Module: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
Module Code	CHM1038 (ITS: CS406)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and the application of various characterisation techniques for the investigation of inorganic compounds. Basic and advanced aspects of these techniques will be discussed together with their application in the identification of a range of inorganic compounds and materials. Single X-ray and neutron diffraction will be discussed together with applications in structural science. An aim is to present a comprehensive overview of bio-organometallic and bio-inorganic chemistry, and some applications of organometallic chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the chemical, spectroscopic and diffraction techniques used in the analysis of inorganic compounds and materials.
2. Describe the importance and relevance of metals in bioinorganic chemistry.
3. Understand the basis and application of diffraction techniques in the analysis of solid state materials.
4. Understand molecular and crystallographic symmetry in salts and molecular solids.
5. Understand the role and function of the Cambridge Structural Database as an archive for structural data and physicochemical data such as melting points. Describe how functional groups, reactivity can be analysed from structural data.
6. Understand the role and importance of polymorphism in solid state chemistry and pharmaceutical drugs.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	A total of 24 hours lectures (plus possible hybrid online/recorded) will be provided with 1-2 tutorials/demonstrations on relevant sections of the course. Several PDFs will be sent for analysis and review. The 24 hrs should be regarded as total hrs and not just assigned timetabled hourly lectures.
Directed learning	40	Reading and understanding the review articles; Inorganic problem solving; Use of resources such as the Mercury program with the available CIF files
Independent Study	60	Studying notes and lectures; reading assigned book chapters and review articles [the CSD, various structural science and Bioinorganic reviews] available from Loop.dcu.ie
Total Workload: 124

Section Breakdown
CRN	10267	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	John Gallagher	Module Teacher	Andrew Kellett

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	a,
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

Bioinorganic and Structural Chemistry
The CS406 module introduces the student to the application of various characterisation techniques for the investigation of inorganic compounds. Basic aspects of these techniques will be discussed together with their application in the identification of a range of inorganic compounds and materials. Single X-ray and neutron diffraction will be discussed together with applications in structural science. An aim is to present a comprehensive overview of bio-organometallic and bio-inorganic chemistry, and some applications of organometallic chemistry.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Smart & Moore: 0, Solid State Chemistry, 2nd, Chapters 1-3,
Gerard Jaouen (Editor): 2005, Bioorganometallics, Blackwell Scientific,
Hay: 2005, Structural methods in Inorganic Chemistry, Wiley,

Articles:

J.L. Hodeau and R. Guinebretiere: 2007, Crystallography: Past and Present, Applied Physics. A, 89, 813-823, DOI: 10.1007/s00339-007-4223-2, 522651
2002: Applications of the Cambridge Structural Database, Acta Crystallographica Section B, B58, 407-422, 0108-7681, 522652, 1
Symmetry of van der Waals molecular shape and melting points of: New Journal of Chemistry, 28, 967-979,

Other Resources

1: http://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk, Mercury Graphics program, 2020, Mercury graphics program for visualizing CIFs, Cambridge Structural Database, Cambridge

Additional information will be provided on CHM1038 via e-mail and Loop. There will be further information provided regarding the Cambridge Structural Database, Mercury graphics package and CIF files.