Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Instruction is in the form of lectures, exercises, laboratory sessions, and seminars. Certain sections are expected to be studied independently by the students, which makes it important that they can understand course literature in English. Some teaching may be provided as recorded material. The course consists of two parts, which are examined separately: the theory component and the laboratory component. The course objectives can only be achieved when both have been completed. The theory component, corresponding to 5 ECTS cr, presents the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium theory from a thermodynamic perspective, covering both phase equilibria and electrochemical processes, as well as molecular interactions, particularly van der Waals forces. Basic reaction kinetic models and their connection to chemical reactions are also addressed. The theory course provides the conceptual and computational foundation necessary for students to achieve the course objectives. The laboratory component, corresponding to 2.5 ECTS cr, consists of practical laboratory components and is integrated with the theory course. Attendance and active participation in all laboratory components are mandatory. To participate in a laboratory session, students must pass a safety test and prepare for the session by reading and processing the instructions and relevant parts of the course literature. Oral checks of preparation may occur. To receive credit during the current term, all reports and protocols must be submitted and approved within three weeks after the course ends. Reports and protocols submitted later will be graded as time permits, but no later than the following term. The laboratory component also includes mandatory seminars. These seminars cover report writing, risk assessment, processing and analysis of data from laboratory experiments, review of the laboratory components, and an exercise in oral presentation of a chosen topic related to the course content. Attendance and active participation in all components of the laboratory course are mandatory.