CH1IN4-Inorganic Chemistry for Biological Sciences

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A Level chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CH1IN1 Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Michael Piperakis
Email: m.m.piperakis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry through lectures, workshops and tutorials. This module will provide you with solid foundations to underpin your studies in pharmaceutical chemistry.

Aims:

The module aims to provide the students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of Inorganic Chemistry to act as a foundation for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree programme.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Students should be able to relate how the electronic structure of atoms leads to the build-up of the periodic table and be able to identify the shapes of polyatomic molecules by applying the VSEPR rules.


• Students should be able to outline the key principles pertaining to the chemistry of hydrogen as well as the property trends across the s, p and d blocks of the Periodic Table.


• Students should be able to describe and explain the principles pertinent to solution chemistry including acidity and basicity as well as redox chemistry.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their team working skills by various related problem-solving workshops and will practise and develop their oral communication skills by contributions to small group tutorials.

Outline content:

The Periodic Table

The chemical features of different blocks of the periodic table (s/p and d blocks). The chemistry of hydrogen and the s- and p-block elements, with examples taken from various groups. Electronic configurations and trends in properties across the periodic table and within individual groups (periodicity). Trends in ionisation energies, electron affinities and electronegativity.

Solution Chemistry

Definition of Brønsted acids and bases. Definition of Lewis acids and bases. Pauling’s rules. The definition of pH, pKa. Electron-deficient molecules as Lewis acids. Donor-acceptor complexes. Non-aqueous solvents. Oxidation-reduction processes and their half equations. The electrochemical series and the definition of Eθ. Use of Eθ to determine energies and equilibrium constants.

Revision of material covered in all above topics in preparation for the final exam will be given in the Summer term before the examination.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Over the term: 2 x 5 lecture blocks, 2 x 1 workshops, 2 x 1 tutorials. A start-of-Spring-term test to reinforce content delivered in Autumn. Two revision workshops in the Summer term prior to the Summer exam.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	2		2
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	84
Total hours by term	98	0	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 1 hour 30 minute examination during the Summer Term based upon lecture, tutorial and workshop material.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will carry out an in-class test during the start of the spring term which will cover all material previously delivered in the module. 

Formative assessment methods:

There will be tutorials requiring completed work to be submitted and workshops in which the students carry out problem-based learning. Both are formative.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University-administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required textbooks:  Housecroft and Constable, Chemistry 4th Edn, Pearson, approx. £90.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 9 January 2023