This module builds on the concepts introduced in the semester 1 module in inorganic chemistry. This module introduces the inorganic concepts to understand the roles of inorganic elements in inorganic materials, biology and medicines.
A selection of the following topics or part thereof will be covered each year:
Trace Metals of Life
Roles of metals in biology. Trace metals and ultratrace. Biological binding sites, the entatic state Efficiency of function, bioavailability, selection criteria. The sodium-potassium pump, Introduction to inorganic medicines.
Metal Toxicity
Sources of metals, Factors that determine the toxicity of metals. Epidemiological methods , Nanotoxicity. Dose response, LD50 and LC50. Heavy metals, Binding sites, Chelation and chelation therapy. Testing methods and accreditation.
Solid State and Inorganic Materials(
Basic introduction to solids
General Characteristics of Solid State: Amorphous and Crystalline Solids. Classification of Crystalline Solids.
Crystal structures of AX and AX2 solids, close-packing of spheres, non-close-packing. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric defects.
Inorganic Thermodynamics; Energetics of ionic solids. Born-Haber cycles, e.g. calculation of lattice energy
Structures, energetics, and synthesis of solids.
Main group Chemistry(Oxides)
Fundamental aspects of Main Group Chemistry:
Chemistry of the main group elements. The trends in the chemistry of the s- and p-block elements. Oxides their structures, trends and properties. Essentiality and toxicity of the elements. Inorganic fibres. Graphene.
Supramolecular Chemistry
Introduction to supramolecular chemistry concepts. Applications of Supramolacular Chemistry in: supramolecular chemistry of life (porphoryins, haemoglobin, photosynthesis). Cation binding hosts (crown ethers, cryptands, calixarenes). Cyclodextrins and fullerenes as molecular hosts. Self Assembly (catenanes, rotaxanes, molecular arrays and molecular devices).
Practical Inorganic Chemistry Five three hour laboratory sessions will be completed.
Laboratory work is sourced from the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory manual.
The module is delivered through a series of lectures (20 hours), tutorials (4 hours), laboratory practical classes (15 hours) and self-directed study (61 hours).
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 45 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 55 |