CHM3941 Advanced inorganic chemistry
Faculty of Science
CHM3941 Advanced inorganic chemistry is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 70%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
A general description of the synthetic methods and characterization techniques that are used to prepare coordination complexes and organometallic compounds will be provided together with the tools and methodologies used in the determination of reaction mechanisms and, in particular, metal centred/mediated reactions. Techniques commonly used to study the structure and properties of inorganic complexes will be introduced through the practical classes and a problem based approach.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory workDemonstrationThreshold hurdle30%
- Mid-semester examQuiz / Test20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Derive the structural chemistry of transition metal complexes using various analytical techniques;
- 2
Apply knowledge of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics to the stability of transition metal complexes;
- 3
Describe and undertake the synthesis and characterisation of main group organometallic complexes;
- 4
Understand and demonstrate the relationship between reactivity, selectivity and structure in main group organometallic complexes;
- 5
Apply main group organometallic complexes in the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive molecules.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops36 hours
- Assessments1 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Three 1-hour workshops
- The equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activities and
- One hour directed independent study per week
Problem-based learning will be explored in the workshop and laboratory exercises through theoretical concepts and will enable the development of relevant observation and descriptive skills, as well as communication skills.
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
Active learning will occur in workshops and lab sessions.
Learning resources
Required resources
Organometallics , 3rd Edition, Elschenbroich. Publ. Wiley/VCH (Note: the 2nd Editions of these books are suitable)
Organometallics in Synthesis: Third Manual , Manfred Schlosser (Editor), Wiley
Structural Methods in Inorganic Chemistry , 2nd Edition, Ebsworth, Rankin and Craddock. Publ. Blackwell, 1991, Chapter 2.
Laboratory safety glasses
Lab coat
Closed toe footwear
Notebook for taking lab notes
Recommended resources
Inorganic Chemistry , 3rd Edition, Housecroft and Sharpe. Publ. Pearson/Prentice Hall
Inorganic Chemistry , 6th Edition, Weller et al , Oxford University Press
Where it fits
CHM3941 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Cameron Bentley
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Felipe Garcia
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM3941?
CHM3941 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is CHM3941 offered?
In 2026, CHM3941 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does CHM3941 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 70% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM3941?
CHM3941 is part of Chemistry.