Module: Inorganic Chemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Inorganic Chemistry
Module Code	CHM1011 (ITS: CS205)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To introduce the basic aspects of coordination chemistry and ligand field theory. To introduce the concept of symmetry and its effect on spectroscopy. To introduce main group chemistry. To provide examples of the application of inorganic chemistry in industry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Have a comprehensive overview of coordination chemistry
2. Explain with the aid of examples main group chemistry
3. Know the importance of symmetry

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	A combination of F2F lectures, some hybrid and directed learning
Independent Study	89	Reading Inorganic chemistry textbook chapters and notes, problem solving.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20175	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Mary Pryce	Module Teacher	John Gallagher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Transition Metal Chemistry.
Introduction to crystal field theory; splitting of 'd' energy levels in octahedral, tetrahedral and square planar complexes; 10Dq and the spectrochemical series; high and low spin complexes; magnetic properties; Oxidation states and reaction chemistry of the elements and their compounds; Classical complexes, including a discussion of coordination number, nomenclature and isomerism. Survey of transition metal elements, first, second and third row transition elements.

Main Group Chemistry
Group 13 Halides, oxides, nitrogen compounds, borates and borides, organometallic compounds; Group 14 Simple compounds; carbides; silicates and silicones; stability of the +2 oxidation state; catenation; organo metallic compounds. Group 15 Oxides, halides and sulphur compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus; acids and phosphates; nitrides.

Molecular Shape and Symmetry
VSEPR concept; symmetry elements; introduction to point groups for describing molecular geometry, point groups in infrared spectroscopy.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

F. Albert Cotton, Geoffrey Wilkinson, Paul L. Gaus: 0, Basic inorganic chemistry, 3rd, 978-0-471-50532-7
Alan Vincent/Wiley: 0, Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, 2nd,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None