Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Inorganic Applications of Group Theory
Code CHEM316
Coordinator Professor HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

This module aims to demonstrate the underlying importance of symmetry throughout Chemistry, with particular applications to spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to: Identify symmetry elements in molecules Assign molecules to their correct point groups Use character tables to solve a variety of problems in spectroscopy and bonding

(LO1) By the end of the module, students should be able to identify symmetry elements in molecules

(LO2) By the end of the module, students should be able to assign molecules to their correct point groups

(LO3) By the end of the module, students should be able to use character tables to solve a variety of problems in spectroscopy and bonding


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Theory content will be presented as asynchronous short lecture recordings. Each recording will be accompanied by simple example problems to reinforce the lecture content. There will be 6 x 1.5 hr in-person workshops in which students will tackle more demanding problems with the support of tutors.
*Lectures: 10 hr
*Workshops: 9 hr


Syllabus

 

Syllabus:
• Symmetry elements and symmetry operations
• Examples of symmetry elements in molecules
• Treatment of symmetry operations as mathematical groups
• Point groups and their identification
• Representations of point groups – reducible and irreducible
• Reduction of reducible representations
• Symmetry and spectroscopic selection rules
• Vibrational modes of molecules and vibrational selection rules
• Applications in molecular orbital theory
• MO theory of transition metal complexes


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           10

9

19
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen in-person written examination (closed book). Marked Anonymously  90    80       
Class Test Unseen, in person, time controlled, closed book  90    20       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes