CHE 3300 - Inorganic Chemistry

Credits: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHE 3090 or CHE 3100

Description: In this course, students build a comprehensive, foundational understanding of the core concept of chemistry: the relationship between the structure and function of matter. Starting with how elements are formed from fundamental forces and particles after the big bang, the governing principles of nuclear structure are covered, related to nuclear function, then expanded to demonstrate how nuclear structure imparts atomic structure. Atomic theory is explored in-depth to reveal how the organization of the periodic table mirrors the intricacies of atomic structure via functional periodic trends such as redox behavior and acid-base properties. The atomic structure and periodic properties of the elements are then used to rationalize covalent and ionic bond formation via hard-soft acid-base theory and molecular orbital theory, paving the way for discussion of the basic concepts of coordination chemistry. Molecular and ionic structure is then discussed in the context of bulk material function such as the formation, energetics, and properties of crystal lattices, band theory, and the derivation of solubility rules for broader context of materials in aqueous environments. Finally, this course emphasizes the development of high-level scientific analysis skills through a methodical approach to reading and interpreting primary scientific literature.