Chemistry of Building MaterialsLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The objective of the course is that the student will be able to solve problems in the field of construction engineering by using his or her knowledge of the regularities and phenomena of chemistry. The student will be familiar with the chemical properties of main building materials and the effects of chemical stress on the most common building materials. On this basis and from this point of view he or she will be able to compare the suitability of different materials for their intended use.
The student will be able to acquire information in his of her own professional field, process the information and to evaluate its significance and reliability.

Content

The corrosion of metals
- Electrochemical voltage series and its applications, galvanic series
- Basics of corrosion reactions, chemical corrosion and the basics of electrochemical corrosion
- Main types of corrosion, the origin and prevention of corrosion

The chemistry of concrete
- The different chemical consistencies of cement and the effect of the consistency on the properties of concrete and reinforced concrete
- The chemical resistance and corrosion resistance of cement stone and concrete reinforcements

Other topics
- Radon
- Wood
- Water
- Construction waste
- Harmful substances in the construction industry, safe handling of them and protecting oneself from them, the environmental effects of chemicals
- Sustainable development

Seminar
- The topics of the seminar are determined based on the students’ choices of topics in the field of chemistry of building materials

Qualifications

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Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The assessment is based on the student’s knowledge in the field of chemistry, understanding of central concepts and chemical phenomena, ability to acquire and process data, ability to apply one’s knowledge to practical problems and professional field, as well as the interactional activity within the topics of the course.

The methods of assessment are course exams, assignments and dialogues. In addition to the student’s knowledge of the topic, the assessment in the seminar is based on his or her written and oral presentation skills, ability to argue the topics in the professional field, as well as the student’s interaction and peer assessment skills. The emphasis of assessment is in the content.

The student is familiar with the central concepts related to the topics of the course as well as their applications. In the seminar the student is able to acquire information related to the topics of the course, to write a study based on literature and to give a related presentation. The student is able to do both self and peer assessment.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is familiar with the central concepts related to the topics of the course as well as their applications. In the seminar the student is able to acquire information from various field-related sources. On the basis of the information, the student is able to write a study in which he or she shows ability to compare data acquired from various sources. The student is able to do both self and peer assessment.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is familiar with the concepts and phenomena related to the topics of the course, and is able to apply the knowledge in his or her professional field. In the seminar the student is able to acquire information independently from various field-related sources. On the basis of the information, the student is able to write a study in which he or she shows ability to compare and critically evaluate data acquired from various sources. The student is able to give a professional presentation on a chosen topic and is capable of versatile dialogue. He or she is able to do both self and peer assessment.