentrated chemistry, Wauters, 2015 Physical chemistry, Atkins, 1998

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales et de gestion
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree