- UCAS course code
- F109
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Chemistry (MChem)
MChem Chemistry
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F109 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Coordination Chemistry
| Unit code | CHEM10312 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 1 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
- d-block elements in the context of the Periodic Table: periodicity, recap of quantum numbers etc, definition of d-block, general use and occurrence.
- Basics of coordination complexes: oxidation states, dn configuration, complex formulae, nomenclature, coordination number and geometry, ligand types and coordination modes, chelate effect, HSAB theory, stability, isomerism.
- Structure and bonding in coordination complexes: crystal field theory, spectrochemical series, high-spin/low-spin, crystal-field stabilisation energy, Jahn-Teller effect, 3d vs. 4d/5d comparisons, molecular orbital theory, π-donors and acceptors, metal-metal bonds.
- Reactivity of coordination complexes: Irving-Williams series, hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation states in aqueous solution, substitution reactions, trans-influence and effect, redox properties.
- Electronic structure of coordination complexes: optical spectroscopy, types of electronic transitions, selection rules, free-ion and octahedral/tetrahedral symmetry term symbols, correlation diagrams, magnetic properties.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Chemistry | CHEM10101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| CHEM10520 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims to give the students:
(i) an understanding of the basis of coordination chemistry of the 3d, 4d and 5d series of transition metals,
(ii) an ability to interpret and predict chemical structures and reactivity of coordination complexes,
(iii) an ability to interpret and predict electronic properties of coordination complexes.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able:
- to explain the distinctive features of d-block in relation to the rest of the Periodic Table;
- to assign metal oxidation state and dn configuration from the formula of a co-ordination compound;
- to translate the formula of a co-ordination compound into a geometric structure;
- to describe bonding in co-ordination complexes via both crystal field and MO theories;
- to describe and to explain solution phase reactivity of co-ordination complexes;
- to rationalise stable and unstable dn configurations and geometries for metal ions in different oxidation states;
- to describe the differences in behaviour of 3d, and 4d,5d metal ions;
- to derive term symbols for dn free-ions and octahedral and tetrahedral geometries;
- to interpret and to assign electronic absorption spectra and magnetic measurements of co-ordination complexes;
- to interpret redox properties of transition metal compounds.
Teaching and learning methods
Reading, on-line material, reading and problem sessions.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Data acquisition, processing
Application of concepts to rationalise and organise facts
Solving problems by application of concepts to unseen contents.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Tutors will read material and provide feedback in three tutorials;
PASS sessions through the semester;
Workshops/synchronous sessions (held in lecture slots) will give the students the opportunity to work through examples and receive in-class feedback;
Weekly office hours with lecturers if possible, by email if not;
Recommended reading
• C. E. Housecroft and A. G. Sharpe, Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edition, Pearson
• M. T. Weller, T.L. Overton, J.P. Rourke, and F.A. Armstrong, Inorganic Chemistry, 7th edition, OUP
• M.J. Winter, d-block Chemistry, 2nd edition, Oxford Chemistry Primers, OUP
• F.A. Cotton and G. Wilkinson, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Interscience, chapters 19 and 20.
• J. Keeler and P. Wothers, Chemical Structure and Reactivity, 2nd Edition, OUP, especially Chapters 17 and 21
• M.J. Winter, Chemical Bonding, 2nd edition, Oxford Chemistry Primers, OUP
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 2 |
| Lectures | 20 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 3 |
| Tutorials | 3 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 72 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eric McInnes | Unit coordinator |
| Richard Winpenny | Unit coordinator |