Inorganic Chemistry, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After completing the course, students

• know fundamental thermodynamical and quantum mechanical principles,
• are acquainted with system descriptions based on the equilibrium concept and kinetic theory,
• have a more profound knowledge about chemical organisation, properties and reaction patterns of metals, transition elements and non metals, based on the structure of the elements,
• have knowledge on fundamental theoretical relationships concerning solubility limiting systems, electrochemistry, complex chemistry and metallurgy,
• have knowledge on how fundamental properties of the elements and inorganic compounds can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis, and
• understand the significance of quality assurance in inorganic chemistry methods and how to develop them.

Proficiency and ability
After completing the course, students will be

• able to apply fundamental aspects of the equilibrium concept, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics for the description of inorganic systems and their changes,
• able to use basic inorganic reaction principles to mathematically describe the systems,
• able to identify and predict patterns of reactions from their theoretical knowledge about solubility limiting systems, complex chemistry, electrochemistry and metallurgy,
• able to chose methods, perform the procedure and evaluate the results from fundamental qualitative and quantitative inorganic analysis, and
• able to conduct chemical analysis in a safe way and to follow the principles of quality assurance.

Values and attitude
After completion of the course, the student will have

• the ability to describe the scientific characteristics and principal theoretical and experimental development of inorganic chemistry, and
• the ability to evaluate and criticize experimental results and theoretical interpretations of inorganic systems.

Main content of the course

Inorganic reaction principles, the driving forces in chemical systems, applied thermodynamics, reaction mechanisms, solution chemistry, electrochemistry, metallurgy and inorganic analytical methods.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Inorganic Chemical Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination.

Laboratory Work and Seminars, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Participation in laboratory work and seminars individually or in groups. Written reports.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Inorganic Chemical Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Laboratory Work and Seminars
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

A minimium of 11.5 Credits in Basic Chemistry is required.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Weller, Mark, Overton, Tina, Rourke, Jonathan & Armstrong, Fraser (7th edition)
Inorganic Chemistry
Oxford University Press, 968 pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Laboratory instructions and if needed copied materials will be provided.