NES1403 : Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
NES1403 : Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Hanno Kossen
- Lecturer: Professor Andrew Benniston, Dr Andrew Pike, Professor Mike Probert
- Other Staff: Dr John Errington, Dr Paul Waddell, Dr Alex Longcake
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To provide the foundations for modern inorganic chemistry. To introduce the concepts and nomenclature of required for detailed study in the field; to teach the basic theoretical skills needed and the rational approach to using this knowledge in, particularly focusing on the syllabus detailed below, and how these areas link to current research.
Outline Of Syllabus
Throughout the module, students will be introduced to:
Periodicity and trends in inorganic chemistry
Atomic and molecular orbitals
Bonding and structure of molecules
Molecular structure
Molecular symmetry
Coordination complexes, complex geometries and ligand classes
Chemistry of the transition metals
Structure energetics and properties of simple solids
Acid and base chemistry for inorganic compounds
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module a student should:
• Describe Periodic Trends across periods and down groups
• Correlate periodic trends with physical data
• Use an understanding of structure and bonding to explain reactivity of inorganic compounds
• Be familiar with the structures of inorganic solids
• Describe different atomic orbitals and use them to construct an understanding of molecular orbitals
• Evaluate symmetry in a molecule
• Differentiate Lewis and Bronsted acids and bases
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module a student will be able to:
• calculate energetic properties of ionic solids.
• use crystal field theory to calculate electronic configurations, spectroscopic, magnetic
and structural features of first-row transition metal complexes.
• identify, draw and predict the characteristic features of inorganic compounds including
structure, ligand, oxidation state, coordination number and donor atoms.
• Predict reactivity between Lewis acids and Lewis bases, based on HSAB theory
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Revision of taught material Semester 1 for formative assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 8 | 0:30 | 4:00 | Pre-lecture activities provided on VLE |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 5 | 4:00 | 20:00 | Revision of taught material Semester 1 and 2 |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Summative assessment for Sem 1 and Sem 2 content |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Formative assessment for Sem 1 content |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | Semester 2 Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | Semester 1 Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 8 | 3:00 | 24:00 | Background reading around tutorial work and completion of pre-tutorial exercises |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Computer workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 21 | 2:00 | 42:00 | Background reading Semester 2 |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 21 | 2:00 | 42:00 | Background reading Semester 1 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Online - Module introduction. module structure, assessment, reading lists and mode of delivery |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
A variety of methods will be used for delivery of the material and to ensure that students actively engage with the subject matter. Traditional lecture delivery is accompanied by tutorial exercises to help students consolidate their understanding. Lecture delivery through guided questioning will be used where possible to ensure that staff are aware of areas of misconception/difficulty and to focus the students towards understanding the material.
Online via Canvas - A combination of short recordings of lecture material and text published on VLE. Exercises (e.g. canvas quizzes or written problem-solving exercises) as well as example calculations and applications will be published to support the learning.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 100 | Summative Assessment (2hrs) or online assessment as alternative in the case of no PiP examinations |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | M | Assessment of engagement with tutorials |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | A | Formative exam-style questions after Semester 1 |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formative piece of assessment will assess the level of knowledge and understanding from topics studied in semester 1. This will allow the module team to review and feedback on any topic which may have been problematic. Tutorials and associated assessment facilitate individual and group participation in solving problems.
The summative assessment will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module. The assessment will present students with questions from a selection of topics learnt throughout semester 1 and 2 module content.
** Students studying from abroad may request to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. These students should contact the school to discuss this **
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES1403's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES1403's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.