DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

CHEM 241 – 3 CREDITS – INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I:

INTRODUCTION TO PERIODICITY AND VALENCE THEORY
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Course Format: Lecture 01 --W-F 8:45-10:00 CC-204 LOY
Wet Lab M---- 18:30-22:30 SP-210
Dry Lab M---- 18:30-21:30 SP-S185.07

Professor: Dr. Rafik Naccache ([email protected], (514) 848-2424 x3279, SP-275.07

Office hours: Wednesday 10-11 am. Feel free to contact me via email; however please
expect a 24-48 hour delay for a reply.
Lab coordinator: Jennifer Romero ([email protected]), (514) 848-2424 x3358, SP-234.01
Office hours: send email put Chem 241 in subject (see for issues regarding wet lab
schedule/attendance)
TAs: You will meet them at lab Check-in and will be provided with their office hours – See Moodle
Moodle site: CHEM 241 01 2244 (Winter 2025)

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The structure of the atom; the periodic table; properties of atoms, covalent bonding treatments including Lewis theory,
valence shell electron pair repulsion theory of structure, valence bond and molecular orbital theory. Crystal field theory
applied to the structure and properties of transition metal complexes. Bonding theories of metallic materials and semi-
conductors. Lectures and laboratory.
Prerequisites: CHEM 205, 206; PHYS 204, 206, 224, 226; MATH 203, 205; or equivalents for all of these.

3. OBJECTIVES
You should acquire familiarity with the concepts used to describe the bonding and some properties of a variety of types
of compounds. You should be able to understand the ways in which structural and bonding information is presented for
known molecules AND you should develop some predictive skills.

4. SCHEDULE
Important dates: First Chem 241 Lecture is Wednesday January 15th
Labs begin week of January 20th (SP-210, check-in + graded gen. chem. review quiz – see p.5)
Deadline to withdraw with tuition refund (DNE): Monday January 27th
Midterm exam (in class): February 21st
Reading week: February 24th – March 2nd
Deadline to withdraw (DISC): April 12th
Lectures end: Friday April 11th

5. COURSE MATERIALS (Obtainable from the Concordia Bookstore)

Readings List Miessler et al 5th Ed. Ch.1-3, 5, 7, parts of 6, 9-12 + gen.chem. text readings (p.5 of syllabus).
Required Text “Inorganic Chemistry”, G. Miessler, P. J. Fischer & D. Tarr, Pearson, 5th Ed. (341 too)
as hard copy or e-book
+ any General Chemistry text you already have (e.g., Kotz, Zumdahl, Petrucci, etc.)
Optional “Student Solutions Manual for Inorganic Chemistry”, G. Miessler, P. J. Fischer & D. Tarr,
Pearson, 5th Ed. (available as a free download)
Lab Manual “Chem.241 Wet Labs”, Dept. of Chem. & Biochem., Concordia (rev. Fall ‘19 - not older –
“Dry Labs”: see the Moodle site
Other Equipment iClicker device or iClicker Reef subscription – required for in-class participation.
For labs – mandatory: lab coat, safety glasses; useful: scoopula, rubber bulb.
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

6. GRADING
To pass CHEM 241, you must pass both the course work and the laboratory work, by obtaining at least 50% on the
course work (class participation, quizzes, midterm and final exam) and at least 60% on the laboratory work. A failure in
the laboratory part carries an automatic "R" grade, and a good lab mark will not compensate for a failure in the
coursework. The final grade will be weighted as follows:
Lab Work - (Wet Labs) 10%
Lab Work - (Dry Labs) 10%
Class participation 5% (need an iClicker OR a Reef subscription on smartphone/tablet/laptop)
Graded quizzes 5% (1 review quiz at lab check-in (2%) + 3 pop quizzes in class (1% each))
Midterm Exam* 20%
Final Exam* 50% (in December, scheduled by the Exams Office)
*The midterm examination will cover all material taught in the period preceding it. The final examination will cover the
entire course.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this course will be delivered in-person and all quizzes and examinations will also
be in-person.
The grading scheme is as follows:
A mark ≥ 0% 40 50.00 53.34 56.68 60.01 63.34 66.68 70.01 73.34 76.68 80.01 83.34 86.68
and < 40 50 53.33 56.67 60.00 63.33 66.67 70.00 73.33 76.67 80.00 83.33 86.67 100%
gets an: R F D– D D+ C– C C+ B– B B+ A– A A+

NB: if you do not complete “Chem101” (see syllabus, P.3-4), you will earn an INC notation, and a grade one step
lower than you would otherwise deserve (for example “B/INC” instead of “B+”).

