STORIA DELLA CHIMICA E TAVOLA PERIODICA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: VALENTINA OLIVERIExpected Learning Outcomes
The educational objective of the course is to provide a general overview of the History of Chemistry, from its origins to the beginning of the 20th century, outlining the main themes and conceptual developments that have characterized its evolution, with particular emphasis on the Periodic Table of the Elements. The course will illustrate the foundations underlying the development of scientific thought, the historical and cultural context in which Chemistry evolved, and the effects of this development on society and the environment, with particular reference to the emergence of the first inorganic industrial processes. A section will be devoted to the main methods and tools used in Chemistry education, aimed at developing the fundamental skills required to design effective teaching pathways. Practical exercises will follow, providing examples of the application of the teaching methodologies presented.
1. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the main stages in the evolution of Chemistry, from its origins to the beginning of the 20th century, and will understand the historical, cultural, and scientific context in which the discipline developed. They will be familiar with the main conceptual achievements that characterized the evolution of chemical thought, with particular reference to the origin and development of the Periodic Table of the Elements, as well as with the fundamentals of Chemistry education.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to interpret the evolution of chemical thought in relation to its historical, cultural, and social context, and to analyze the significance of the main scientific discoveries and conceptual developments, together with their impact on society and the environment. They will also be able to design simple teaching pathways using methodologies and tools appropriate for the teaching of Chemistry.
3. Making Judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically assess the role of Chemistry in the development of society and scientific progress, analyzing the relationships among scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and social and environmental impacts. They will also be able to select appropriate teaching methodologies according to the educational objectives and the specific learning context.
4. Communication Skills
Students will be able to present the main topics in the history of Chemistry and Chemistry education clearly and rigorously, using appropriate scientific terminology and adapting their language to different communicative and educational contexts.
5. Learning Skills
Students will develop the skills required to independently explore topics related to the history of Chemistry, Chemistry education, and the evolution of scientific knowledge, making critical use of bibliographic and historical sources, as well as scientific and educational resources for further study and professional development.
Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting in order to arrange any appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the learning objectives of the course and their specific needs.
Course Structure
The course consists of 35 hours of lectures and 15 hours of laboratory activities, organized into 3 experimental sessions.
Lectures may include opportunities for active student participation through discussions, questions, and short activities aimed at further exploring the topics covered. Laboratory activities are intended to apply and deepen selected course contents through experimental work and the subsequent preparation of laboratory reports.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
Brock, W. H. The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maggio, F.; Zingales, R. | Appunti di un corso di storia della chimica | Edises | 2023 | 978-8836231577 |
| Asimov, I. | Breve storia della chimica. Introduzione alle idee della chimica. | Zanichelli | 1979 | 9788808040640 |
| Hudson, J. | The History of Chemistry. | Springer | 1992 | 978-1-4684-6443-6 |
| Brock, W. H. | The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction. | Oxford University Press. | 2016 | 9780191785085 |
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Origins of Chemistry and Protochemistry – Alchemy and the Emergence of Chemical Practice | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
| 2 | The Constitution of Matter and the Origin of the Concept of Element – The Birth of Quantitative Chemistry | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
| 3 | Pneumatic Chemistry and the Lavoisier Revolution – Elements, Atoms, and Molecules | Scerri, E. R., The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance, Oxford University Press |
| 4 | Evolution of the Language of Chemistry – Valence, Structure, and the Birth of Organic Chemistry | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
| 5 | Electricity, Electrochemistry, and the Discovery of the Electron – Evolution of the Concepts of Acids and Bases | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
| 6 | The Classification of the Elements and the Periodic Table – The Discovery of Missing Elements and the Evolution of the Periodic Table | Scerri, E. R., The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance, Oxford University Press |
| 7 | Subatomic Particles and Atomic Models – Chemistry, Society, and Industrial Development | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
| 8 | Elements of Chemistry Education | Brock, W. H., The History of Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2016 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The examination consists of an oral test aimed at assessing the student’s knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered in the History of Chemistry course, with particular reference to the evolution of chemical thought, the major discoveries and conceptual developments of the discipline, the development of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and the historical, cultural, and scientific context in which such knowledge emerged.
During the oral examination, the student’s ability to establish connections among events, theories, and scientific discoveries, to place them within their relevant historical and social context, and to critically discuss their impact on society and the environment will also be assessed. Clarity of presentation, ability to develop and support arguments, and appropriate use of scientific terminology will also be taken into account.
The final assessment will also consider the reports on the laboratory activities carried out during the course, with particular attention to the scientific accuracy of the content, the ability to describe and interpret the experimental activities performed, and the clarity and coherence of the presentation.