Instructor: Dr. Jason Overby
Office: SSMB 318
Office Hours: MWF 10-12; MW 1-2; others by appointment
homepage: https://www.cofc.edu/~overbyj
Phone: 953-8098
Description of Course
An advanced course that aims to provide a balanced view of the theoretical principles involved in present-day inorganic research. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, coordination chemistry, symmetry and applications, organometallic chemistry and chemistry of the main group elements.
Co-requisites and prerequisites
Chemistry 341 and 342
Materials (required)
Chemistry 511 Class Pack, 10th Edition
Materials (suggested)
Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edition, Miessler & Tarr
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
Know the fundamentals of the electronic structure of atoms and ions
Understand the basics of bonding including how Lewis structures are used to represent bonding
Predict the geometry and polarity of molecules and polyatomic ions
Use symmetry and group theory to understand point groups as well as apply this knowledge for deducing the IR and Raman behavior of molecules
Know the principles of molecular orbital theory
Be able to understand the principles of Lewis acids and bases
Understand the structure of solid state materials including defects and bonding
Know the fundamentals of ligand field theory for the common geometries
Identify how the electronic structure of a coordination compound influences its kinetic behavior as well as the major mechanisms of reaction
Understand the basic ideas of organometallic chemistry including electron counting, bonding, the major types of reactions
Apply common organometallic reactions used in catalytic cycles
Know the major roles of metal species in biological species as well as understand the role of metals in the environment
Class Policies
Attendance at all class meetings is expected; however, attendance will not be recorded. You are expected to budget your time wisely and meet your obligations for this class. Experience has demonstrated that there is a very strong correlation between your grade for the course and your attendance. You are responsible for any material when you miss class. My time in office hours is not for catching up on material you missed.
Grading Scale
A 92-100 A– 90-91 B+ 88-89 B 82-87 B– 80-81 C+ 78-79 C 72-77 C– 70-71 D+ 68-69 D 62-67 D– 60-61 F below 60
Grading Scheme
Examinations 60% Problem Sets 10% Writing Assignments 10% FinalExam 20%
Grading Policy
There is no required work in this course. You are given 59.4% for the course with no work necessary. There are a number of extra credit opportunities in this course including three extra credit exams, extra credit online materials, extra credit writing assignments and an extra credit final exam. If you choose to do any of the extra credit, you forfeit the 59.4% for the course and begin at 0%. Your final grade will be determined by the sum of 0% plus any extra credit you complete.
It is not my policy to allow makeup extra credit exams. In the event you do have to miss an examination, you must notify me as soon as possible so suitable accommodations can be made. If you fail to confer with me concerning a missed examination, you will receive a zero for that examination.
Extra credit problem sets will be administered electronically and deadlines are firm. The possibility for deadline extensions does not exist except in truly unusual circumstances. Ample time for completing the electronic homework will always be given.
The Honor system is in effect for all your efforts in this course. Cheating simply will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating, a grade of "F" will be automatically given and you will be brought before the Honor Board. Please refer to the Chemistry Department's Policy on Scientific Integrity for more information. By enrolling in this course, you are agreeing to abide by this policy.
You are not competing against everyone else in the class nor are there set numbers of grades that will be given. It should be your objective to do the best you can on all your work. I firmly believe that teachers do not give grades, students earn them.
Examination Schedule
There are three extra credit exams given over the course of the semester. The dates of the exams are flexible but you will always be given at least one week’s notice before any of the in-class extra credit exams.
Final Exam
The extra credit final examination will be given during the normally scheduled time (Wednesday, May 1 at 12 pm). The exam will be similar in format to a regular lecture examination and will not be comprehensive. It will only cover material from the end of the third examination and beyond.
Important Dates
January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
March 3-7 - Spring Break
March 21 - Last day to withdraw from classes with a grade of "W"
April 23 - Last day of classes
April 25 - Extra credit final exam, 12 pm