Important: to pass CHEM 241, you must pass the theory part and the lab parts separately.
• Theory pass: class participation + quizzes + midterm exam + final exam ≥ 40/80
• Theory fail, even if you passed the lab: < 40/80 “F” (Fail)
• Lab pass: wet + dry labs ≥ 12/20, and no more than 1 lab missed, excused or not. (If you miss lab for a
legitimate reason, it will be excused, but not more than 1 time.)
• Lab fail: you will receive an automatic “R” grade, whatever your theory mark might be.
For the midterm and final examinations, only non-programmable calculators will be accepted. To avoid potential problems
with invigilators, the Faculties of Engineering and of Arts & Science have selected and recommend two inexpensive
models: the Sharp EL-531 and the Casio FX-300MS. Note: the ENCS sticker is NOT required.
In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the University's control, the content and/or evaluation scheme in this
course is subject to change.

7. LABORATORY INFORMATION (more details p.6-)

THE DEADLINE FOR LAB EXEMPTION REQUEST IS Jan 17 AT 4 PM. NO REQUESTS WILL BE
ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE
The labs in CHEM 241 will further your experience of the practical aspects of inorganic chemistry and of the concepts
studied in class. Laboratory performance is graded on the quality of the experimental work and the report. During the
second week of term, go to SP-210 when your lab is scheduled. Each section will be divided into two groups which will
alternate weekly for the rest of the term, between:

• Wet Labs. These are conventional (small scale) experiments. Your TA/demonstrators(s) will tell you which
experiment you will do in which week. A printed lab manual is sold in the University bookstore, and can also be
downloaded from the Moodle web site.
You will not be permitted to enter the laboratory if you are not wearing a lab coat and safety
glasses, if you have not completed the prelab exercises, or if you are late.
• Dry Labs. These are computer-based exercises illustrating concepts in the course for which wet labs are not
feasible.
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

More details can be found in the lab instruction pages (p.6-) of this syllabus. Remember, experimental chemistry can be
dangerous; there is no shame and no penalty in asking any kind of questions. Your experimental skills will be evaluated
through your lab reports. Hence, pay extra care for the scientific significance and the scientific presentation in your
reports. A good report goes beyond superficial questions and is based on critical thinking. In other words, you have to
ask yourself constantly why you are doing this and that during the experiment and relate this to your knowledge.
Lab Absences: If you miss a lab, you must provide to the lab coordinator a written excuse appropriately signed (e.g.,
doctor or employer) within one week or you will receive a grade of zero. No more than ONE absence is allowed.
Lab exemptions: If you have taken CHEM 241 and passed both the wet & dry lab components (>12/20) in Winter 2024-
Fall 2024, you should request a lab exemption. Your previous marks will be used in calculating your grade this term. If
you are not satisfied with your old lab grades, you must repeat ALL labs instead of requesting an exemption. If you have
not yet applied for a lab exemption, download the application form from the department website at:
http://chem.concordia.ca/undergraduate/programs/faqforms/. To get a lab exemption, you must submit the lab
exemption application by Email to Ms. Elizabeth Montesano by Friday January 17th at 4pm (students in all other
lab sections must perform ALL labs). All late lab-exemption requests will be refused.

8. CLASS PARTICIPATION – iCLICKER DEVICE or REEF POLLING SUBSCRIPTION

Teaching & learning research has shown that active participation in class (for grades) significantly improves student
engagement and success. Thus, you are required to purchase either (1) an iClicker classroom response device or (2) a
subscription to the iClicker Reef Polling System for your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Bring your device to each class.
Note: Reef is cheaper than an iClicker, but if you will need a clicker for 3 courses, the clicker itself might be cheaper,
and used clickers can be sold back to the bookstore.
Details: A clicker is a response system that enables you to respond to questions we pose during class. Your class
participation mark will be based on responding to these questions. Because discussion with peers will be involved as
well, some advance preparation is a good idea: the questions are in the PowerPoint presentations on the Moodle site.
To receive marks, you must register your clicker (see below), so that we know which clicker is yours.
Your iClicker remote ID is found on the bar-code sticker on the back of your iClicker device. Note: if you choose to use
Reef, registration will occur via the Reef website when you create your account.
Please be aware that using a clicker belonging to another student in order to fake their presence in the class when they
are actually not present would be a form of cheating under the Academic Code of Conduct. 

9. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

Read the Moodle site within the first week of classes:
Full explanations of the course policies, activities, and helpful tips are provided there. Please read it before the 2nd week
of class – by registering for the course, you are agreeing to follow these rules. The information will remain accessible all
term for your reference. If you have questions, please ask the professor and/or lab coordinator.

Be prepared for lectures & labs:

Lectures: Read the lecture materials before class, and then be ready to (i) answer clicker questions (including
calculations) during the lecture and (ii) engage in discussion with small groups of classmates to clarify each
other’s understanding.
Labs: Read the experiment thoroughly & complete the prelaboratory exercises (individually), and then be ready
to (i) perform the experiment together with a lab partner and (ii) write a lab report based on your data
(individually).

Contribute to a positive learning environment:

Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated in classrooms or laboratories. Cell phones, other electronic
communication devices, laptop computers and tablets may not be used in these settings, except for answering clicker
questions and taking notes. Students engaging in inappropriate behaviour will be asked to leave, without the opportunity
to make up the missed work.
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

“CHEM 101”: The Academic Code of Conduct: Ethical Use of Information Sources

MANDATORY QUIZ AND SEMINAR

As part of your CHEM course, you are required to i) attend a Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar on the
academic conduct code and the appropriate use of information sources and ii) pass the online quiz associated with this
seminar (the passing grade for the quiz is 100%). (Note: this quiz is graded by the Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, and you do not have access to it until after you have attended the seminar. Therefore, any other quiz you
may have taken on the academic code of conduct does not count toward the CHEM 101 requirement.) The aim of this
seminar and quiz is to clarify the academic conduct code in terms of which practices will be considered unacceptable
with regards to work submitted for grading in your CHEM course. You are only exempt from repeating the seminar
and the quiz if you have done both in Winter 2020 or more recently,* otherwise you are required to repeat both this
term. This short seminar (1 hour) will be held at the following times (note that you will not be given credit if you join too
late and/or leave too early):
Date (Fall Time Mode Registration link
2023)
Jan. 28 21:00- Zoom https://concordia-
(Tuesday) 22:00 ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvce6orD8qHNzMRnIjhfddhAHUSITmD3qh

Jan. 30 21:00- Zoom https://concordia-

(Thursday) 22:00 ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcuCvqzoiG9OgbrCca8QYoLp5soj8vv0I

As space for each of the Zoom seminars is limited, please register early for your preferred slot (copy the corresponding
link above into your browser). Look out for the Zoom email with the link to the actual seminar. Then do not forget to
attend that seminar slot on the date above. You will not receive a reminder on or before the date!
We will take attendance at the Zoom seminar; this means that you must log in with the code that was supplied for your
registration. Do not “join a friend” in watching at their computer.
If you do not complete this course requirement, your final grade for the course may be lowered by one full letter
grade with an incomplete (INC) notation until such time as this requirement is completed. Please refer to the
undergraduate calendar (section 16.3.5) for details on removal of an incomplete notation.
* You are exempt if you can locate your ID in the pdf file located on the Departmental web site
(http://www.concordia.ca/content/dam/artsci/chemistry/docs/Compliance-list.pdf) and if there is no entry in the “quiz”
column for you. If the list does not say “Winter 2020-Fall 2025”, you have the wrong list: clear your browser data.
PLAGIARISM AND OTHER FORMS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The Academic Code of Conduct can be found in section 17.10 of the academic calendar and on the Academic Integrity
site (https://www.concordia.ca/conduct/academic-integrity.html). Any form of unauthorized collaboration, cheating,
copying or plagiarism found in this course will be reported and the appropriate sanctions applied. The mandatory seminar
is a clear and fair opportunity to learn what our faculty regards as academic misconduct. Failure to take part in this
learning opportunity and thus ignorance of these regulations is no excuse and will not result in a reduced sanction in any
case where academic misconduct is observed.

10. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS (partial list)

• Counselling & Development: career services, student learning services, psychological services:
http://cdev.concordia.ca/
• Access Centre for Students with Disabilities: http://supportservices.concordia.ca/disabilities/
• Concordia Library Citation & Style Guides: http://library.concordia.ca/help/howto/citations.html
• Academic Integrity Website: http://provost.concordia.ca/academicintegrity/
• Advocacy & Support Services: http://supportservices.concordia.ca/
• Financial Aid & Awards: http://web2.concordia.ca/financialaid/
• Student Success Centre: http://studentsuccess.concordia.ca/
• New Student Program: http://newstudent.concordia.ca/
• Student Transition Centre: http://stc.concordia.ca/
• Health Services: http://www-health.concordia.ca/
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

CHEM 241 – Topics covered in course (+ topics to re-master first on your own)
Readings come from Inorganic Chemistry by Miessler, Fischer and Tarr, 5th Ed. AND from any general chemistry textbook
(e.g., Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity by Kotz, Treichel, Townsend & Treichel, 9th Ed.). Sometimes, lectures will go into
greater or lesser detail than the textbook - lectures guide how deeply you should learn the material. There may be
additional reading assignments (e.g., journal articles) announced in class. Any readings may form the basis for clicker
questions and/or exam questions.
CRITICAL REVIEW (on own): QUIZZED DURING LAB CHECK-IN! 5.1. Formation of Molecular Orbitals from Atomic Orbitals
th
5.1.1-3 Molecular Orbitals from s Orbitals, p Orbitals, d Orbitals
Topics from: Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity Kotz et al, 9 Ed. 5.1.4 . Nonbonding Orbitals & Other Factors
(or any recent General Chemistry textbook) 5.2. Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules
Atomic Structure (Kotz 9th Ch.6): 5.2.1. Molecular Orbitals
Atomic line spectra & the (inaccurate) Bohr model of the atom 5.2.2. Orbital Mixing
Quantum model: wave-particle duality, quantum #s, shapes of orbitals 5.2.3. Diatomic Molecules of the 1st & 2nd Periods
Electron spin, the Pauli exclusion principle 5.2.4. Photoelectron Spectroscopy
DO: Kotz Ch.6 #24,60,68,78; OR Miessler Ch.2 #1,3,15,16,46(spd) 5.3. Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules
5.3.1. Polar Bonds
Electron Configurations & Chemical Periodicity (Kotz 9th Ch.7): 5.3.2. Ionic Compounds & Molecular Orbitals
Atomic subshell energies (orbital-filling order) 5.4. Molecular Orbitals for Larger Molecules
Electron configurations of atoms & ions (aufbau principle, Hund’s rule) 5.4.1 to 5.4.3 Linear & Bent AX2 molecules
Atomic properties & periodic trends (size, ionization E, electron affinity) 5.4.4 to 5.4.6 AX3 molecules
DO: Kotz Ch.7 #45,46,53,70 OR Miessler Ch.2 #23,26,33,44
Crystalline Solid State (Kotz Ch.12.4 + Miessler Ch. 7.3):
Covalent Bonding & Molecular Structure (Kotz 9th Ch.8):
Lewis structures, formal charge, resonance, exceptions to octet rule 7.3. MOs & Band Structure: Bonding in Metals & Semiconductors
Molecular shape (VSEPR) & molecular polarity 7.3.1. Diodes, Photoelectric Effect, Light-Emitting Diodes
Bond order, length & energy Coordination Chem. (Kotz Ch.22 + Miessler Ch. 6.4, 6.6, 9-12
DO: KotzCh.8 #34,37,75,21-23,78; OR Miessler Ch.3 #4,5,8-10,13,16
parts)
Valence Bond Theory (Kotz 9th Ch.9.1 and 9.2): Properties of the Transition Elements, review of oxidation states
