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 INTRODUCTORY INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM111
Coordinator Dr HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 Level One First Semester 15

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the underlying principles of the chemistry of the maingroup elements and to give them an appreciation of the importance of this chemistry in everyday life.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module a student will have an understanding of:

  • The periodic table as an underlying framework for understanding the chemistry of the main group elements
  • The crystal structures of metals and simple ionic solids
  • Lewis acid-Lewis base interactions
  • Systematic chemistry of halides and hydrides of the main group elements
  • stematic chemistry of halides and hydrides of the main group elements
  • The structures and reactivities of organometallic compounds of the main group elements
  • The basic techniques required for the preparation and analysis of simple inorganic compounds

A student will also have developed the following skills:

  • Planning and time-management associated with practical work
  • Report writing

Syllabus
1 

An introduction to the importance of inorganic compounds in every day life

2 

The concepts of periodicity as a framework for understanding main group inorganic chemistry.

3 - 10 

Structures of metals and of ionic solids. Underlying thermochemical principles.

13 - 16 

The Chemistry of halides and hydrides of the p-block elements

11 - 12 

The concept of Lewis acidity and basicity.Revision of VSEPR and valence bonding concepts

17 - 20 

Main group organometallic chemistry.Organolithium and Grignard reagents. Organometallic chemistry of Group 13 elements including their applications in synthesis of semiconductor materials by MOCVD. Organosilicon chemistry and application to silicones.

practicals 
  • key practical skills
  • Introduction to preparative techniques
  • Introduction to analytical techniques

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Material will be presented in lectures and reinforced by problems set in workshop-style tutorial sessions. The lecture content will be chosen to illustrate the relevance of main group inorganic chemistry to everyday life e.g materials used in electronics. Material covered in this module will be explicitly linked to material from other modules e.g. bonding theories and VSEPR rules taught in CHEM130. The practical component of CHEM111 will be taught together with that of CHEM130 throughout Semester 1. The emphasis will be on key practical skills NOT on reinforcing particular chemical knowledge, and so the skills of practical synthetic chemistry will be presented in a unified way.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

   10

 30

     60
Timetable (if known) Tue 11-12, Wed 12-1.
  		  Workshops, Mon 11-1, Tues 9-11 or Tues 12-2 depending on grp
  		Two of Mon 2-5, Tues 2-5, Wed 2-5, Fri 2-5.
  		     
Private Study 90
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Examination  2 hours  First  50  August     
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical work    First  30  none  Standard penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  A mark penalty of 25% will be applied to the practical mark for students who fail to check out their lockers by the deadline at the end of the practical course. No student will have his or her overall module mark reduced to less than 35% by the application of this penalty. Work marked in students presence to allow for immediate feedback or students lab book marked. Anonymous marking impossible  
class test    First  10  Yes    Students who fail the class test will be given a resit opportunity during the final week of the semester. The maximum mark that can be awarded in the resit will be 40%  
Tutorials/workshops    First  10  none  Standard Penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  This work is not marked anonymously 

Recommended Texts

Chemistry, C. E. Housecroft and E. C.Constable, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002.