Study Programmes 2016-2017
CHIM0209-2  
Inorganic chemistry
Duration :
30h Th, 70h Pr, 5h QA Sess., 1d Vis. Ind. Pl.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in chemistry8
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)8
Master in chemistry (60 ECTS)8
Lecturer :
Bénédicte Vertruyen
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
The course deals with structural inorganic chemistry and the  synthesis and reactivity of inorganic compounds.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
· understand and use the theoretical and practical concepts involved in structural inorganic chemistry;
· analyse synthesis procedures reported in the literature in terms of the mechanisms involved in synthesis processes of inorganic solids;
· propose synthesis procedures using data from handbooks and databases
· demonstrate practical skills as well as the ability to conduct and evaluate synthesis and characterization experiments.
In addition, laboratory sessions in small groups will help the students in developing more general skills, such as : team working, problem solving, finding information in technical literature, critical analysis of experimental data, oral and writing skills.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
- basic knowledge in crystallography, such as CRIS0203-1 Elements in crystallography
- binary phase diagrams
 
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The theoretical course is complemented by a laboratory project. In addition, 2-3 exercise sessions are organised so that students can get hands-on experience of crystallography software.
Practical sessions consist in two parts : (i) experiments carried out by all students and (ii) a lab project, by teams of two students, each group focusing on the synthesis and characterization of one family of compounds. The results of the lab project are to be reported both as a written report (in English) and an oral presentation.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :
- Lecture notes: pdf file of the powerpoint slides. Please note that in order to promote attendance to lectures, some derivations, complements, or examples are not included in the slides. - A lab manual is available.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Attendance to all laboratory sessions is mandatory. Students are required to wear lab coats and safety glasses. Students failing to attend laboratory sessions without a valid reason will not be admitted to the 1st session exam.
The evaluation of the lab sessions takes into account the daily work, written reports and oral presentation.
First session (June) :
The final mark takes into account the evaluation of the lab sessions (30 %) and the results of the end-of-year exam (70 %).
Second session : The grade for laboratory is kept, but with a reduced weight (15%).
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
- Theoretical course : 2 lectures per week during the second quadrimestre.
- Practical sessions : on Thursdays and Fridays during first 4 weeks of 2nd quadrimestre. Oral presentation of results in March. Attendance to lab sessions is compulsory.
- 1 session with computers, devoted to structural chemistry : in February.
Contacts :
Benedicte VERTRUYEN, assistant professor Structural Inorganic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute B6a (1st floor)
Contact : preferably by e-mail (b.vertruyen.at.ulg.ac.be) by phone (04/366.34.52)
Laboratory sessions: Dr Catherine Henrist (catherine.henrist.at.ulg.ac.be)