Hybridization of atomic orbitals: memorize link to geometry Coordination compounds: structure, bonding, colour, magnetism
DO: KotzCh.9 #7,29,30,35 6.4 Lewis Acid-Base Concept & Frontier Orbitals
The Chemistry of Acids & Bases (Kotz 9 th Ch.16.10): 6.6 Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (in part)
Lewis concept of acids & bases 6.6.1 Theory of Hard and Soft Acids and Bases
DO: KotzCh.16 #79,80,117; OR Miessler Ch.6 #1,2,20 9.1. History
Nuclear Structure & Isotopes (Kotz 9th Ch.2.1 to 2.4): 9.2. Nomenclature
Protons, neutrons, atomic number, mass number 9.3. Isomerism: Stereoisomers, 4- vs 6-Coordination, Chirality,
DO: Kotz Ch.2 #18,98 Constitutional isomers, Separation of isomers…
9.4. Coordination Numbers & Structures
CHEM 241 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: 10.1. Experimental Evidence for Electronic Structures:
UNDERLINED = SELF-STUDY BEFORE CLASS (NOT “TAUGHT”) Thermodynamic
data, Magnetic Susceptibility, Electronic Spectra, Shapes
Topics from both textbooks: Kotz 9th & Miessler 5th 10.2. Bonding Theories: Crystal-field theory
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry (Miessler Ch.1): 10.3. Ligand Field Theory (in part)
1.1-2 What is Inorganic Chemistry? vs Organic Chemistry 10.3.2. Orbital Splitting & Electron Spin
10.3.3. Ligand Field Stabilization Energy
Atomic Structure & Periodicity (Miessler Ch.2): 10.4. Angular Overlap (in part)
2.1. Historical Development of Atomic Theory 10.4.4. The Spectrochemical Series
2.1.1. The Periodic Table 10.6 Four- & Six-Coordinate Preferences
2.1.2. Discovery of Subatomic Particles & the Bohr Atom 11.1 Absorption of Light
2.2. The Schrodinger Equation 11.3 Electronic Spectra of Coordination Compounds (in part)
2.2.1. The Particle in a Box 11.3.1 Selection Rules
2.2.2. Quantum Numbers & Atomic Wave Functions 11.3.7 Charge-Transfer Spectra
2.2.3. The Aufbau Principle 12.4 Experimental Evidence in Octahedral Substitution (in part)
2.2.4. Shielding 12.4.5 The Kinetic Chelate Effect
2.3. Periodic Properties of Elements: FOCUS ON CAUSE
2.3.1. Ionization Energy Nuclear Reactions & Radioactivity (Kotz Ch.25 + lecture slides):
2.3.2. Electron Affinity Genesis of the elements in stars
2.3.3. Covalent and Ionic Radii Stability of atomic nuclei, radioactive decay
Nuclear reaction types, nuclear fission & nuclear fusion
Simple Bonding Theory (Miessler Ch.3): Applications of nuclear chemistry
3.1. Lewis Electron-Dot Diagrams
3.1.1-3 Resonance, Higher e- Counts, Formal Charge Crystalline Solid State (Kotz Ch.12.1-2 + Miessler Ch. 7.1-2 in
3.1.4 Multiple Bonds in Be & B Compounds part)
3.2. Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory 7.1. Formulas & Structures
3.2.1-2 Lone-Pair Repulsion, Multiple Bonds 7.1.1. Simple Structures (e.g., metals)
3.2.3. Electronegativity & Atomic Size Effects 7.1.2. Structures of Binary Compounds (e.g., ionic compounds)
3.2.4. Ligand Close Packing & IF TIME PERMITS:
3.3-4 Molecular Polarity, Hydrogen Bonding 7.1.3. More Complex Compounds
7.1.4. Radius Ratio
Valence Bond Theory (Kotz Ch. 9.1-9.2 + lecture slides): 7.2 Thermodynamics of Ionic Crystal Formation
Orbital overlap model of bonding,  and  bonding 7.2.1 Lattice Energy & the Madelung Constant
Limitations: hybridization, hypervalency, resonance 7.2.2 Solubility, Ion Size & Hard-Soft Acid-Base Theory
Molecular Orbital Theory (Kotz Ch.9.3 + Miessler Ch. 5)
Principles of MO theory: orbital symmetry, delocalization
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

