Chemical Kinetics with Lab
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course provides the theoretical and practical aspects of chemical kinetics and for this includes both classroom lessons and laboratory exercises. The topics covered provide the bases of chemical kinetics for a correct understanding of the course of reactions according to the parameters that govern their velocity, in particular concentration of the reagents, temperature, and presence of catalytic species.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to: i) set up the kinetic study of a chemical reaction with/without catalysts obtaining the significant parameters relating to the reaction rate and its dependence on temperature; ii) organize the experiments for a kinetic study of chemical reactions; iii) draw up a technical-scientific report on the experiment carried out in a chemical laboratory; and iv) collaborate with colleagues in group work.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Reaction rate and kinetic theories. Reaction rate and homogeneous catalysis. Rate equation and rate constant. Reaction order and molecularity. Integrated rate laws for the main reaction orders (zero order, first order, second order, and nth order reactions). Half-life time. Determination of reaction order: integral method, differential method, half-life method, and isolation method. Consecutive reactions with steady-state and pre-equilibrium approximations. Parallel reactions. Reversible and equilibrium reactions.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the main notions of differential and integral calculus. Computer knowledge for the use of programs with spreadsheets (e.g., Excel, Origin).
Knowledge of the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and the basics of quantitative analytical chemistry.
These prerequisites are acquired by passing the corresponding first-year exams of the Bachelor's degree program in Industrial Chemistry.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and the basics of quantitative analytical chemistry.
These prerequisites are acquired by passing the corresponding first-year exams of the Bachelor's degree program in Industrial Chemistry.
Teaching methods
Teaching will be delivered through both lectures (3 ECTS: 24 hours of lectures) and practical laboratory sessions (3 ECTS: 48 hours of laboratory work), during which various organic and inorganic reactions will be studied with the aim of determining significant kinetic parameters.
Attendance at lectures is recommended. Some lectures, during which the laboratory exercises will be presented and discussed, are mandatory. Attendance at laboratory sessions is compulsory.
All teaching materials and operational tools provided will be made available in digital format so that students can adapt them to their learning needs through the "myAriel" platform of UNIMI.
Attendance at lectures is recommended. Some lectures, during which the laboratory exercises will be presented and discussed, are mandatory. Attendance at laboratory sessions is compulsory.
All teaching materials and operational tools provided will be made available in digital format so that students can adapt them to their learning needs through the "myAriel" platform of UNIMI.
Teaching Resources
P. Atkins, J. De Paula, Physical Chemistry, Zanichelli, 2007, Chapters 10 and 11; or more recent editions for the chapters relevant to the course topics.
K. Laidler and J. Meiser, Physical Chemistry, Editoriale Grasso, 1999, Chapters 9 and 10.
Course handouts available on the myAriel, UNIMI platform.
K. Laidler and J. Meiser, Physical Chemistry, Editoriale Grasso, 1999, Chapters 9 and 10.
Course handouts available on the myAriel, UNIMI platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students are required to submit a written group report on the work carried out during the laboratory exercises. This report will be assessed with a "judgment", and a minimum of a passing grade is necessary to access the oral examination.
The oral exam covers all topics addressed during lectures and laboratory exercises and is graded on a 30-point scale. The final grade also takes into account the evaluation of the written group report submitted to the teacher.
Students must demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of chemical kinetics, the ability to develop the main kinetic equations, and the capacity to apply them logically.
The oral exam covers all topics addressed during lectures and laboratory exercises and is graded on a 30-point scale. The final grade also takes into account the evaluation of the written group report submitted to the teacher.
Students must demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of chemical kinetics, the ability to develop the main kinetic equations, and the capacity to apply them logically.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Campisi Sebastiano, Gervasini Antonella
Shifts:
Professor:
Gervasini Antonella
Corso A
Professor:
Gervasini AntonellaCorso B
Professor:
Campisi SebastianoEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Please send a request by email
Chemistry Dept. Ground Floor, Sector B, Room R33S, Via Golgi, 19, 20133, Milano, Italy
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department