Objectives of general skills

• Understand the theoretical and methodological fundamentals in science and engineering to solve problems involving these disciplines
• Identify, describe and explain basic scientific and mathematical principles
• Understand laboratory techniques: testing, measuring, monitoring protocol, and security
• Select and rigorously apply knowledge, tools and methods in sciences and engineering to solve problems involving these disciplines
• Communicate in a structured way - both orally and in writing, in French and English - giving clear, accurate, reasoned information
• Argue to and persuade customers, teachers and a board both orally and in writing
• Use several methods of written and graphic communication: text, tables, equations, sketches, maps, graphs, etc
• Give an effective oral presentation, using presentation materials appropriately
• Present analysis or experiment results in laboratory reports
• Demonstrate thoroughness and independence throughout their studies
• Be self-aware, self-assess and develop appropriate learning strategies
• Develop their scientific curiosity and open-mindedness

UE's Learning outcomes

Acquire and understand the basic concepts of Chemistry and be aware of their importance and omnipresence in many fields of the practical concerns of Engineers. At the conclusion of this course unit, the student should : * Know the key features and properties of the main chemical elements and of the most common organic functions; * Describe the physical or chemical interactions that each element is likely to have with another (electrostatic interactions, chemical bonding, ...) and then: • Be able to describe the states of the matter (gas, liquid, solid and solutions) and in particular the different kind of solid structures to predict the key features of materials; • Be able to predict the results of the main types of organic reactions, linking them with their mechanism and their functional classes.

UE Content

The Physical chemistry course (1st block) begins with the description of the atom and its components. The Bohr atomic model is used to explain the atomic electromagnetic waves absorption and emission spectra. The atomic orbitals and the electronic structure of the elements are further described on the basis of the Schrodinger equation and the quantum numbers. The physical and chemical properties of the elements and their evolution throughout the Mendeleev periodic table are described and the main reasons which lead to them are spelt out. In the second chapter, a great importance is attached to the description of the electrostatic interactions and to the chemical (polar and covalent) bond formation with particular emphasis on the hybridization phenomenon that possibly accompanies the formation of a simple covalent or a co-ordination bond. This concept of chemical bond is essential to enable an approach to the states of the matter (gaseous, liquid and solid) and to the description of the different types of solids reported in the following chapters. The directed exercise sessions and the laboratory work focus on some more concrete notions such as the quantification of matter (masses, volumes, stoichiometry), the proportions of components (molarity, fractions) in a thermodynamic system (gaseous, liquid and solid) and the processing of these components (preparation of solutions, extraction, reactions, …). The Organic chemistry course (2nd block) is divided in two parts. The first part deals with general aspects of organic chemistry reviewing the electronic structure of the major elements in organic chemistry. The geometry of organic molecules, 3D-structres and bonds are described. On this basis, the various phenomena of isomerism and stereoisomerism are detailed. Electronic effects (inductive and mesomeric effects) in organic molecules are presented to better understand the observed reactivity. This part ends on the concepts of functions and structures of common functional groups and their nomenclature. The second part is dedicated to the study of the properties and reactivity of different classes of organic compounds (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, alcohols, acids, amines). A number of reactions such as substitution on the aliphatic carbon, radical and electrophilic addition to alkenes, the elimination from halo-alkanes and alcohols, the substitution of aromatic compounds and oxidation-reduction reactions. The involvement of different classes of organic compounds of daily life and living environment is exposed; special attention is given to polymers, their synthesis and their properties. Exercises and practical work (laboratory) focus on understanding the structures and bonds, molecule geometry, isomery and stereoisomery, identification of different organic families and functions, nomenclature, reaction properties of various chemical families and practical synthesis some common organic compounds.

Prior experience

None.