Introductory description

The aim of this module is to provide students with a foundational understanding of the effect that quantization of energy levels in atoms affects the structure of the compounds that result from bonding atoms together. As such it provides a fundamental look at chemical bonding and interatomic interactions, and the way these determine the structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds. Later parts of the module apply an understanding of bonding to two further areas: the chemistry of transition metal complexes and the redox properties of main group compounds.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Atomic structure, electronic structure of atoms (quantisation in a non-mathematical sense), bonding (simple MO for diatomics, ionic bonding and structures, metallic bonding). Introduction to coordination chemistry (crystal field theory, spectrochemical series, high spin/low spin, CFSE, complex formation and isomers, chelate effect), main group chemistry (periodicity, redox properties). Acidity and Redox reactions.

An example collective skills syllabus may include elements from the following:

1. Maths
   Perform routine algebraic manipulations.
   Manipulation of units and dimensions.
   Solve simple equations.
   Understand the basis of differential calculus, be able to differentiate and, find maxima and minima.
   Integrate functions and solve simple differential equations.
   Determine the limits of simple functions.
   Manipulate logarithmic and exponential functions.
   Introduction to error propagation.
   Perform routine trigonometric manipulations.
   Expand simple series.
   Manipulate complex numbers, vectors, and matrices.
2. Probability and statistics
3. Coding
4. General IT skills
5. Specific chemistry software training
6. Career development skills

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify the electronic structure of atoms
• Understand orbitals as wave functions and their interactions
• Identify the shape and symmetry features of simple molecules and metal complexes
• Assign ionic structures to solid compounds and perform calculations on the physical properties
• Understand the energetics of bonding
• Sketch molecular orbital diagrams of simple molecules
• Identify the electronic configuration of metal complexes
• Predict reactivity and magnetic properties of metal complexes
• Perform calculations on redox reactions
• Work out acidic constants, pH, concentrations of Bronsted acids and bases
• Evaluate the reactivity of Lewis acids

Indicative reading list

“Inorganic Chemistry” 7th ed. Rourke et al. Oxford University Press

Subject specific skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking