Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry of the Elements
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
1. Pre-requisites
Minimum D grade in Stage 1 Chemistry modules, or the equivalent
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
Molecular Structure & Chemical Bonding (synoptic)
4. Replacement Module
Code:
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
Date Of Replacement:
All Chemistry degrees
5.
B18IB
Availability as an
Elective
Semester
Yes

2
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
No
The module aims to:
 describe the chemical and structural aspects of transition metal complexes and the application of Crystal Field Theory in co-ordination chemistry
 present the descriptive chemistry of main group elements and their compounds
 introduce the structures and bonding of solid-state materials
 give a brief description of the chemical and physical properties of the lanthanides and actinides, in terms of the characteristics of the metal’s f electrons
8. Syllabus
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Transition Metal Complexes – adduct formation ; co-ordination complexes (Werner)
Ligand Types
Structure of Complexes – co-ordination number and geometry ; isomerism – geometric, linkage, optical, etc.
Crystal Field Theory – octahedral complexes ; strong and weak field complexes ; spectrochemical series ; magnetic properties ; other geometries – tetragonal,
square planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal ; Jahn-Teller effect
Crystal Field Effects – ionic radii ; lattice energies ; heats of ligation ; preferences – square planar vs. tetrhedral geometry
Bonding in main group compounds - and  bond strength, p-p and d-p bonding
Categorisation of main group compounds: octet rule - electron rich, electron precise, electron deficient and hypervalent compounds
Donor-acceptor Complexes – factors affecting stability of adducts, hard-soft-acid-base theory, Drago-Wayland equation
Organometallic Chemistry - definitions and classification of main group compounds
Groups 1, 2 and 13-14: Synthesis, structures and bonding of organometallic compounds
Bonding in solid state materials – metallic, ionic and covalent solids
Structures of solids – close packing in metals, interstitial sites, ionic solids, radius ratio rules, structures of simple binary compounds.
Energetics – Calculation of lattice energies, Born-Haber cycles, stability of compounds, lattice energy as a criterion of bond type.
Properties – electron transport properties of solids, elementary band theory, metals vs insulators/semiconductors, extrinisic and intrinsic semiconductors.
Chemistry of the f-block Elements – spectroscopic and magnetic properties ; core nature of f-electrons – influence on physical properties, oxidation states, ion
size, and separation of the lanthanides ; brief survey of actinide behaviour
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry of the Elements
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
B18IB
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this module, learners will be able to discuss knowledgeably the following concepts:
 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the structure, geometry and isomerism of transition metal complexes
 Explain spectroscopic, magnetic, structural and physical properties of complexes by application of Crystal Field Theory
 Describe the characteristic features of the f-block elements, and contrast their behaviour with that of the transition metals
 Appreciate the evolving nature of knowledge and understanding in the light of experimental results
 Adapt routine methods in inorganic chemistry, within accepted standards, to the solution of chemical problems
 Carry out routine laboratory manipulations leading to the gathering and analysis of experimental data
 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic principles of bonding in main group compounds and solid state materials.
 Categorise main group compounds in terms of the Lewis acid/base theory of adduct formation.
 Show an understanding of the basic chemistry and structures of organometallic compounds of the main group elements.
 Show an understanding of the basic solid-state structure types and be able to use rules for the prediction of the structures of binary
ionic solids.
 Understand the importance of lattice energies for the stability of ionic solids and calculate lattice energies from simple electrostatic
arguments.
 Construct Born-Haber Cycles for the energetics of formation of ionic solids and assess the nature of the bonding on the basis of
such calculations.
 Relate the electron transport properties of materials to their composition, structure and bonding.
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Chemistry of the Elements
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Dr J.H. Cameron
SCQF
Level
8
Module
Code
B18IB
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module provides the opportunity to :
 Gain experience of group-working with peers to solve a range of problems in structural chemistry.
 Undertake critical analysis of data and formulate conclusions based on such an analysis.
 Demonstrate numerical, graphical and problem-solving skills in a range of areas
 Manage time and resources effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Communicate complex ideas and information to a group containing both academic staff and fellow students
 Use on-line learning material, assessments (both formative and summative) and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for the appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide body of chemical knowledge
 Practise the use of standard chemical methodology in the solution of practical and theoretical problems in both familiar and
unfamiliar contexts
 Exercise initiative and independence in the carrying out of defined activities relevant to the module
 Work in groups to discuss and identify solutions to chemical problems, taking the lead in some of the discussions
 Critically use mathematical methods to analyse various chemical reactions variables
 Interpret, use and evaluate a wide range of data to solve problems of both a familiar and unfamiliar nature
 Use ICT skills with on-line materials, assessments (formative and summative) and web links to support the learning process
 Evaluate numerical and graphical data and apply them to the solution of chemical problems
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Synoptic Examination
Class test
Continuous Assessment
Laboratory Work
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
27 August, 2007
3h
2h
Date of Approval by
School Committee
(if applicable)
50%
15%
15%
20%
B18IA
Synoptic Examination (100%)
Date of
Implementation
15 September, 2008
3h
Version
Number
1.0
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