Unit information: Intermediate Inorganic & Materials Chemistry for ChemicalPhysics in 2016/17

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Unit name Intermediate Inorganic & Materials Chemistry for ChemicalPhysics
Unit code CHEM20370
Credit points 10
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Professor. May
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

CHEM10600, CHEM10800

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Chemistry
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit develops the introduction to inorganic chemistry given in CHEM 10600/800 to provide the essential base of inorganic chemistry required for advanced study at Levels 6 and 7 (Years 3 and 4). It covers the main areas of the subject required for chemical physics students emphasizing physical principles e.g. main group chemistry materials chemistry and applications of NMR spectroscopy and an introduction to group theory.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding symmetry elements and point groups;
  • Knowledge character tables and irreducible representations and how these are applied in vibrational spectroscopy and molecular orbital theory;
  • Ability to use Molecular Orbital Theory to construct Ligand Group Orbitals;
  • Be able to explain the deficiencies of Crystal Field Theory and thus understand the basics of Ligand Field Theory;
  • Understanding the kinetics of complexation and inorganic reaction mechanisms;
  • An appreciation of the scope and importance of materials including synthesis under extreme and mild conditions.

Teaching Information

Lectures, workshops (classes of 20 students with two staff members) and masterclasses (interactive seminar sessions of the whole class) and independent study. The Dynamic Laboratory Manual provides important e-learning resource in advance of workshop/masterclass sessions. Pre-workshop online material will be provided to assist students with the contact workshop.

Assessment Information

Exam: 2 hours

Reading and References

  • Essential reading will be from the following books: Inorganic Chemistry 6th Edition, M Weller, T Overton, J Rourke and F Armstrong, Oxford University Press 2014. Further reading from: Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, 2nd Edition, A. Vincent, Wiley, 2001.

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