NKEK25005U Methods and Modelling in Inorganic Chemistry

Volume 2026/2027
Education

MSc Programme in Chemistry

MSc Programme in Chemistry with a minor subject

Content

Physical characterization methods in inorganic chemistry: The most important physical characterization methods employed in inorganic chemistry are described and discussed. This includes techniques which require large scale facilities such as XAS, XMCD, RIXS, EXAFS, and neutron spectroscopy. Absorption-, fluorescence-, EPR-spectroscopy and magnetism are also covered.

Theoretical modelling of electronic structure of inorganic compounds: Basic theoretical models for interpretation of physical data are covered. This includes introductory ligand-field theory, the spin-Hamiltonian formalism, DFT applied to coordination compounds, and modelling of magnetic data.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
The student knows of the concepts:

  • Spectroscopies at widely different energy scales:
    • EPR
    • Mossbauer
    • XAS
    • XMCD
    • RIXS
    • MCD
    • INS
  • Structural methods in inorganic chemistry:
    • EXAFS
    • X-ray diffraction
    • Neutron diffraction
  • Hyperfine interactions
  • Ligand fields, crystal field theory, the Anfgular Overlap Model, interelectronic repulsion, spin-orbit coupling, magnetic susceptibility, DFT, KS-orbitals.


Skills:
The student is able to:

  • Identify the most appropriate techniques to address specific questions.
  • Account for strengths and limitations of the covered physical techniques.
  • Apply theory and modelling of data to simple problems concerning electronic structure of d- and f-electron systems.
  • Perform and interpret simple DFT computations for transition metal systems.
  • Account for the concept of real and complex orbitals.
  • Transform between different one-electron function bases.
  • Set up a ligand field model for real chemical systems.
  • Explain and parametrize d-d electronic spectra.
  • Account for the effects of spin-orbit coupling on energies and eigenfunctions for d-electron systems.
  • Use ligand field theory to explain in a simplified way the magnetic properties of transition metal compounds.
  • Employ the spin-Hamiltonian formalism.

 

Competences:

  • The student can account for the physical techniques employed in characterization of inorganic systems.
  • The student understands the model structure of and underlying assumptions upon which the applied theory is built.

See Absalon

Knowledge of inorganic chemistry at a level corresponding to the bachelor course Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (KemiVU) (NKEB13013U)

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures and theoretical excersises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 64
  • Preparation
  • 284
  • Exam Preparation
  • 64
  • Total
  • 412
Oral
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, 1 week
Type of assessment details
Written, individual assignments
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

Mastership of the course objectives demonstrated by practical application of the methods and models covered in the course to problem solving.