The aim of the course is to provide the students with the basic theoretical and applicative principles of solid-state chemistry. The main objective is the comprehension and understanding of solid-state properties of crystalline and amorphous materials and their characterization via some analytical techniques. Particular emphasis will be given to organic crystalline materials and their application in the pharmaceutical field. The basic idea of the course is to provide students with an overview of modern approaches to investigate solid-state chemistry, including all the interdisciplinary aspects of this topic.

• Introduction to solid state and material science: Crystalline and amorphous materials
• Introduction to Thermal Analysis: Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Hot-Stage Microscopy and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis
• Introduction to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
• Case Studies

D1. Knowledge and understanding skills. Students must be able to describe the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the solid matter, highlighting the structure/property relationships. They will have to prove a complete understanding of  the  states of matter (liquid, solid and gas) and intermolecular forces involved, including the basic principles of thermodynamics and kinetics of the solid state. Furthermore, they will have to prove a complete comprehension of the basic principles of thermal analysis and FT-IR.  In particular, they will have to be familiar with concepts such as polymorphism, solvates, phase transitions and physical properties of crystalline materials. The achievement of these abilities will be tested through the assessment procedures.

D2. Application of knowledge and understanding. Students must be familiar with the correct chemistry language and prove a deep understanding of structure/property relationships of solid state (how physical and chemical properties of a solid are related to the chemical structure). The achievement of these abilities will be tested through the assessment procedures.

D3. Judgement autonomy. The student must be able to use analytical skills to successfully solve potential problems related to the characterization of solid state. This competence will be tested through the assessment procedures.

D4. Communication skills. Students must be able to clearly describe the physical-chemical phenomena learned in the course with appropriate language and examples.

D5. Learning skills. Students must be able to critically and independently build their own skills and scientific background by using the teaching material provided by the teacher and any other material (book or scientific article) provided. These abilities will be stimulated by the teacher proposing and resolving real research problems.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it