Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry {BSc(Hons) –S1}
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Chemistry Teaching Group Convenor
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B10IE
Semester
1. Pre-requisites
Minimum D grade in Stage 3 Inorganic Chemistry modules B19IC and B19ID, or the equivalent
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
B10IF
4. Replacement Module
Code:
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
B11IQ
Date Of Replacement:
All BSc(Hons) chemistry degrees
5.
Availability as an
Elective
Yes

No
The module aims to:
 provide an advanced discussion in key topics in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
 elucidate the structures of various unsaturated transition metal fragments (C 4v ML5; C2v ML3, ML4 and ML2) and to relate this (i) to the structure of
complexes containing -ligands and (ii) to the reactivity of these unsaturated transition metal species towards H-H and C-H bonds
 discuss metal-metal bonded species and high-valent clusters
 describe the use of appropriate empirical electron counting rules to understand and predict structures of main group & transition metal cluster species
 describe the co-ordination chemistry of a range of transition metal ions involved in bioinorganic chemistry
 discuss the topic of supramolecular chemistry
 discuss the environmental impact of Heavy Metal chemistry and describe the main methods for the remediation of contaminated land
1/4
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry {BSc(Hons) –S1}
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Chemistry Teaching Group Convenor
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B10IE
Semester
1
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
8. Syllabus













Electronic Structure of C4v ML5 and T-shaped ML3 Fragments : Electronic Structure of C2v ML4 and ML2 Fragments.
Orientational preferences of -ligands
Dihydrogen Complexes: Electronic Structure, synthesis, properties and characterisation
C-H activation: Agostic Bonding; Intra- and Intermolecular C-H activation.Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions
Electron deficiency and the need for delocalised bonding. Polyhedral shapes and geometrical patterns. The polyhedral skeletal pair theory and its basis.
Boranes and hetyeroboranes – synthesis, characterisation, reactivity and applications.
Low-valent transition metal clusters – localised vs. delocalised bonding; terminal, bridging & interstitial ligands; isolobal relationships between cluster fragments.
Condensed and large metal clusters – electron counting rules.
Electron precise and electron deficient p block clusters.
Bioinorganic Chemistry –Structure and function of some of the transition metal complexes important in biology. Oxygen carriers: haemoglobin, myoglobin,
haemerythrin, haemocyanin ; Electron Transfer Proteins: cytochromes, Fe-S proteins, copper-blue proteins ; Enzymes: nitrogenase, vitamin B12, cytochrome P-450,
carboxypeptidase.
Metal Complexes in Medicine – Structure and function of some therapeutic and diagnostic agents using transition metals. E.g. Platinum anti-tumour drugs, gold
drugs in rheumatoid arthritis, radiopharmaceuticals
Supramolecular Chemistry
Chemistry of the Heavy Metals – toxic effects and methods of land remediation
2/4
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry {BSc(Hons) –S1}
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Chemistry Teaching Group Convenor
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B10IE
Semester
1
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, the learner will be able to:
 Derive the key frontier molecular orbitals of a range of unsaturated transition metal fragments
 Apply knowledge of these key frontier molecular orbitals to the orientational preferences displayed by -ligands bound to
unsaturated transition metal fragments.
 Demonstrate critical knowledge of dihydrogen complexes and agostic complexes involving alkyl ligands, including their structural
and spectroscopic properties, and relate these properties to the underlying electronic structure of these species.
 Discuss critically the factors controlling C-H bond activation processes and describe examples of intra- and inter-molecular C-H
bond activation.
 Show how C-H bond activation accounts for various H/D exchange phenomena and demonstrate a detailed knowledge of catalytic
reactions involving C-H bond activation.
 Be able successfully to use appropriate empirical electron counting rules to understand and predict structures of main group and
transition metal cluster compounds
 Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of solid-state, bioinorganic and supramolecular chemistry, at the forefront of
the subject
 Display a critical understanding of the concepts, theories and principles discussed in the module
 Integrate previous knowledge from across all of chemistry with the topics discussed in the module
 Appreciate how chemistry is developed using a range of established techniques and research methodologies
 Analyse, evaluate and interpret experimental evidence at the forefront of chemistry
 Execute a defined research project and identify and implement relevant outcomes
 Use fundamental principles to solve both qualitative and numerical problems of an advanced nature
 Apply specialised skill to the solution of some chemical problems
3/4
Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry {BSc(Hons) –S1}
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Chemistry Teaching Group Convenor
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B10IE
Semester
1
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 :
 Critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills and practices in chemistry
 Communicate effectively with professional level colleagues
 Interpret, use and evaluate critically a wide range of data to solve problems of both a familiar and unfamiliar nature
 Use a range of software to support and enhance work at an advanced level
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Use a broad range of ICT skills with on-line materials, assessments and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
 Exercise substantial initiative and independence in carrying out research and learning activities
 Make formal presentations on a specialised topic to an informed audience using a range of appropriate methods
 Work with groups of peers to discuss chemical problems and identify solutions
 Let the student take responsibility for their own work
10. Assessment Methods
11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
Method
(if applicable)
Synoptic Examination (with B10IF)
Practical Work
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
28 September, 2009
3h
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
67%
33%
Date of
Implementation
15 September, 2009
Version
Number
1.0
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