Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Materials Chemistry (2500009) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of building materials. Basic knowledge of the structure of the material that allow the interpretation of the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the materials from atomic interactions, as well as the establishment of relationships between their microscopic structure and their macroscopic properties. Structure, type and basic properties of the most common construction materials, as well as the degradation processes that these may suffer. Experimental techniques for determining the composition and structure of building materials. 1 Ability to identify, obtain the composition and structure of construction materials, through different experimental techniques. 2 Ability to design a material analysis program for a structure or infrastructure. 3 Ability to perform a critical assessment of the results of the material analysis program conducted in a structure. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the chemical, physical, mechanical and technological properties of the materials most used in construction. Basic scientific knowledge of the chemistry of materials (heat, equilibrium, atomic order, crystals, polymers, and gels). Knowledge of structure, types and properties of construction materials (binders, phase diagrams, corrosion). Knowledge of the experimental methods of determining the composition and structure of construction materials. Basic scientific knowledge of material chemistry (atomic structure, atomic classification, phase diagrams, reaction balance, reaction heat, reaction (chemical attack (corrosion, sulfatic attack, chlorides...). Knowledge of the structure and its balance, composition or basic components (conglomerates, alloys (steels)), type and study of the basic properties (chemical, physical and mechanical) of building materials. Knowledge of experimental methods for determining the composition and structure (DRX) of building materials. Capacity and application of the Control and Safety Regulation (UNE, ASTM...) and the quality of building materials, and understanding of their fundamentals. To establish and consolidate the fundamental concepts of basic chemistry acquired in secondary (high school). In the event that such knowledge has not been obtained, provide tools for students to achieve it and to correctly follow the subject. Provide basic knowledge of the structure of matter to interpret the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of materials from atomic interactions, to establish the relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic properties. Study the main types of chemical processes, influence factors and consequences that follow. Provide basic knowledge to understand the chemistry of the most common building materials, as well as the processes they may undergo. n conclusion, the basics of physical-chemical processes in which behavior and durability are regulated under different conditions of service of the most commonly used building materials in civil engineering.

Competencies

Especific

Theoretical and practical knowledge of the chemical, physical, mechanical and technological properties of the materials most used in construction. (Common module to the Civil branch)

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 30h 50.00 %
Medium group 27h 45.00 %
Laboratory classes 3h 5.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.6 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.6 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. In order to reinforce contents, the subject also has 2 hours a week of workshop-type sessions with the aim of reviewing concepts of basic and elementary chemistry (formulation, solubility, stoichiometry, ideal gases). The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages. To do the laboratory practices you need the following personal protective equipment (PPE): * Blue lab coat UPC Mechanical * Protection gloves - Mechanical * Safety glasses * Mechanical Kit (bluelab coat + protection gloves + safety glasses)

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The qualification of the asignatura obtains from the qualifications of continuous evaluation and of the corresponding of laboratory and / or computer room. The continuous assessment consists of doing different activities, both individual and group, of an additive and formative nature, carried out during the course (inside the classroom and outside it). The qualification of teaching in the laboratory is the average of such activities. The assessment tests consist of a part with questions about concepts associated with the learning objectives of the subject in terms of knowledge or comprehension, and a set of application exercises. The qualification of the asignatura obtains from the qualifications of the continuous evaluation that corresponding: MATERIALS CHEMISTRY EVALUATION OF CATALA-SPANISH LINE: 1- You can opt for 2 part exams or a final - global exam: Partial exams (2 exams), E1 and E2 (80%), averaged 2 exams. Or there is also option 1 final /global exam for the whole subject (EG 80%) 2- Classroom Activities and Tests for each Theme or Theme block (10%) 3- Teaching Practice Reports: Practices (10%). ENDNOTE:((E1+E2)/2) 0.80+ (classroom and test-activity zero) 0.10 + ((P1+P2)/2)0.10). Or: ENDNOTE:(EG 0.80+ (classroom and test-activity zero) 0.10 + ((PRACTICE)0.10). 2- Activities and proofs of the classroom of each subject or syllabus block (10%) 3- Teaching practice reports: two practices P1 and P2 (10%). FINAL NOTE: ((E1 + E2) / 2) 0.80+ (classroom activities and zero test-activity) 0.10 + ((PRACTICE) 0.10). Internships will be evaluated based on mandatory and personal reports that must be submitted one week after each of the lab internship sessions. MATERIALS CHEMISTRY EVALUATION OF ENGLISH LINE: The evaluation of the subject by the group in English are defined by the coordinator or head of the subject, Professor Diego Aponte, which are published on the ATENEA digital campus of the subject Materials Chemistry, in English. Laboratory practices are compulsory activities, and failure to carry out them and failure to deliver the reports results in an unsubmitted note of the general assessment of the subject. Criteria of qualification and of admission to the re-evaluation: The students suspended to the ordinary evaluation that have presented regularly in the proofs of evaluation of the asignatura suspended will have option to realize a proof of re-evaluation in the period fixed in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed it or students who have qualified as not presented will not be able to take the re-assessment test for a subject. The maximum grade in the case of taking the re-assessment exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student summoned to the re-evaluation test, held in the fixed period may not lead to the performance of another test with a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take any of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the teacher responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding teaching period.

Test Rules

If any of the assessment activities is not carried out in the scheduled period, the grade for that activity will be compatible as zero. They are indispensable prerequisites to pass subject and being able to realize the reevaluation exam: 1) To have carried out activity 0 that will be proposed in the classroom. 2) To have attended the laboratory practices and to have delivered the corresponding forms or test.

Office Hours

Coordinating profesor Susanna Valls Office 108 module B-1. Opening hours: Monday - 15 to 16 hours Wednesday - 12 to 14 hours And also by appointment by email: susanna.valls@upc.edu In the English line contact the responsible professor Diego F. Aponte: diego.fernando.aponte@upc.edu

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary

Resources

"The course consists of 2 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.6 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.6 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. In order to reinforce contents, the subject also has 2 hours a week of workshop-type sessions with the aim of reviewing concepts of basic and elementary chemistry (formulation, solubility, stoichiometry, ideal gases). The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages. To do the laboratory practices you need the following personal protective equipment (PPE): * Blue lab coat UPC Mechanical * Protection gloves - Mechanical * Safety glasses * Mechanical Kit (bluelab coat + protection gloves + safety glasses) You can buy them at UPC Shop (upc-shop.com) or any specialty store."