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CHEM20100

Academic Year 2024/2025

Basis of Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM20100)

Subject:
Chemistry
College:
Science
School:
Chemistry
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Serena Cussen
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This course builds your core knowledge of inorganic chemistry, underpinning your understanding of inorganic molecules, metals, minerals and salts which have practical applications across biology, the chemical industry and the environment. The course is divided into three main topics:

Part I: Electronic theory of chemistry
Part II: Introduction to structural and solid state chemistry
Part III: Chemistry of the main group elements

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you will be able to confidently convey the following content in written and verbal form using equations and diagrams to further illustrate these concepts:

- Identify, distinguish and illustrate covalent, metallic, and ionic bonding and hybridisation

- Predict the geometry of complexes, assign oxidation states and balance redox equations in acidic and basic conditions

- Describe the basic concepts of the electrochemical cell, such as half-reactions and cell potential

- Classify solid-state structures, describe cubic (ccp) and hexagonal close packing (hcp) and simple cubic, body-centred cubic and face-centred cubic structures and coordination numbers.

- Describe trends in the periodic table and the classification of elements as metallic, metalloid or non-metallic

- Discuss how elements are found in nature, how they are extracted and their practical applications

Indicative Module Content:

Part I: Electronic theory of chemistry [7 lectures plus 1 workshop]
Initial lectures will cover atomic theory, atomic orbitals (s, p, d) as wavefunctions, quantum numbers, and orbital hybridisation. We then consider these principles in the context of molecular geometry, VSEPR theory and molecular orbital theory of diatomic molecules. We examine the concept of electronegativity and bond polarity, before considering oxidation states. We build up on this to further consider redox reactions, before applying this to systems such as electrochemical cells.

Part II: Introduction to structural and solid state chemistry [7 lectures plus 1 workshop]
Here, we begin with the basics of the solid state, considering crystalline solid classification. We consider what is meant by a crystal and the concept of a lattice. We explore the unit cell and how we may build up common cubic and hexagonal structures. Our goal is to build our understanding of why materials adopt different crystal structures. Finally, we consider radius ratio rules and lattice energies.

Part III: Chemistry of the main group elements [7 lectures plus 1 workshop]
Our final part of the course takes a journey through the periodic table, where we focus on s and p-block (d-block will be covered in detail in our sister course CHEM20400, and these courses form the basis for deeper enquiry in 3rd and 4th year). We begin with hydrogen and its compounds, before exploring the extraction of group and group 2 metals. This also provides us an opportunity to revisit the more practical applications of electrochemical cells, covered in Part I of the course. Subsequent lectures take a similar systematic approach to considering groups 13-18. We consider diagonal relationships and trends in properties in the periodic table.

These three topics are complemented by a set laboratory skills practical classes, where you will put into practice the fundamental and underpinning concepts we cover in class together.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

61

Lectures

24

Tutorial

5

Laboratories

12

Microlabs

3

Total

105


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
We use a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials and hand-on laboratory practical classes to deliver this material. Laboratory classes and tutorials offer a continuous opportunity for you to gauge your progress through enquiry, peer group work and problem-based learning. We provide resources in the form of slides, handouts and pre-recorded video content through Brightspace, as well as in-person practical skills training.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students registering for this module should have completed CHEM00010 Introductory Chemistry OR achieved a minimum grade of C in Leaving Certificate Honours Chemistry or equivalent.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CHEM10080 - Inorganic Chemistry (Med), CHEM10130 - Applied Intro. & Phys Chem, CHEM20090 - Chemistry for Biology


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Assessment type can include questions which test recall of fundamentals, discursive interpretation of basics of inorganic chemistry and problem-based questions. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
55
Yes
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Three tutorial sessions will take place during the course, at the end of which will be a short quiz (~10 mins) to test knowledge and understanding. Week 4, Week 8, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
No
Report(s): Laboratory reports and practical performance will be assessed through five practical classes throughout the semester. Week 3, Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Grades for laboratory and tutorial components will be made available once these are assessed.

Name Role
Dr Leila Negahdar Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor James Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Francesca Adami Tutor
Camilla Di Girolamo Tutor
Ms Orla Gleeson Tutor
Miss Sophie Kavanagh Tutor
Francesca Giulia Nacca Tutor
Mr Diarmuid O'Hanlon Tutor
Mr Eoin Pasquetti Tutor
Mr Colm Ó hUallacháin Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Thurs 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 3 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 Wed 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 4 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 5 Week(s) - 7 Fri 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 5 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 6 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Thurs 15:00 - 17:50