Students will complete 3 elements of assessment for this module:
1. EXAMINATION 1 (at the end of Semester 1), 1 hour worth 25% of the module (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
2. PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO, worth 50% of the module (learning outcomes 2,3 and 4)
This will include a laboratory notebook, written reports of experiments, a reflective summary of knowledge and skills development (learning outcomes 3 and 4). Students will develop their scientific writing, literature searching and interpretation skills. (learning outcomes 2 and 4)
3. EXAMINATION 2 (at the end of semester 2), 1 hour worth 25% of the module - (learning outcomes 1 and 2)
Formative assessment: Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via practical classes, reports, and tutorial sessions and specimen exam/test questions

This module delivers fundamental aspects of the underlying theory of atomic structure which is vital to an in depth understanding of the concepts treated at the advanced levels of the course. It also covers topics of structural chemistry and chemical reactivity which form the basis of many of the applications dealt with later in the course. The practical classes give experience of handling materials appropriately and develop laboratory skills essential to the practicing chemist.
Atoms and Atomic structure – Wave particle duality, uncertainty principle, wave equations and atomic orbitals. Quantum numbers and the structure of the periodic table.
Orbital overlap and covalent bonding - homonuclear diatomic molecules, valence bond and molecular orbital approaches, energy level diagrams.
Molecular geometry of polyatomic species in main group and transition metal species. VSEPR theory and its limitations.
Solid state structures – metallic lattices, simple ionic compounds, stoichiometry and coordination number from crystal structures. Lattice energy and comparison of theoretical and experimental values. Solubility of ionic compounds in water.
Typical inorganic reactions – non-redox processes, metathesis, substitution and hydrolysis reactions. Redox processes and application of reduction potentials as a guide to chemical reactivity and limitations of the approach.
Chemistry of selected groups in the s- and p-block related to the underlying principles of structure and bonding above.
Practical exercises could include preparative chemistry of simple compounds such as SnI4, preparation and analysis of oxalate complexes of main group and transition metals.

1. An understanding of the principles of the fundamental theoretical aspects of inorganic chemistry
Knowledge and understanding
SS1

2. Application of theoretical principles to a variety of problems related to the subject matter of the module.
Analysis
Problem solving

3. Develop skills in carrying out practical chemistry associated with inorganic chemistry
Learning
Enquiry

4. Become competent in producing and presenting scientific reports based on practical exercises. Communication
Analysis
Problem solving

Each week there will be a 2-hour interactive lecture / seminar during which students will be introduced to core material and develop their understanding through problem-solving exercises undertaken in class = 48 hours
There will be 16 x 3 hour practical sessions during which students will develop their practical and experimental skills through undertaking a number of laboratory-based exercises that also develop the theoretical aspects of the module = 48 hours
The remaining 204 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to build the practical portfolio.

Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry Rayner-Canham 2014
Chemistry Housecroft and Constable 4th Ed 2012
Oxtoby, Gillis and Butler Principles of Modern Chemistry 8th Ed Centgage 2016