Don't just imagine your future at University, experience it first-hand!

Step into the shoes of an undergraduate student and join us for our upcoming on-campus Discover Days in Science, Engineering and Fashion. These days are tailored exclusively for Year 12s who are interested in taking their academic journey to the next level. Find your favourite subject now!

Find out more about our Discover Days in Science, Engineering and Fashion

BSc Chemistry / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Group Theory: Fundamentals and Applications

Course unit fact file
Unit code CHEM20311
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

 

  • to identify symmetry elements (the identity, proper and improper rotation axes, mirror plane, inversion centre) in a given molecule and hence to assign the molecule to its point group, based on knowledge of its shape
  • to understand the content of point group character tables and how to extract information from them
  • to understand how to obtain the symmetries of the degrees of freedom in a molecule
  • to understand how to use Group theory to perform a complete or partial vibrational analysis of a given molecule and to use that analysis together with experimental data to deduce molecular structure
  • to use the concepts of high and low symmetry and the relationship between them to solve structural and spectroscopic problems
  • to understand how to obtain the symmetries of groups of orbitals in a molecule
  • how to set up a Walsh correlation diagram
  • to use Group Theory to set up a molecular orbital bonding scheme for a d-transition metal complex
  • to understand the ordering of ligands in the spectrochemical series
  • to predict distortion based on symmetry considerations
  • to introduce and to use the projection operator
  • to understand and be able to use Walsh correlation diagrams and MO theory to explain key chemical trends in the p-block.

 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Introductory Chemistry CHEM10101 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Energy and Change CHEM10212 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Coordination Chemistry CHEM10312 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Structure and Reactivity CHEM10412 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Chemists' Toolkit CHEM10520 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Chemists' Toolkit II CHEM20500 Co-Requisite Compulsory
Integrated Spectroscopy and Separations CHEM20611 Co-Requisite Compulsory
Organic Synthesis CHEM20411 Co-Requisite Compulsory

Aims

The unit aims to enable students at the end of this module to:

  • describe and explain the fundamental principles of group theory as used in Chemistry
  • apply group theory methods to interpret, predict and rationalise spectroscopic data
  • apply group theory to develop models to rationalise chemical bonding
  • apply group theory to describe the electronic structure of d-transition metal complexes

 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:

  • describe and explain the fundamental principles of group theory as used in Chemistry
  • apply group theory methods to interpret, predict and rationalise spectroscopic data
  • apply group theory to develop models to rationalise chemical bonding
  • apply group theory to describe the electronic structure of d-transition metal complexes

 

Syllabus

 

 

Knowledge and understanding

  • Use concepts of molecular symmetry to identify physical properties
  • Construct molecular orbitals and understand their role in determining molecular properties and reactivity

Intellectual skills

  • Reflective skills on prior learning
  • Chemical problem-solving
  • Spectroscopic data analysis
  • Structure analysis and prediction
  • Understand the principles and application of spectroscopic techniques to the determination of molecular structure

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Problem-solving, analytical skills and time management.

 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 20%
Written exam 80%

Online tests  - 20%

Feedback methods

Workshops (1 hour weekly)

Tutorials (3 × 1 hour during course)

E-learning (on-line formative quizzes, self-help tutorial web-sites)

Office hours (weekly during course)

Rolling feedback (answers to FAQs on <blackboard>)

Pre-examination revision sessions (practice test for on-line assessment, revision class during examination period)

Post-examination feedback (able to view marked examination scripts)

Recommended reading

Recommended textbooks:

Introductory texts
(a)    Group theory for chemists: fundamental theory and applications, K. C. Molloy, 541.5/M91 https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780857092403/group-theory-for-chemists 
(b)    Molecular symmetry and group theory: a programmed introduction to chemical applications, A. Vincent, 541.5/V17
(c)    Introduction to molecular symmetry, J. S. Ogden, Oxford Chemistry Primer, no. 97, 541.5/O31 https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9780198559108/epub/html/toc.html 
(d)    Group theory for chemists, G. Davidson, 541.5/D6
(e)    Beginning group theory for chemists, P. H. Walton, 541.5/W29

Advanced texts
(a)    Chemical applications of group theory, F. A. Cotton, 541.5/C
(b)    Symmetry and structure (readable group theory for chemists), S. F. A. Kettle, 541.5/K26
(c)    Molecular symmetry, D. J. Willock, 541.5/W33  https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.manchester.idm.oclc.org/doi/book/10.1002/9780470747414 
(d)    Orbital Interactions in Chemistry, T. A. Albright, J. K. Burdett, M.-H. Whangbo
    online e-book: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118558409

Compilation of data
Point group character tables and related data, J. A. Salthouse and M. J. Ware, 541.5/S

Interactive websites for symmetry
https://www.ch.ic.ac.uk/local/symmetry/ 
https://symotter.org/  
https://www.chemtube3d.com/category/structure-and-bonding/symmetry/ 
https://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/j.p.goss/symmetry/Molecules_pov.html 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
eAssessment 1
Lectures 11
Practical classes & workshops 11
Tutorials 3
Independent study hours
Independent study 72

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
David Collison Unit coordinator

Additional notes

There is a strict work and attendance requirement on this course.  In particular, attendance at workshops will be closely monitored and if attendance falls below 66% you will be excluded from taking the resit exam.

You must inform your lecturer or the School of Natrual Sciences Hub immediately if you miss a workshop for a legitimate reason e.g. medical..

Return to course details