What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn about some of the key theoretical aspects of the chemistry of inorganic compounds primarily focusing on those containing metal atoms essential to their properties, function and application. You will also explore aspects of this chemistry via laboratory experimentation and thus continue to hone higher level practical skills that are applicable later in the programme and in research and industrial settings. Key theoretical topics that will be explored will include:
?Structure and bonding in inorganic and coordination complexes: Crystal-and Ligand Field theories, molecular orbital approaches, symmetry, properties and uses/application occurrence in nature and industry
?Organometallic Chemistry: the border between organic and inorganic chemistry, structural classification and electron counting approaches, hapticity and hydrocarbon and p-acceptor ligands, properties and applications of organometallic compounds and an introduction to catalysis.
?Mechanistic Inorganic chemistry, the definitions and language of mechanistic inorganic chemistry, reaction types and classifications, the experimental evidence for mechanistic theory, rates or reaction, lability and inertness, solvent assistance, structure activity relationships.
Allied to this will be an evolving selection of investigational laboratory sessions aimed at illustrating concepts of the lecture programme and developing both higher level practical and academic skills. You will also learn and reflect upon the fact that skills and techniques developed previously in the programme and in another contexts can translate into new areas. Example experiments include investigations into:
?The synthesis and characterisation of metal acetylacetonato complexes
?Isomerism and isomerisation in coordination complexes
?Sterospecificity in coordination complex reactions
?Organometallic chemistry: Ferrocene and its acetylation, inert atmosphere techniques.
?Equlibria in reactions of coordination complexes
?Supramolcular complexes of iron
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn theoretical aspects of this module primarily through a combination of scheduled lectures, associated problem solving sessions/tutorials and the completion and group review of formative tests, through directed and independent study and through the preparation for and the completion review of summative assessment tasks based on an exam format. You will be directed towards a variety of learning resources (including e-books) to support your study as well as teaching materials and practise assessments placed on the electronic learning platform (eLP). This theoretical learning will be enhanced and supported by a practical laboratory experiment component of the module which serve to illustrate and reinforce the theoretical knowledge and you will developed enhanced practical and academic skills by doing so.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support will include feedback from tutors during and outside lectures and workshop/tutorial sessions. In addition tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board (or email) at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit. A major design advantage of this module is that theory and lab sessions will run alongside each other and there will therefore be a built in system of ‘ad hoc’ staff student discussion available on a weekly basis through the module. Lab instructions, report templates and essential Health and Safety guidance will be available on the eLP site for the module and you will be expected to prepare yourself for each lab session by pre-reading that material.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1.You will be expected to understand, select and apply key concepts, principle and theories in the chemistry of metals containing species
2.You will be expected to perform a range of intermediate practical skills in a safe and accurate manner
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3.You will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems in Inorganic Chemistry
4.You will be expected to be able to analyse and explain accurately the results of scientific experimentation
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5.You will develop a curiosity for the subject area through experimentation
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed summatively by two components
1)Examination (short answer/problem solving) questions/answers 1 hour(60%) MLOs 1&3
2)Lab Report portfolio (40%) MLOs2,4&5
Feedback:
Component 1: The marked/annotated exam paper will be returned with tutor feedback following the internal moderation process
Component 2: This will be a staged submission process involving alternative formats (eg template written report, powerpoint slides for oral reporting, electronic data submission ). Feedback on each report will be provided in advance of later reports and provided electronically where appropriate
Formative assessment will be staged by means of short practise problem solving/competency checking exercises in the teaching sessions throughout the module. These will be reviewed by the lecturer and discussed in class and students can self-mark their own attempts to establish and reflect upon their progress
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will explore and probe the fascinating world of inorganic and metal-containing compounds and further illustrate the wide variety of chemistry and properties they can exhibit. The theoretical knowledge and understanding gained will develop seamlessly from previous modules and provide a deeper and more enriched palette of chemistry colours from which to draw. You will further glimpse the variety of roles that inorganic compounds have in nature and in industry and you will recognise the role that key researchers (including Nobel Prize winners) have played in the development of our current understanding. You will also develop an appreciation of where and how Inorganic Chemistry merges with other disciplines within chemistry.
Alongside the theory you will also undertake a series of experimental laboratory practicals which illustrate the theory and also develop specific and enhanced laboratory and research techniques that will equip you for your employment and further study potential.
Course info
UCAS Code F101
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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