CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHEM12079 Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
All details in this unit profile for CHEM12079 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will advance your theoretical knowledge of chemical synthesis with a focus on the structural aspects and energy requirements of bond formation. You will study lattice structures and layers and predict the geometry and bonding properties of molecules using Valence Bond and Molecular Orbital Theories. You will examine the unique properties of the D-block elements and the formation of coordination compounds. You will study interfacial chemistry, for example at solid-liquid boundaries, which lay the foundation for solute transport and is key element of chemical kinetics. Completing this unit will significantly advance your standing as an inorganic chemist and prepare you for the study of advanced topics such as nanotechnology, analytical spectroscopy and materials development.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites: CHEM11044 Chemical Reactions OR CHEM11045 Chemical Investigation and Theory or permission of Head of Course

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
3. Take Home Exam
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students commented that some weeks were more content heavy than others, with one week's content not assessed.

Recommendation

Review content and assessment.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students recommended a continuation of mapping of tutorial questions to content and learning outcomes.

Recommendation

Review tutorial questions and relevance to learning outcomes and content.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Predict the chemistry of coordination compounds as a result of the electronic structure
  2. Analyse and compare electron transitions in molecules and compounds using existing theories
  3. Relate the unique properties of the D-Block elements and characteristics of coordination compounds to their atomic structure
  4. Compare solute transport processes at the liquid interface, and their influences on chemical reactions.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - Take Home Exam - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Inorganic Chemistry

Edition: 5 (2018)
Authors: Catherine E. Housecroft, Alan G. Sharpe
Pearson Education Limited
Harlow Harlow , United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781292134161
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

One copy of the prescribed textbook is available to read online via the CQU Library/ unit eReading List.

If you prefer your own copy, both print and eBook versions of the text can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Janice Mani Unit Coordinator
j.mani@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction and revision of inorganic chemistry concepts

Chapter

1.2-1.3, 1.5-1.10; 2.1-2.3, 2.7; 3.1-3.6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Bonding in polyatomic molecules

Chapter

5.1-5.3, 5.5-5.6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Spectroscopic properties and techniques

Chapter

4.7, 4.12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Structures and energetics of metallic and ionic solids

Chapter

6.1-6.8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Redox chemistry (Eo values; thermodynamics of redox reactions)

Chapter

8.3, 8.7, 8.8, 8.10, 8.15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Descriptive chemistry of the elements

Chapter

10.4; 11.1‐11.4; 12.1‐12.4; 13.1‐13.4;
16.1‐16.4; 17.1‐17.4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment 1 - Short Answer Questions and Research Question Due: Week 6 Monday (17 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

d-block metal chemistry general considerations

Chapter

19.1-19.5, 19.6-19.8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

d-block metal chemistry: coordination chemistry

Chapter

2.9; 3.8; 19.6-19.8; 20.1-20.5, 20.7,
20.11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

d-Block metal chemistry: the first row metals

Chapter

21.1-21.3; 21.4-21.13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

d-Block metal chemistry: the heavier metals

Chapter

22.1-22.3; 22.4-22.13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment 2 - Problem Solving and Interpretation Due: Week 10 Monday (15 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Organometallic compounds of d-block elements

Chapter

24 (sections to be advised)
See eReading list for supplementary readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Review of all content

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Take Home Exam - End of Term Assessment

Due: This week or next
(exact date to be advised on Moodle)

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment 1 - Short Answer Questions and Research Question

Task Description

In Written Assessment 1 you will be required to:
1. Answer a series of short answer questions to demonstrate your knowledge of election transitions and bonding in polyatomic molecules
2. Research the terms: interfacial chemistry, chemical reactions at interfaces, solute transport
3. Locate two recent examples from the literature that have addressed the concepts listed at step 2
4. Summarise the major findings of the journal articles you located at step 3
More information on this assessment task will be made available on Moodle


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Monday (17 Apr 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023)

Assessment marks and feedback will be returned via Moodle


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Short answer questions
40% of total marks for this assessment
Marks will be awarded for:

  • Correctly addressing the questions (20%)
  • Demonstrating understanding of the key concepts (20%)


Research question
60% of total marks for this assessment
Marks will be awarded for:

  • Quality, depth and accuracy of research (20%)
  • Demonstrated understanding of the concepts (30%)
  • Correct referencing, including in-text (10%)

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Moodle


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessment must be submitted as a Word document via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Predict the chemistry of coordination compounds as a result of the electronic structure
  • Relate the unique properties of the D-Block elements and characteristics of coordination compounds to their atomic structure


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment 2 - Problem Solving and Interpretation

Task Description

In Written Assessment 2 you will be required to:
1. Complete a series of problem-solving questions in order to:

  • Evaluate and interpret information related to d-block elements and coordination compounds
  • Accurately predict the chemistry of coordination compounds
  • Examine the electron distribution within d-block elements
  • Predict stable oxidation states and associate these to physical properties

2. Conduct research to locate credible information to support the predictions and interpretations made in step 1.

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Moodle


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (15 May 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023)

Assessment marks and feedback will be returned via Moodle


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Problem solving and interpretation
Marks will be awarded for:

  • Correct evaluation and interpretation of data (30%)
  • Demonstrated understanding of the key concepts (40%)
  • Quality research to support predictions (20%)
  • Correct referencing, including in-text (10%)

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Moodle


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessment must be submitted as a Word document via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse and compare electron transitions in molecules and compounds using existing theories
  • Compare solute transport processes at the liquid interface, and their influences on chemical reactions.


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Take Home Exam

Assessment Title
Take Home Exam - End of Term Assessment

Task Description

In Take Home Exam - End of Term Assessment you will be required to:
1. Download the assessment on the specified day
2. Complete the problem solving and critical thinking questions
3. Upload your answers within the allocated (24 hour) time period

A scientific calculator and Periodic Table may be required for some questions.
Please ensure you have a good, stable internet connection during the assessment period.

More information on this assessment task will be made available on Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

The take-home test will be available for download on a specific day during the university's standard exam period, it will be available for 24 hours ONLY and should be submitted via upload to Moodle NO LATER than 24 hours after it is made available.


Return Date to Students

Marks will be returned via Moodle 7-14 days after the Take Home Exam is submitted


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

  • Demonstrating understanding of the key concepts (50%)
  • Correctly solving the problems (show all workings for full marks) (50%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Word processed or hand-written documents (that are scanned into an electronic format within the timeframe of the assessment) are acceptable formats for submission.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Predict the chemistry of coordination compounds as a result of the electronic structure
  • Analyse and compare electron transitions in molecules and compounds using existing theories
  • Relate the unique properties of the D-Block elements and characteristics of coordination compounds to their atomic structure
  • Compare solute transport processes at the liquid interface, and their influences on chemical reactions.


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?