Module CHEM2077: Chemistry of the Elements

Department: Chemistry

CHEM2077: Chemistry of the Elements

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

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, consolidating principles of bonding covered at Level 1.
• Magnetic and spectral properties of transition-metal compounds, consolidating principles of bonding in transition metal chemistry from Level 1.
• Clusters of main group elements, Wade's rules.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and rationalize the detailed chemistry of the s- and p-block elements and give a description of the bonding in compounds featuring these elements.
• Interpret and predict spectral and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes, particularly those of the 1st series of d-block metals; use Orgel and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams and appreciate the way in which they account for orbital overlap and electrostatic repulsion; and use orbital contributions to magnetic moments and colour to deduce information about a complex's stereochemistry;
• Rationalise the bonding and structures of electron-precise and electron-deficient clusters of main group and transition metal elements

• Written communication, advanced through the use of essay type questions in lecture-support worksheets.
• Problem-solving, developed through workshop classes.

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

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Workshops are where groups of students consider problems and explore common shared difficulties. Problem exercises provide students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Set work in preparation for workshops.