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 INORGANIC APPLICATIONS OF GROUP THEORY (
Code CHEM316
Coordinator Dr HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2015-16 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

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

Completion of Year 1 of either an MChem or BSc (Hons) Chemistry programme, or another such approved programme.  

Aims

This module aims to demonstrate the underlying importance of symmetry throughout Chemistry, with particular applications to spectroscopic selection rules and bonding.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Identify symmetry elements in molecules
  • Assign molecules to their correct point groups
  • Use character tables to solve a variety of problems in spectroscopy and bonding

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Syllabus

1

Syllabus:

  • Symmetry elements and symmetry operations
  • Examples of symmetry elements in molecules
  • Treatment of symmetry operations as mathematical groups
  • Point groups and their identification
  • Representations of point groups – reducible and irreducible
  • Reduction of reducible representations
  • Symmetry and spectroscopic selection rules
  • Vibrational modes of molecules and vibrational selection rules
  • Applications in molecular orbital theory
  • MO theory of transition metal complexes

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 10

  6

      16
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 59
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written Exam  1.5 hours  Second  80  August resit opportunity for year 2 students only. see notes    Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Tutorials and extended problems Tutorials and extended problems contributing to the assessment of all learning outcomes by problem-solving questions, which are discussed in problem classes. This work is not marked anonymously Written Examination Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit and the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework    Second  20  No  Standard University guidelines  Assessment 1