CH1IN2-Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry, School of Chem, Food and Nutr Sci, and Pharm
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level: 4
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr EM Page
Pre-requisites: A level Chemistry, or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CH1FC1 or CH1FC2 or CH1IN1
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: e.m.page@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The module aims to provide the students with a background in main group and transition metal chemistry.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to describe fundamental principles of atomic structure, give the electronic structure of atoms and their quantum numbers. Students should appreciate how the electronic structure of atoms leads to the build-up of the periodic table.
Students should be able to construct and interpret simple M O diagrams for diatomics; Students should be able to display a knowledge of the chemistry of the s and p block elements of groups 1, 2 and 17 and their compounds.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
M J Almond (20 lectures) -
Atomic structure, the radial distribution function, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals, the atomic spectrum of hydrogen. The aufbau principle, electronic configurations. Formation of molecular orbitals for homo and hetero diatomic molecules. VSEPR theory and the shapes of simple molecules. The chemistry of hydrogen and the s- and p-block elements of groups 1, 2 and 17.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two one-hour lectures per week with approximately three workshops on related material.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials/seminars
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)	3
Total hours	23
Number of essays or assignments
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will attend workshops on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory. Workshop problems will form the basis of the test held at the end of the term.

Relative percentage of coursework:
One one-hour test at the end of the term based on workshop material 25%

Examinations
One one and a half hour written paper will be taken during the Part 1 examination period. 75%

Requirements for a pass in this module
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August / September for end of module exam. Coursework marks to be carried forward.

Last updated: 23 November 2009