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Unit information: Intermediate Inorganic & Materials Chemistry for ChemicalPhysics in 2020/21

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Unit name Intermediate Inorganic & Materials Chemistry for ChemicalPhysics
Unit code CHEM20370
Credit points 10
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Professor. Hall
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

CHEM10005

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Chemistry
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit develops the introduction to inorganic chemistry given in CHEM10005 to provide the essential base of inorganic chemistry required for advanced study at Levels 6 and 7 (Years 3 and 4). It covers the main areas of the subject required for chemical physics students emphasising physical principles e.g. main group chemistry materials chemistry and applications of NMR spectroscopy and an introduction to group theory.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Recognise and define symmetry elements and point groups;
  • Use character tables and irreducible representations to predict the vibrations spectroscopy and molecular orbitals of a molecule;
  • Be able to calculate the equilibrium number of defects in a crystal;
  • Be able to state how magnetic domains give rise to magnetic hysteresis;
  • Be able to distinguish between hard and soft magnets and the features that give rise to both;
  • State which elements will produce energy from fission or fusion;
  • Be able to state the difference between fissile and fertile nuclei;
  • Be able to calculate the physical properties of superconductors using the critical magnetic field equation.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a blended combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Synchronous sessions include lecture style and interactive delivery and workshops. Workshops will in particular provide opportunity for live interaction with groups of students, feedback on exercises set as independent study and preparation for forthcoming material. There will be associated asynchronous activity involving independent study, problem solving and self-directed exercises. Synchronous revision sessions as well as drop-in clinics will be offered.

Assessment Information

Materials' Coursework which will include an online quiz and a set of asynchronous tasks based on the lectures. (50%) End-of-TB2 timed open-book examination (50%)

Reading and References

  • Essential reading will be from the following books: Inorganic Chemistry 6th Edition, M Weller, T Overton, J Rourke and F Armstrong, Oxford University Press 2014. Further reading from: Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, 2nd Edition, A. Vincent, Wiley, 2001.

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