module specification

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. 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. 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.

CY5009

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.
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. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4

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 (20h) are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials (12h) 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 (94h). Students also expected to work on their presentation (20h).
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.

On successful completion of this module, students are expected to:
1. present in both oral and written forms novel ideas and concepts from a field of modern inorganic chemistry
2. utilize the scientific literature to research a contemporary topic in inorganic chemistry
3. explain how spectroscopic techniques are important in the understanding of structure, bonding and reactivity of organometallic molecules
4. apply understanding of solid state methods to determine the molecular structure of selected small organic or inorganic molecules.

This module will be assessed by a time-constrained progress tests# and an examination, and combined oral presentation based on contemporary inorganic chemist and research topic. 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%.

Core Text: Cotton, F. A., Wilkinson, G., Murillo, C. A. (1999) Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 6th Edition. Wiley

Other Texts: Smart, L. E., Moore, E. A. (2005) Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction, 4th Edition. Taylor & Francis.
West, A. R. (2014) Solid State Chemistry and its Applications. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Ladd, M. F. C. (2014) Symmetry of Crystals and Molecules. OUP Oxford.

Journals: Inorganic Chemistry, Dalton Transactions, Chemical Science

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

Electronic Databases: www.sciencedirect.com

Social Media Sources @londonmetcps @roychemsoc