module specification

The module aims to develop an understanding of the relationships between structure, bonding and reactivity of metal compounds and complexes in d- and f- block. The knowledge gained will give students an understanding of the role of metals and metal compounds in disease, diagnosis and treatment. The practical aspects of the module will enable students to acquire skills and experience of preparative, analytical and instrumental methods which are essential to inorganic chemistry. The module offers students from BSc Pharmaceutical Science to increase their knowledge of inorganic chemistry and the role in drug development etc. A key discipline throughout the BSc Chemistry degree it builds and reaffirms whilst allowing students to appreciate the whole of the periodic table.

CY4005

Key concepts of coordination chemistry in d-block. LO1,LO2,LO3
Solution chemistry and selectivity of metal complexation. LO2,LO3
Applications of selectivity of complexation, the origins of metal-ion recognition and ligand binding processes. LO3,LO5
Some descriptive chemistry of the 2nd/3rd row transition metals, focussing on groups 6 and 10. 
Introduction to organometallic chemistry. LO1
The f-block chemistry and applications in medical diagnosis. LO1,LO2,LO3
Mechanisms of transition metal reactions. LO1,LO6
Introductory solid state chemistry. LO1,LO5
The concept of dimensionality and structures of simple inorganic solids. 
X-ray diffraction and Bragg’s Law. Indexing simple X-ray diffraction patterns (P, FCC, BCC). LO2,LO4

86h scheduled teaching is balanced against 134h independent study of which 80h is guided around tutorial work Blended learning is afforded through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. Lecture recordings are provided for further study opportunities. Other modes are group work, group discussion and video/interactive material online. Students are directed to lab primer from the RSC for videos’ of experimental procedures. Reflective learning opportunities are available through detailed feedback on both formative and summative submissions. Emphasis is placed on the development of practical skills which will provide training for further modules during the degree and future employment.

Following completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Rationalise important aspects of the coordination and solution chemistry of the d- and f- block elements in terms of position in the periodic table and bonding theories;
2. Use selected synthetic, analytical and separation techniques safely and effectively, demonstrating awareness of the environmental impact of waste chemicals and their correct disposal;
3. Describe the dependence of the structures of ionic compounds and metals on atomic properties;
4. Use X-ray diffraction data to deduce structural information;
5. Discuss mechanistic implications from kinetic studies of substitution reactions of octahedral and square planar complexes;
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of metal containing compounds in medicine.

This module will be assessed by a time-constrained progress test (20%), a poster (20%), one practical report (20%), a practical quiz (10%) and an examination (30%). The progress test, poster, quiz and practical reports will provide both formative and summative assessment, the examination summative assessment alone.
The progress test (20%) will assess the students’ knowledge of coordination and solution chemistry of d-block
A poster (20%), practical report (20%) and quiz (10%) will be used to assess the students’ practical skills, ability to acquire, manipulate and interpret experimental data, and to communicate the findings in a poster and an appropriate scientific report.
An end-of-module examination (30%) will assess the students’ knowledge of lectures in d- and f-block chemistry, main group, organometallic chemistry and solid state chemistry.
To pass the module students must 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%.

Core Texts: Overton, T., Rourke, J., Weller, M. and Armstrong, F. (2015) Inorganic Chemistry. 6th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Burrows, A., Parsons, A., Price, G., Pilling, G. and Holman, J. (2017) Chemistry3. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Miessler, G. L., Fisher P. J., Tarr, D. A. (2013) Inorganic Chemistry. 5th Edition. Pearson.

Other Texts: Smart, L. E.; Moore, E. A. (2012) Solid state chemistry: An introduction. 4th Edition. London: Taylor Francis Group.
West, A. R. (2014) Solid State Chemistry and its Applications. London: John Wiley & Sons.

Journals: RSC Advances (RSC), Dalton Transactions (RSC), Inorganic Chemistry (ACS), Journal of the American Chemical Society (ACS)

Websites: www.rsc.org, www.acs.org, www.khanacademy.org

Social Media Sources @ChemistryWorld, @RoyalSocChem

Other @chemdrop