Additional outcomes:
The students should improve their oral and presentation skills through tutorials and analytical, numeracy and problem-solving skills through workshops and tutorials.

Outline content:
E M Page (4 lectures + 1 workshop) Transition Metals: Basic Theory and Chemistry
Electronic configuration in transition metal atoms and ions. Bonding in transition metal complexes: the crystal field model. Crystal field stabilisation energy in octahedral and tetrahedral complexes. Derivation of splitting diagrams for some other geometries. The Jahn Teller effect.

H M Colquhoun (5 lectures) Transition Metals: Bonding Models and Molecular Orbital Theory
Nature of the co-ordinative bond in transition metal chemistry; co-ordination geometries; electron configuration and preferred coordination number; ligand substitution reactions; concepts of hardness and softness in metals and ligands; development of a molecular orbital approach to -bonding in transition metal complexes; comparisons and analogies with crystal field theory.

H M Colquhoun (4 lectures + 1 workshop) Advanced Transition Metal Chemistry
Further development of the molecular orbital approach; octahedral complexes involving ligand-metal -interactions; interpretation of structural, spectroscopic, magnetic and reactivity data in molecular orbital terms; stability of oxidation states; origins of the trans-effect. Horizontal and vertical trends in the properties of transition metals and their compounds; concepts of charge-screening and effective nuclear charge; origin and consequences of the lanthanide contraction.

M J Almond (8 lectures + 1 workshop) Main Group Chemistry
The chemistry of Groups 13-16. Basic trends in the inorganic and organometallic chemistry are considered and illustrated by important examples. Where appropriate synthetic methods are given and molecular structures discussed. Group 18 chemistry.
F.Hartl (10 lectures + 1 workshop) Inorganic Electrochemistry and Spectroscopic Methods
UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, structure of complexes, ligand field effects, isomerism, luminescence;
IR and Raman spectroscopy in structure determination;
Magnetic measurements - spin-orbit coupling, paramagnetic substances (magnetic susceptibilty), EPR and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopies;
Introduction to cyclic voltammetry and electrolysis, spectroelectrochemical techniques, redox chemistry of coordination compounds - 3h;
Less common techniques (e.g., EXAFS, PES, Mössbauer spectroscopy) -1h.

C J Cardin (4 lectures + 1 workshop) Structural Chemistry
The inorganic solid state – revision of structural types. Review of ionic radii and radius ratio rules. Ionic lattices including NaCl, CsCl, CaF2, ZnS, TiO2, NiAs, CdCl2, CdI2 and perovskite. The Bragg equation, crystal systems, Bravais lattices, the asymmetric unit. Simple calculations – bond lengths, densities, asymmetric units and cell contents.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Approximately three one-hour lectures per week with roughly one tutorial or workshop on related material every two weeks.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students attend tutorials and workshops on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory at both. Both tutorial work and workshop problems form the basis of the open-book examination held at the end of the spring term. Tutorials must be submitted by the named date.
A one-hour open book examination based on tutorial and workshop material at the end of the spring term. 20%

Penalties for late submission
In accordance with University policy 10% of the total marks available will be deducted from work which is submitted up to 1 week late. Work submitted later than this will receive no credit unless there are extenuating circumstances. For students on chemistry-based degree courses any unexplained absence from more than two tutorials in chemistry will automatically incur a formal warning from the School Director of Teaching and Learning.

Examinations
A two-hour written paper during the Part 2 examination period. 80%

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

Reassessment arrangements
Reassessment of the final examination only in August or September. Marks for end of term test to be carried forward.

Last updated: 23 November 2009