Submitted by David Randall / Andrews University on Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:34
My Notes
Specific Course Information
Course Area and Number
CHEM 415
Institution
Andrews University
Location
Berrien Springs, MI/USA
Textbook
Inorganic Chemistry (5th Edition), Miessler, Fischer & Tarr
Course Meetings and Time
Number of meetings per week
4 meetings / week
Time per meeting (minutes)
50 min / meeting
Number of weeks
14 weeks
Lab Associated
No
Average Class Size
1 to 5
Typical Student Population
3rd- and 4th-year Chemistry Majors - to accommodate alternating year issues, a very strong student in organic chemistry joined.
Description

AI statements are somewhat obsolete.

Learning Goals

 

  1. Atomic and Molecular Structure:
    1. Apply fundamental concepts of atomic structure, including quantum numbers, electron configurations, electronic shielding, and periodic trends.
    2. Apply concepts of electron density, molecular geometry, and bonding to predict molecular properties.
  2. Symmetry and Group Theory:
    1. Identify and describe the symmetry elements of molecules and their relationship to molecular properties.
    2. Classify molecules into their point group. 
    3. Apply group theory via character tables to interpret and predict molecular properties vibrational spectra, electronic transitions, and selection rules.
    4. Use group theory to describe bonding via MO theory (SALCs, projection operator method) for compounds of main group and transition metals.
  3. Solid-State Chemistry:
    • Analyze the structure and properties of different solid-state materials, including ionic, covalent, and metallic solids.
    • Apply understanding of unit cells, packing efficiency, and the relation between structure and material properties.
    • Describe electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of solid-state materials, including semiconductors and superconductors.
  4. Acids and Bases:
    • Understand and apply the various models of acids and bases to inorganic chemistry contexts, including Lewis, Brønsted-Lowry, and Hard-Soft Acid-Base (HSAB) theory.
    • Apply acid-base theory to predict the strength and reactivity of acids and bases in different chemical environments.
  5. d-Metal Complexes: Structure, Bonding, and Spectra:
    • Describe the structures and bonding of d-metal complexes, including the application of crystal field theory (CFT) and ligand field theory (LFT).
    • Describe and predict the color, magnetic properties, and electronic spectra of transition metal complexes.
    • Analyze and predict the spectral data associated with d-metal complexes, including UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy.
  6. Reaction Mechanisms of d-Metal Complexes:
    • Explore the mechanisms of substitution, addition, and redox reactions in d-metal complexes.
    • Apply theories such as the inner-sphere and outer-sphere mechanisms to understand electron transfer reactions.
    • Investigate factors affecting the reactivity and stability of metal-ligand bonds, including ligand field strength and steric effects.
  7. Systematic Chemistry of Non-Metals:
    • Describe the chemical behavior, bonding, and reactivity of non-metal elements, including their oxidation states and typical reactions.
    • Study the chemistry of important non-metal compounds, including halides, oxides, and acids, and their applications.
    • Analyze the role of non-metals in environmental and industrial chemistry.
  8. Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis:
    • Understand the bonding and structure of organometallic compounds, including the nature of metal-ligand interactions in compounds containing metal-carbon bonds.
    • Apply the 18-electron rule to inorganic compounds, including organometallic compounds. 
    • Study the key catalytic cycles, including those involved in industrial processes like hydrogenation, polymerization, and the role of transition metals in catalysis.
    • Examine the design and function of organometallic catalysts in green chemistry and sustainable reactions.
  9. Bioinorganic Chemistry:
    • Describe various roles that transition metals/metal ions play in biological chemistry
    • Apply ideas of inorganic chemistry to biochemical molecules. 

Recall the metal ions present and ligands in various (classes of) enzymes.

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David Randall / Andrews University

Comments: 

  • We had a weird schedule this year in which we met four hours per week:  one hour two days per week, two hours one day per week. 
  • I completed the scheduled material, but didn't necessarily stick to this day-by-day/weekly schedule.  
Wed, 07/29/2026 - 12:49 Permalink