module specification

This module will utilize previous learning to develop an understanding of advanced topics in inorganic chemistry including materials, bioinorganic, main group and organometallic chemistry. In addition the students will research and present on a topic contemporary in inorganic chemistry.

CH5009

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of the relation between structure, bonding and reactivity of organometallic and main group compounds. It also will show students how fundamental topics in inorganic chemistry can be applied to the interpretation of the roles of metal ions in biological systems. In addition, the module aims to develop students understanding of modern characterisation in solid state chemistry. Allied to this, the module will develop an awareness of the spectroscopic techniques available to an inorganic chemist and provide them with contexts that will allow them to develop problem solving skills in this area. Contemporary topics of importance in inorganic chemistry will also be introduced via a research exercise and the students practical skills will be enhanced by exposure to specific techniques from organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry.

In addition the module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment. They will be required to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, as well as decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts. Finally the module aim to provide students with the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Structure, bonding, and synthesis of compounds of transition metals in low oxidation states with π-acceptor ligands: nomenclature, the 18 electron rule; metal carbonyls, carbonylates, carbenes, dihyrogen complexes, silane complexes, clusters, metal-metal bonds, vibrational spectra; complexes with alkenes, alkynes, allyls, cyclopentadienes and arenes.  Fluxionality in organometallic compounds. C-H activation by transition metal organometallics. Catalytic cycles involving organometallic systems that reaction types common in organometallic chemistry.

Metals in biological redox reactions: the redox chemistry of metal complexes and metalloproteins; a study of cytochromes and iron-sulfur proteins involved in mitochondrial oxidative pathways.

Oxygen carriers and oxygen transport proteins: aspects of the biological chemistry of haemoglobin and myoglobin; synthetic models for oxygen binding and oxygen-binding haemoproteins.

Nitrogen fixation: a discussion of molybdenum ions in proteins and their role in nitrogenase; chemistry of dinitrogen metal complexes.

Main group chemistry: the chemistry of boron, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur containing compounds.

Spectroscopic techniques. The underlying concepts of NMR, IR, UV, and Raman spectroscopies. X-ray diffraction. Electron microscopy. Applications of these techniques in both the solution and solid states.

The module is delivered through a range of different mechanisms including practical work, workshops, tutorials, lectures, on-line material and directed course work.
Teaching and learning sessions consist of lectures, tutorials and practicals.
Lectures (40h) are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials (22h) and practical sessions (4h).  Tutorials are utilized to develop problem solving skills throughout the module
Students will be expected to reflect on the learning experience and develop their own understanding of the topics covered (115h). Students also expected to work on their presentation (54h).
The module is supported by a website on WebLearn which includes a number of electronic learning aids, with a particular emphasis on consolidation of previous learning. Students would be expected to use the site for assisted study (65h).

On successful completion of this module, students are expected to:
1. apply an understanding of coordination chemistry to biological systems
2. explain howspectroscopic techniques are important in the understanding of structure, bonding and reactivity of organometallic and other compounds including p-block compounds.
3. describe the fundamental principles and concepts in the field of materials chemistry
4. utilize the scientific literature to research a contemporary topic in inorganic chemistry
5. present in both oral and written forms novel ideas and concepts from a field of modern inorganic chemistry
6. apply an understanding of spectroscopic techniques to solve problems relevant to inorganic chemistry

This module will be assessed by a series of time-constrained progress tests and an examination, and combined oral and poster presentation based on contemporary inorganic chemistry research. The progress test will provide both formative and summative assessment, the examination summative assessment alone.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 6th edition, 1999, F.A Cotton, G.Wilkinson, C.A. Murillo, M. Bochmann. Wiley [CORE].
Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction, Third Edition, 2005, L. E. Smart, E. A. Moore. Taylor & Francis.
Basic Solid State Chemistry, 2nd Edition, 2000, A.R. West. Wiley.
Inorganic Materials Chemistry, 1994, M.T. Weller. Oxford Chemistry Primers no 23, Oxford University Press.
The Organometallic  Chemistry of the Transition Metals, R. H. Crabtree, 5th Edition, 2009, Wiley and Sons
Organotransition Metal Chemistry, A. F. Hill,  2002, Royal Society of Chemistry
Inorganic Spectroscopic Methods, A. K. Brisdon, 2001, Oxford Chemistry Primers, Oxford University Press
Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry, S. J. Lippard, J. M. Berg, 1994, University Science Books, California
The Chemistry of the s- and p-Block, N. C. Norman, 1997, Oxford Chemistry Primers, Oxford University Press
Main Group Chemistry, A. G. Massey, 2nd Edition, 2000, Wiley and Sons