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 Dr HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2014-15 Level Three Second Semester 7.5

Aims

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


Learning Outcomes

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

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

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module consists of 10 formal lectures and 6 supporting 1-hour workshop sessions. New material will be presented in lectures and students will apply this material in structured problem sessions.


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

   6

       16
Timetable (if known) Tuesday 10.00 am, Wednesday 9.00 am
  		           
Private Study 59
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  1.5 hours  Second  80  August resit opportunity for year 2 students only. see notes    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit and the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Tutorials and extended problems    Second  20  No  Standard University guidelines  Tutorials and extended problems contributing to the assessment of all learning outcomes by problem-solving questions, which are discussed in problem classes. This work is not marked anonymously  

Recommended Texts
'Molecular symmetry and group theory' (2nd Edition) A. Vincent, Wiley 2001 ISBN: 0-471-48939-5