Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTORY INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM111
Coordinator Dr HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2015-16 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

A2 level Chemistry  

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the underlying principles of the chemistry of the main group elements and to give them an appreciation of the importance of this chemistry in everyday life.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module a student will have an understanding of:

  • The periodic table as an underlying framework for understanding the chemistry of the main group elements
  • The crystal structures of metals and simple ionic solids
  • Lewis acid-Lewis base interactions
  • Systematic chemistry of halides and hydrides of the main group elements
  • stematic chemistry of halides and hydrides of the main group elements
  • The structures and reactivities of organometallic compounds of the main group elements
  • The basic techniques required for the preparation and analysis of simple inorganic compounds

A student will also have developed the following skills:

  • Planning and time-management associated with practical work
  • Report writing

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -

Laboratory Work -


Syllabus

1

An introduction to the importance of inorganic compounds in every day life

2

The concepts of periodicity as a framework for understanding main group inorganic chemistry.

3

Structures of metals and of ionic solids. Underlying thermochemical principles.

4

Simple valence bond theory and VSEPR rules

5

Acidity and basicity: Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis theories

6

Chemistry of hydrogen and hydrides

7

Chemistry of the p-block elements: Groups 13 - 17

8
key practical skills

  • Introduction to preparative techniques
  • Introduction to analytical techniques

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

  10

33

    63
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 87
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written Exam  2 hours  First  50  August    Assessment 4 Notes (applying to all assessments) Practical work A mark penalty of 25% will be applied to the practical mark for students who fail to check out their lockers by the deadline at the end of the practical course. No student will have his or her overall module mark reduced to less than 35% by the application of this penalty. Work marked in students presence to allow for immediate feedback or students lab book marked. Anonymous marking impossible class test Students who fail the class test will be given a resit opportunity during the final week of the semester. The maximum mark that can be awarded in the resit will be 40% Tutorials/workshops This work is not marked anonymouslyExamination  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework    First  30  none  Standard penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  Assessment 1 
Coursework    First  10  Yes    Assessment 2 
Coursework    First  10  none  Standard Penalty for late submission applies - see Departmental handbook for details.  Assessment 3