Chemistry 322

Chemistry 322
Inorganic Chemistry
Spring 2000

Instructor: Dr. Stewart Office: 205 Peale
email: stewart@hope.edu Phone: 395-7634(w), 335-5201(h)

Course Objectives: Inorganic chemistry is the study of all the elements in the Periodic Table. Inorganic chemists use models and theories to understand the extremely diverse chemistry of these elements. Therefore, part of the study of inorganic chemistry involves learning about the models and when to apply them appropriately. Please note, however, that most inorganic chemists choose their discipline not because of the appeal of these elegant theories and models. More relevant considerations are the simple beauty of a pure, crystalline compound, the intense color of a transition metal complex solution, the amazing symmetry displayed by nature in anything from common table salt to complicated ferritin, and the intrigue of stories yet to be told. In this course you will

- use atomic orbitals and symmetry concepts to understand structures of molecules and solids.
- learn about structures and applications of solid state materials.
- learn about Lewis acid-base theory.
- study the shapes and electronic structures of d-metal complexes.
- investigate reactions of d-metal complexes and their mechanisms.
- study the chemistry of the main group elements.
- learn how to approach a chemical question, using valid chemical models.
- learn about the role that inorganic chemistry plays in other disciplines of chemistry. In addition to these content-related goals, you will - improve your problem-solving ability.
- improve your writing skills.
- improve your skills for working successfully in small groups.
- increase your enthusiasm for learning chemistry. Text: Gary L. Miessler, Donald A. Tarr, Inorganic Chemistry, 2^nd Edition, Prentice-Hall, 1999.

In-Class Exercises: There will be several in-class exercises worth 10-20 points each. The exercises will be completed in small groups or individually and will provide an opportunity for practice at solving particularly important problems. The dates for these assignments will be announced in class.

Seminar: A written report on one of the Friday chemistry seminars (Peale 50 at 4:00 p.m.) is required. Reports must be typed and no longer than 1 page. The report is worth 20 points. Include in your seminar report a brief summary of the content of the seminar and give your general impressions of the talk. Stick to comments about the science of the talk. Is the work important? relevant? why? Avoid remarks on the speaker's style, appearance, or demeanor. For full credit, explain how the seminar relates to something we are learning in class. If you have a conflict with the time, please see me as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

Homework: Suggested homework problems will be posted to ChemBoard weekly and answer keys will be posted a week later. You are very strongly encouraged to do all homework problems because the hour tests and final exam are based largely on homework questions and in-class exercises. Homework will not be collected.

Tests and Final: There will be three tests given during the regular scheduled class time. The lowest test score will not be dropped. If your final exam score (weighted to 100 points) is higher than one of your hour tests, the final score may be used to replace the hour test score. This may only be done for one of the hour tests and you must take all three tests. Test questions will be derived from homework, lecture, and in-class activities material. The final exam will be cumulative; however, it will be weighted more heavily toward material covered near the end of the course. No make-up exams are given and the final exam will not be given at a different time.

    Test 1             Mon, Feb 7
    Test 2             Mon, March 6
    Test 3             Mon, April 10
    Final Exam     Thurs, May 4, 2:00 p.m.

Grade: This course is not graded on a curve. You may assume that 90-100% is the A range, 80-90% is the B range and 65-80% is the C range. Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

    3 Hour Tests 300 pts (47%)
    Final Exam (cumulative) 150 pts (23.4%)
    In-Class Exercises 150 pts (23.4%)
    Autobiography 20 pts (3.1%)
    Seminar report 20 pts (3.1%)
    Total 640 pts (100%)

Office Hours: You are encouraged to seek help from me and your fellow students on homework assignments and when preparing for exams. You are welcome to drop by my office any time with questions; however, scheduling an appointment is the surest way for us to get together. You are also encouraged to send questions by email (stewart@hope.edu) or post them to ChemBoard. I will usually respond the same day or the following morning.

ChemBoard: ChemBoard (http://www.chem.hope.edu/chemboard/) will be used to distribute course materials and serve as a communication base. Course materials such as the syllabus, homework keys, exam keys and answers to in-class exercises will be posted. You are encouraged to use the Inorganic Chemistry Discussion section of ChemBoard to ask (and answer!) questions.

Honor Code: Academic integrity is assumed. Working with other students is encouraged, but this does not mean copying the solutions of others or using answer keys or other materials from a previous year's class. If two papers look too similar (instructor’s judgment) no credit will be awarded. For group assignments, it is intended that all members of the group contribute to completion of the work. Violations will be dealt with according to Hope College's Code for Academic Integrity found in the official Hope College catalog.