CHEM 241 – LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONS

1. WET LABS
Wet Laboratory Experiments
The complete lab manual is available in the Concordia Bookstore (Loyola) and on the course Moodle web site. It includes
safety information with which you must be familiar before being allowed to begin the experiments. You will be required
to sign a form attesting that you have read the information.
The five experiments in the manual are listed below. You will be told the schedule for doing them after you have checked
into the lab. The schedule is posted on Moodle.
• The Nine-Solution Problem
• Copper: Its Chemical Transformations. Preparation of Copper(II) Compounds with Glycine
• Paper Chromatography Separation of Inorganic Cations
• Semiconductors: Preparation of Semiconducting Thin Films
• Synthesis of Isostructural Zr6-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

It is probably cheaper to buy the complete manual from the Bookstore, rather than print it yourself from the Moodle site.
If any of the diagrams are not reproduced well in the bookstore version, or if you need to print a clean copy of the report
forms, refer to the downloadable files on the Moodle site.
Wet Lab Rules
1. You must arrive on time for all labs. Teaching assistants, lab instructors or technical staff may refuse admission
to students arriving late.
2. Contact lenses are strictly forbidden.
3. Safety glasses and lab coats are mandatory.
4. Long hair must be tied back.
5. For safety reasons, NO CELLPHONES ALLOWED IN THE LAB! For example, there is a danger of transferring
chemicals to your skin if they are used to make or answer phone calls. If you need to use a calculator then
bring a calculator.
6. Prelabs for the wet labs must be shown to the Ta upon entry at the beginning of the lab period. No prelab, may
be refused entry into the lab.
7. The wet lab reports are due at a specified date at 11:59 pm (consult the lab schedule posted on Moodle). The
submission link will close at 11:59 pm on the day of the lab, they may be considered a day late past the due date
and time.
8. Late lab reports are subject to a 10% per day penalty up to 3 days. Lab reports will be marked zero on the fourth
day. If you are handing in a late lab report, you must contact the lab coordinator. The professors and technicians
do not accept lab reports. All documents must be uploaded on Moodle.
9. Email submissions and hard copies of prelabs and lab reports will NOT be accepted.
10. Your TA is required to mark your lab reports so that they can show them to you in your lab period two weeks
after you hand them in in order that you can learn from your mistakes. You are not permitted to keep them.
Please let the lab coordinator and the professor know immediately if your TA is late doing his or her marking.
11. You must submit all medical/employer notes within one week to the lab coordinator, Jennifer Romero (not your
TA), in the case of a missed lab.
12. You are required to inform the lab coordinator in advance if you foresee a conflict with attending a lab, for example
due to a religious holiday.
13. You have 4 hours to complete the experiments, and clean up. All work stations must be cleaned and sanitized
prior to leaving the lab.

Lab Reports for Wet Labs

• Please consult the individual experiments for details.
• You must prepare a written prelab summary before going to do the experiment (shown to the TA). You will not
be permitted to enter the lab unless this has been done. If the TA believes that your prelab is incomplete, you
will not be allowed to perform that experiment and will receive a mark of zero.
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY CHEM 241 – Winter 2025

• Prelabs and lab reports must be identified with the experiment number and title, and must include your name,
student number and date.
• Each lab has some questions to be answered and submitted with your lab report.
• Each lab describes what should be included in the report. There is a tear-out form on which to record your
observations and data, which must be included as part of the report.
• The marks allocated for the above components are shown for the individual experiments in the lab manual. Your
TAs should respect this allocation when marking your work.

Grading of Wet Labs

You will be graded out of a total of 20 marks. The number of marks allotted to each section/question is indicated in the
lab manual. Your TA(s) should respect that allocation.

2. DRY LABS/TUTORIALS
• The Bohr Atom - The Electronic Spectrum of Hydrogen
• Lewis Bonding Theory and VSEPR Theory
• Molecular Models in Inorganic Chemistry
• The Probabilistic Interpretation of Atomic Orbitals
• Molecular Orbital theory - Linear Combinations of Atomic Orbitals

You must arrive on time for the dry labs. Teaching assistants may refuse admission to students arriving late. Attendance
to the dry labs is mandatory.

These “dry labs”, available only on the Moodle site, involve computer exercises which can be done on your scheduled
lab period in SP-S185.07, where a teaching assistant will be available to help you.

The dry labs are to be done in the specific order above, connected approximately to the lecture schedule. Prelabs for the
dry labs must be converted to a single pdf file and submitted online on Moodle before the beginning of the lab. You must
upload your dry lab reports on Moodle two weeks after they are scheduled. Make sure you know when that is!

Late lab reports are subject to a 10% per day penalty up to 3 days. Lab reports will be marked zero on the fourth day. If
you are handing in a late lab report, you must contact the TA for the section in which you are registered. The professors
and technicians do not accept lab reports.

Your TA is required to mark the reports so that they can show them to you in the lab period two weeks after you hand
them in so that you can learn from your mistakes. You are not permitted to keep them. Please let the professor and/or
lab instructor know immediately if your TA is late doing his or her marking.

Lab Reports for Dry Labs

You have to answer all questions found on the web page of each Dry Lab. The answers should be concise, yet complete.

Grading of Dry Labs

You will be graded out of a total of 10 marks (prelab and lab reports combined). The number of marks allotted to each
question is indicated on the web pages. Your TA(s) should respect that allocation.

RN - Winter 2025