Main Group and Transition Metal Chemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)
Periodic table mastery starts here. You will compare Group 1A, 2A, and 4A elements to see how their electron setups dictate chemical habits. The course connects these main groups to transition metals, focusing on how d-block metals form complex coordination compounds. This knowledge bridges the gap between organic and inorganic chemistry.
These principles drive industries from medicine to mining. You will understand how metals like iron and copper work in biological systems and industrial catalysts. Knowledge of coordination compounds is vital for purifying metals and creating new materials. This foundation helps you predict how substances react in a laboratory or a manufacturing plant.
You will learn to write electronic configurations for transition metals and explain the trends in Groups 1A, 2A, and 4A. You will identify the parts of coordination compounds, including ligands and central atoms, and calculate their oxidation states. By the end, you will be able to predict chemical properties based on an element's position in the periodic table.
This course suits undergraduate science and engineering students needing a solid chemistry base. It also helps secondary school graduates preparing for university entrance exams. Even those in related fields like pharmacy or metallurgy will find the clear breakdown of metal behaviour useful for their professional work.
Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries.
This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress.
You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries.
This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress.
You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.
Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries. This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress. You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.
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Course Chapters
1. Introduction33
1. Introduction
3
3
This chapter establishes the fundamental layout of the periodic table and the atomic structures that govern chemical behaviour. Understanding how elements are organised into blocks is the first step toward predicting their reactions.
You will learn to map the s, p, d, and f blocks; describe the shapes of atomic orbitals; and understand the electronic basis for the periodic arrangement of elements.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
2. S-Block Elements32
2. S-Block Elements
3
2
This chapter compares the highly reactive metals of Groups 1A and 2A. These elements are critical in biological systems and industrial processes due to their ability to lose electrons easily.
You will learn to identify the properties of alkali and alkaline earth metals; compare vertical and horizontal periodic trends; and predict reactivity based on atomic radius.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
3. Group 4A Elements32
3. Group 4A Elements
3
2
This chapter explores the Carbon group, which displays the most diverse range of chemical properties from non-metals to metals. These elements are fundamental to organic life and modern electronics.
You will learn to distinguish between the metallic and non-metallic members of the group; identify bonding trends; and understand the stability of different oxidation states.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
4. Transition Metal Basics33
4. Transition Metal Basics
3
3
This chapter introduces the unique chemistry of the d-block elements. Their ability to form various oxidation states makes them essential as catalysts in industrial chemical production and biological systems.
You will learn to write ground-state configurations; explain variable oxidation states; and understand the electronic basis for transition metal magnetism and colour.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
5. Coordination Compounds33
5. Coordination Compounds
3
3
This chapter explores the structure and bonding of complex molecules formed between metals and ligands. Coordination chemistry is vital for medicine, including the design of cancer treatments and metal poisoning antidotes.
You will learn to identify coordination spheres and ligands; calculate metal oxidation states; and determine coordination numbers for complex ions.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
6. Conclusion1
6. Conclusion
1
This final chapter synthesises the chemistry of s, p, and d block elements. It reinforces how periodic trends and electronic configurations provide a unified framework for understanding the entire periodic table.
You will learn to review the properties of main group and transition metals together and prepare for advanced studies in inorganic materials and biological chemistry.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson