Module CHEM2021: CHEMISTRY OF THE ELEMENTS

Department: CHEMISTRY

CHEM2021: CHEMISTRY OF THE ELEMENTS

Prerequisites

• Core Chemistry 1A (CHEM1012).

Corequisites

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop and consolidate principles of bonding and transition metal chemistry, and to study selected areas in more detail.

Content

• Chemistry of the s and p block: covalent compounds, structure, bonding and stability.
• Magnetic and spectral properties of transition-metal compounds, electronic spectra and molecular orbital theory;
• Magnetic properties.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and rationalize the detailed chemistry of the p-block elements, especially as illustrated by groups 13 and 14.
• Describe and rationalize the chemistry of bonding of the main group metals.
• Explain trends in the chemistry of the non-metals of groups 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18.
• Interpret (and predict) spectral and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes, construct and use Orgel diagrams, appreciate the modifications made for orbital overlap, and use orbital contributions to magnetic moments to deduce information about stereochemistry.
• From symmetry considerations, understand a qualitative description of the molecular orbital sequence of energy levels for an octahedral complex, the modifications made for pi-bonding ligands, and the basis for the 18-electron rule.

• Perform complex experiments in inorganic chemistry.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures are used to convey concepts and are examined by written papers. This is the best method to assess the knowledge of the students.
• Laboratory classes teach students techniques in various aspects of inorganic chemistry. They are continuously assessed so that the student can learn from one session to the next.
• The Collection held in January is for students to assess their own learning and performance to improve their examination technique. It is an opportunity for them to assimilate the work completed in the first term. Papers are returned to students with model answers so that they can learn from the experience.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Collection (1 hour written paper in week 11). Set work (preparation for review lectures, for instance).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University