NES2403 : Inorganic Chemistry
NES2403 : Inorganic Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Keith Izod
- Lecturer: Dr John Errington, Professor Andrew Benniston, Professor Andrew Houlton, Dr Simon Doherty, Dr Lee Higham
- 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 build on Stage 1 course material to provide an understanding of the electronic and structural properties and reactivities of the main-group elements and transition metals. To introduce fundamental ideas of bonding and to show how these lead to real-world applications in catalysis, materials chemistry and elsewhere.
Outline Of Syllabus
Throughout the module, students will be exposed to topics such as:
Bonding models for transition metal complexes
Ligand types and their donor/acceptor properties
Descriptive transition metal chemistry
Substitution and electron-transfer reactions in inorganic chemistry
Chemical applications of symmetry
Main group chemistry – bonding and properties of simple main group compounds.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module a student will:
• be familiar with the distinctive properties of the transition and main group elements and their trends across
the periodic table.
• understand ionic and covalent bonding models for transition metal complexes and the relationship between
bonding and the spectrochemical series.
• appreciate the general types of compounds formed by transition and main group elements and the bonding
involved, including in organometallic compounds.
• understand the mechanisms of simple processes in inorganic chemistry such as ligand substitution and electron-
transfer.
• understand the basic principles of group theory and how they are applied to the solution of chemical problems.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module a student will be able to:
• draw structures of transition metal and main group compounds; visualise and draw three-dimensional molecules
• calculate valence electron counts and formal oxidation states for elements in a range of compound types
• predict chemical properties of a compound by consideration of the position of its constituent elements in the
periodic table
• predict the mechanisms of simple inorganic processes
• be able to use symmetry in the interpretation of chemical properties
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Preparation for tutorial sessions |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 44 | 1:00 | 44:00 | Traditional and flipped lecture sessions |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 0:50 | 18:20 | Revision for end of Semester 2 examination |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Preparation for online Canvas quiz |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:30 | 2:30 | End of Semester 2 examination |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Canvas online Quiz |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | End of Semester 1 formative examination |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 0:50 | 18:20 | Revision for end of semester 1 formative examination |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Tutorial/feedback sessions |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 42:50 | 42:50 | Background reading to broaden knowledge beyond the delivered material |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 44 | 1:00 | 44:00 | Study prior to lectures and workshops and reflection on lecture material afterwards |
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 ‘flipped’ lectures based on provision of recorded online material and accompanying exercises for students to view in advance of interactive sessions exploring their understanding. Tutorial sessions are provided to help students consolidate their understanding and offer feedback to small group tutorials.
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 | 150 | 2 | A | 100 | End of module examination |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|
Computer assessment | M | Canvas Quiz |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Examination | 1 | A | Semester 1 module material |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The formative exam 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.
The summative written examination will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module. The examination will present students with questions from a selection of topics learnt throughout semester 1 and 2 module content.
The pass/fail in-course assessment will assess the student’s understanding of group theory.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2403's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES2403's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 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, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.