65411 Inorganic Chemistry 1
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65212 Chemistry 2 OR 65213 Chemistry 2 (Advanced)
Description
This subject is based on the chemistry of transition metals. Topics covered include structural aspects of transition metal compounds, nomenclature, bonding theories, spectroscopic and magnetic properties, stability of complexes and medical applications of ligands and transition metal complexes. This subject builds on concepts introduced in 65212 Chemistry 2 and 65307 Physical Chemistry 1 to aid the development of models for the understanding of the observed properties of transition metal compounds. The concepts learned in this subject provide a foundation for 65509 Inorganic Chemistry 2 where structural aspects of advanced materials as well as the bioinorganic chemistry of metalloproteins and biominerals are developed.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply current IUPAC recommendations to name transition metal compounds and simple organometallic compounds |
|---|---|
| 2. | Describe the formation of transition metal complexes and be able to draw their structures |
| 3. | Apply basic theories and to demonstrate an extended understanding by completing problem solving tasks |
| 4. | Synthesise fundamental principles to evaluate the use of ligands and complexes in the growing field of applications |
| 5. | Conduct experiments to determine physical and chemical properties of certain transition metal compounds |
| 6. | Collect, analyse and interpret experimental data as well as present results graphically and in written form as a laboratory report |
| 7. | Work both individually and collaboratively with peers in the laboratory environment to produce and report on experimental findings |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry and be able to explain specialised knowledge in one or more sub-disciplines. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design, analysis and critical thinking to test current chemistry knowledge. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, and to act safely and responsibly in chemistry laboratory and practical settings. (3.1)
- Design creative solutions to contemporary chemistry-related issues by incorporating innovative methods, reflective practices and self-directed learning. (4.1)
- Effectively communicate concepts and scientific discovery in chemistry using different formats to present information in professional or public settings. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science lists six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to develop five of those attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
Students will develop a knowledge of the structure and properties of transition metal complexes. This knowledge is applied in the lectures and in the laboratory sessions. Assessment of the acquired knowledge is through the submitted laboratory reports, a problem-solving task with associated report and through the quizzes.
2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
During laboratory classes students will take An Inquiry-oriented approach to investigations of the physical and chemical properties of transition metal compounds, and related problem-solving tasks.
3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Students will develop analytical skills and data handling skills specific to the field of coordination chemistry in the laboratory classes. In addition, students develop the ability to work collaboratively in teams in both the laboratory classes and via the preparation of a group report for the problem-solving task. Assessment of the developed skills is through the submitted laboratory reports and the problem-solving task with associated report.
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
This refers to the ability to acquire, develop, employ and integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills. The students develop innovative thinking through creative problem-solving, using analytical and experimental approches within the practical component of the subject, including the recording and reporting of their experimental results.
5. Communication
Students will further develop their scientific communications skills through the presentation of experimental findings and data as laboratory reports and in their problem-solving task.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered via weekly lectures. There are 6 x 3 hour laboratory sessions held throughout the semester. The lectures will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts of Inorganic Chemistry and how they apply to the real-world through examples of research and case studies. In the practical classes you will develop your practical and professional skills by conducting experiments in small teams, collect, analyse and interpret data and write up results as a short lab report. Immediate verbal feedback on your progress in the laboratory is provided at the end of each practical class by way of an "exit checklist". Written feedback on your progress is provided for the group module assignments and your laboratory reports. Lecture notes, revision problems and laboratory experimental notes are all available in Canvas. You can prepare for the lectures and practical classes by reading the material provided in Canvas.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to transition metals, including their significance in advanced materials
- Electron configurations of transition metals and their common ions
- Ligands in transition metal complexes
- Nomenclature of coordination compounds
- Coordination number and coordination geometry of transition metal complexes
- Valence bond theory (covalent bonding approach)
- Isomerism in coordination compounds
- Crystal field theory (ionic bonding approach)
- Crystal field splitting diagrams for simple stereochemistries (octahedral, square planar and tetrahedral)
- Magnetic properties of transition metal compounds
- Thermodynamic and kinetic stability of transition metal complexes, including chelate and macrocyclic effects and the HSAB (hard and soft acids and bases) concept
- Applications of ligands and transition metal complexes
- Electronic spectra of transition metal compounds (selection rules etc.)
- Jahn-Teller distortion (particularly for six-coordinate d9 (Cu(II)) complexes)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Practical Reports
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Reports will be assessed on:
|
Assessment task 2: Module 1 and 2 assignments
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | This task will be assessed on:
|
Assessment task 3: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Correctness and clarity of responses to questions |
Minimum requirements
In order to be considered for a pass in Inorganic Chemistry 1, a student must achieve an overall mark greater than 50.
Practical classes in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are an important and integral part of your learning in this subject. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of application of concepts, practical classes develop hands-on laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills and specialised techniques related to the assessment tasks. These also contribute to the development of essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled practical sessions.
If you cannot attend a scheduled practical class, please contact your subject coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Recommended texts
Winter, M.J. d-block Chemistry 2nd ed., Oxford University Press (2015) ISBN 978-0-19-870096-8