Inorganic Chemistry

Course Coordinator: Dr Winnie Chiu, BSc (Hons) HKUST, MPhil HKUST, PhD HKUST

Course Developer: Dr. Jenkins TSANG Yin Ki

CHEM S340 Inorganic Chemistry introduces students to the different aspects of inorganic chemistry, including transition metal chemistry, organometallics and bioinorganic chemistry. After completion of this course, students shall appreciate the role of inorganic chemistry in scientific research, as well as the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
SCI S121 and CHEM S251 (Please ignore the above if you are following a new entry pathway to the BSCHASD.)

Aims
This course aims to:

• Introduce students to the investigation of the synthesis, structure, physical, chemical and spectroscopic properties of transition metal-containing compounds;
• Explain how inorganic chemistry is involved during biological and biochemical processes;
• Introduce organometallic chemistry, a subfield that bridges organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry;
• Describe the physical properties of certain inorganic compounds that make them attractive materials for various applications in the solid state;
• Evaluate the commonly used instrumental methods to characterize inorganic compounds.

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• Concepts in transition metal chemistry
• Bioinorganic chemistry
• Organometallic chemistry
• Solid-state inorganic chemistry
• Instrumental methods for inorganic chemistry

Learning support
There will be regular tutorials and surgeries throughout the course. Regular laboratory sessions will also be arranged during the course, where tutors and supervisors will guide you through the experiments related to the course content. Some of the sessions are compulsory, and your attendance will be counted towards your course grade.

Assessment
Continuous assessment will include five assignments. Marks for the four best performances will count towards the OCAS. Two compulsory day schools, which are laboratory sessions, and a three-hour final examination are required for this course. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Equipment
Students will need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an Internet connection.

Set book(s)
There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
This course contains audio and visual materials that you will have to work through in order to successfully complete your studies. You are encouraged to seek further advice from the Course Coordinator if you feel that this will pose any difficulties.