On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Describe the properties and features of coordination compounds (coordination number and geometry; types of ligands; isomerism in coordination compounds; nomenclature; variable oxidation states; nomenclature; spectroscopy) and apply these concepts to other coordination complexes.
2. Differentiate the varied roles of metals in biochemical systems.
3. Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of various bonding theories in coordination chemistry and apply them appropriately (ligand field theory, molecular orbital theory, valence bond theory).
4. Apply a knowledge of solvent properties and evaluate their effect on chemical systems.
5. Describe the structures and properties of ionic and non-ionic solids.
6. Apply the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry to advanced areas through the Advanced Modules.
7. Research the literature of coordination chemistry and relate this to experimental results within an experimental Report.
8. Demonstrate laboratory techniques and conduct experiments in the coordination chemistry laboratory, acquire experimental data, analyse and communicate in written format as result sheets or reports(s).
9. Identify, interpret and comply with safety requirements in relation to the use of chemical reagents and laboratory equipment.

1. Structure and Isomerism in Inorganic Chemistry
- Structures of inorganic and coordination compounds; coordination number and geometry; types of ligands; isomerism in coordination compounds; nomenclature.
2. Properties of Coordination Complexes
- Variable oxidation states; formation of complexes in solution; the chelate effect; hard and soft acids and bases; the first transition series.
3. Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to bonding in inorganic and coordination complexes; ligand field theory; magnetic properties; electronic spectra; ligand field stabilisation energy; molecular orbital theory.
4. Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to bioinorganic chemistry; heme in hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes; zinc enzymes; iron-sulfur proteins; bioinorganic chemistry of molybdenum; model compounds.
5. Solvent Properties
- Comparison between water and non-aqueous solvents; concepts of acid-base behaviour.
6. Inorganic Solids
- The structure of ionic solids; lattice energy calculations; the Born-Haber cycle; imperfection and conductivity in ionic solids; the structure of non-ionic solids.
7. Advanced Modules - Several Advanced Module topics will be used to review and analyse the principles covered in the six topics, and their applications in various areas of science.
- Spectroscopic Characterisation of Coordination Complexes - Characterisation using electronic spectra; infrared spectra; nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.
- Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry - Anti-cancer drugs; chelate therapy; diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, medical imaging and coordination chemistry