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TERM:2021-22 Fall
COURSE NUMBER: CHEM 341
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Dr Cassidy VanderSchee
CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 3)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to inorganic chemistry. The course starts with a discussion of the origin of the elements and formation of simple molecules. The chemistry of both main group and transition metals are explored by focusing on theories of structure, bonding, and the properties of organometallic complexes and non-molecular solids. The course will pay special attention to the way inorganic chemistry is important for alternative energy and bioinorganic chemistry.

Prerequisites: CHEM 201
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Miessler, G. L. and Tarr, D. A. Inorganic Chemistry, 5th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey 2014. (strongly recommended and required for those taking Chem. 445)

Also required are laboratory safety glasses and a calculator with log and trigonometric functions.  Access to a set of general or organic chemistry molecular models will be helpful for several topics. You will also require a laboratory notebook.
MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:
Laboratory 20%
Assignments 10%
Project 15%
CHEM 341 Presentation7.5%
Participation 5%
Midterm 17.5%
Midterm 2 15%
Final Exam 20%
100%
COURSE OBJECTIVES: A.    Depth and Breadth of Knowledge
  1. Develop a more in depth understanding of the periodic table.
  2. Connect nuclear chemistry to the origin of the elements and current medical science
  3. Identify key types of molecules and structures formed by the main group elements.
  4. Connect the ideas of inorganic and redox chemistry to understand solar technologies
  5. Articulate the pros and cons of different alternative energy technologies from a chemical perspective
  6. Explain the different acid and base theories and know when to use them.
  7. Develop the terminology and structural knowledge used in transition-metal chemistry
  8. Understand how we describe transition metal reactions: terminology, crystal field theory, reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics and rates of reactions
  9. Understand the unique role transition metals play in biology in the chemistry of small main group molecules
B.    Knowledge of methodologies
  1. Understand how life cycle analysis is used to asses alternative energy technologies
  2. Describe how nuclear chemistry is used in medicine
  3. Demonstrate basic lab skills
  4. Build and test simple energy devices that demonstrate the ideas developed.
  5. Learn to make basic observations using appropriate tools
C.    Application of Knowledge
  1. Apply an understanding of the theories, models, concepts, and tools of chemistry to explain and predict structures and reactions involving atoms, molecules and molecular systems.
  2. Understand how knowledge of chemistry can be applied to challenges in developing cleaner energy technologies.
  3. Interpret observations using the theories and models developed for main group and transition metal compounds
D.    Communication skills
  1. Create a unique case study designed to teach inorganic chemistry to first year chemistry students
  2. Improve presentation skills by presenting individually and in groups
  3. Improve written and formatting skills
  4. Work in teams to perform laboratory experiments, read and asses the primary and secondary literature, and teach key topics to the class
E.    Awareness of the limits of knowledge
  1. Gain an appreciation for the ethical questions chemistry poses, the power of chemistry to do both good and harm to society and the natural world.
  2. Understand how chemistry is limited in its ability to address complicated global issues
  3. Know the place of chemistry and King’s chemists within the global challenges.
  4. Articulate the hope that is present when science fails to achieve complete solutions.
  5. Be aware of how human bias, prejudice, and failures can affect chemistry.
  6. Marvel at how much and how little we know about the complex way life uses the elements to thrive and do amazing chemistry
F.    Maturity and professional capacity
  1. Work effectively with others in various situations, including the laboratory setting, classroom, and out of class work.
  2. Develop an ability to understand how younger chemists learn and tools that can help them understand inorganic chemistry.
  3. Act with integrity at all times, showing respect grace and forgiveness to everyone in your learning communities.
  4. Take responsibility for your own learning and develop tools and skills that will lead to your success and the success of all those in the class.
COURSE OUTLINE:
  • T1: Origin of Life Sept 8 - 15
  • T2: Nuclear Chemistry Sept 17, 20, 24
  • Midterm 1 Oct 1
  • T3: Transition Metal Coordination Chemistry Sept 27 – Oct 20
    • Acid-Base and Donor Acceptor Chemistry (Ch. 6) Sept 27, 29, Oct 4
    • Coordination Chemistry (Ch. 9) Oct 6 - 13
    • Reaction Kinetics and Mechanisms (Ch. 12) Oct 15-20
  • T4: Bioinorganic Chemistry Oct 22 - Nov 3
  • Midterm 2 Nov 12
  • T5: The Crystalline Solid State Nov 8, 10, 15
  • T6: Inorganic Materials Nov 19 - 26
  • CHEM 341 Presentations Nov 29 – Dec 8
LAB OUTLINE:
  • Introduction to case study project Sept 8, 15
  • T1: Origin of Life
    • Molecules in Space Sept 29
  • T3: Transition Metal Coordination Chemistry
    • Cobal complexes and colour Oct 6, 13
    • Cis and trans platin Oct 20
  • T4: Bioinorganic Chemistry
    • Ferritin Lab Oct 27, Nov 3
  • T5: The Crystalline Solid State
    • Visualizing solid structures Nov 10
  • Case Study Presentations Nov 17
    • Silly putty Nov 24
  • T6: Inorganic Materials
    • Photo-voltaic lab Dec 1


Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.

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