Faculty of Science

Department of chemistry
1st semester 2020/20201
Course syllabus

Course information:
Course code & number: CHEM 333 Course title: Inorganic Chemistry I
Pre requisite: CHEM132,
MATH1321

Instructor information:
Instructor name: Prof. Hijazi Abu Ali
Lectures: Two online virtual lecture meetings per week
Office hours: See Ritaj
Office phone: 2982003
Emergency phone: 0595187694
Email: habuali@birzeit.edu
Please observe these office hours or make an appointment for a different time.

Course description (3:3:0):

Introduction to inorganic chemistry and its history, reviews of the atomic orbital theory
and chemical bonding. Emphasizes on molecular orbitals, the use of symmetry and group
theory throughout. The use of symmetry and application in molecular vibrations and
chirality. Extension to the uses of molecular orbitals. Comprehensive description of acids
and bases.

Course goals:
The major goals of this course are to:
1. Introduce inorganic chemistry and some of its history and reviews the atomic orbital
theory and chemical bonding.
2. Apply atomic theory and molecular bonding concepts to understand and predict
molecular structure and the properties of compounds.
3. Describe the evolution of atomic theory from earlier models of the atom to the modern-
day quantum mechanical view of an atom.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the quantum mechanical model of the atom and explain
how this model accounts for the arrangement of the elements in the periodic table and the
observed trends in the atomic properties of these elements.
5. Demonstration an understanding of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR), which
is used for predicting the shapes of individual molecules.

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 6. Explain symmetry and point group theory and demonstrate knowledge of the
mathematical method by which aspects of molecular symmetry can be determined.
7. Applications on symmetry and group theory to predict or explain the chemical properties
of a molecule, such as dipole moment and allowed spectroscopic transitions of Raman
and IR (Infra-red) of inorganic molecules.
8. Construct molecular orbital energy diagrams and obtain bonding information from them.
9. Understand the acid/base concepts and applications of Hard/Soft acid/base (HSAB)
theory of main group chemistry and coordination chemistry
Course outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the students are expected to:

1. Discuss factors that affect the bonding in inorganic compounds by using simple
theoretical models, and relate this bonding to trends in the properties of inorganic
chemistry compounds.
2. Describe and deduce symmetry elements and operations, point groups, properties and
representation of groups, examples and applications of symmetry.
3. Construct molecular orbitals energy diagrams for homonuclear diatomic molecules,
heteronuclear diatomic molecules and molecular orbitals for larger molecules
4. Describe reactions based on different acid-base concepts and describe the Hard/Soft
acid/base (HSAB) theory of main group chemistry and coordination chemistry, including
the use of diagrams.

Course topics and contents:

Assignments
Week Chapte
# Topic and due
of r
dates
1 Sep 7 1 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
Atomic Structure
Historical development of atomic orbitals Quiz 1
2 Sep 9 2
The SchrÖdenger equation HW 1
Periodic properties of atoms
Simple bonding theory
Lewis electron-dot diagrams
3 Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory Quiz 2
3 Oct 7
Polar Molecules HW 2
Hydrogen bonding
Symmetry and Group Theory
Symmetry elements and operation
Point group Quiz 3
4 Oct 19 4
Properties and representation of groups HW 3
Example and applications of symmetry

Mid-term exam
Molecular orbitals Quiz 4

2
 Formation of molecular orbitals from atomic orbitals
Homonuclear diatomic molecules
Heteronuclear diatomic molecules
HW 4
Molecular orbitals for larger molecules
Expanded shells and Molecular orbitals
5 Nov 16 5
Acids and Bases/Donor-Acceptor Chemistry
Acid-base concepts as organizing concept
Major acid-base concept Quiz 5
6 Dec 3 6
6.3. Hard and soft acids and bases HW 5
6.4. Acid and base strength
6
7 Final exam

Additional material if time permits

7. The crystalline solid state

References

1. Concepts and Models of Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd edn. B. Douglas, D. McDaniel and J. Alexander,
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
2. Inorganic Chemistry, 2rd edn. D. F. Shriver, P. W. Atkins and C. H. Langford, Oxford University
Press, Oxford and New York.
3. The Chemical Bond, 2rd edn. J. N. Murrell, S. F. A. Kettel and J. L. Tedder, John Wiley and Sons,
Inc.
4. An Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry, 2rd edn., Purcell and Kotz, Saunders College Publishing
5. Concepts and Models of Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd edn. B. Douglas, D. McDaniel and J. Alexander,
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
6. Quantum Chemistry, 3rd edn. I. N. Livine, Allyn and Bacon, Inc.

Teaching and learning methodologies:

There are two online virtual lecture meetings per week; in the lecture power point slides will be
used. At the end of each chapter a discussion session will be held, during which some of the
assigned problems will be solved with students and any questions related to the material covered
will be discussed, explained and answered. By the end of the discussion session there will be online
quiz and homework in the discussed chapter.

Course assessment details:

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The grade distribution for the laboratory and the lecture is as follows:

Methods of assessment Relative weight

%
Midterm exam 30%
Final exam 45%
Quizzes and Homeworks 25%

Text book:
Author Title ISBN -13 Edition Publisher

G. Miessler, D. A. Tarr Inorganic Fifth Printice Hall 2013

Chemistry

Grading scale:
BZU grading scale is as follows:

Instructor’s course specific rules and regulations:

Very Important Note:
All students who enrolled in CHEM333 have taken a positive step to enroll. This to me means
we have a contract between us, you will attend class on time regularly and I will commence
classes on time and will conduct a class that is designed to help you understand the concepts
presented in this chemistry class.
If for any reason you want to break this contract, you (the student) must make and take a positive
step to remove yourself from the roll sheet prior to the last day to drop the class. If you do not
then the grade recorded on the final day of the semester will be the grade for the semester.
Students with Disabilities:
I encourage students with disabilities, including “invisible” disabilities such as chronic diseases,
learning, and psychological disabilities, to explain their needs and appropriate accommodations
to me during my office hour. Please bring a verification of your disability for accommodating
your needs.

University honor code

Academic Honesty:
You are expected to comply with the university honor code. Please read it on Ritaj
https://ritaj.birzeit.edu/university-laws/#