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4.15. Inorganic Chemistry (INC)
This knowledge area covers the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry including atomic structure, coordination chemistry, main group and transition metal chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and solid-state materials. It emphasizes bonding theories, reaction mechanisms, and applications in catalysis and materials science.
| Knowledge Area (KA) | Core Tier1 | Core Tier2 |
 4.15.1 Solid State and Material Chemistry | 1 | 1 |
 4.15.2 Atomic Structure and Periodicity | Elective | |
4.15.1. INC/Solid State and Material Chemistry (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Principles of solid-state chemistry including crystal structures, bonding in engineering solids, defect chemistry, electronic properties, and synthesis methods for inorganic materials.
Topics:
Core
- Crystal systems, Bravais lattices, and Miller indices for engineering materials
- X-ray diffraction for crystal structure determination and phase identification
- Ionic compounds: crystal structures and lattice energies
- Metallic and covalent network solids: bonding and engineering properties
- Point defects, vacancies, interstitials, and non-stoichiometry in engineering solids
- Band theory and the electronic properties of engineering conductors, semiconductors, and insulators
- Synthesis methods for engineering inorganic materials: solid-state reactions, sol-gel, and CVD
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Identify crystal systems and describe symmetry operations in engineering solid materials [Familiarity]
- Interpret X-ray diffraction patterns to identify crystal phases and determine unit cell parameters [Usage]
- Calculate lattice energies using Born-Haber cycles for engineering ionic compounds [Usage]
- Explain how point defects control diffusion, conductivity, and corrosion in engineering materials [Assessment]
- Apply band theory to predict and engineer the electrical properties of solid materials [Assessment]
- Select synthesis methods appropriate for producing specific engineering inorganic materials [Usage]
4.15.2. INC/Atomic Structure and Periodicity ↑ Back to top
Fundamental concepts of atomic structure, electron configuration, periodic trends, and the relationship between electronic structure and chemical properties of engineering materials.
Topics:
Core
- Quantum numbers and atomic orbitals
- Electron configuration and the Aufbau principle
- Periodic trends: atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity
- Effective nuclear charge and shielding effects relevant to material selection
- Spin-orbit coupling and magnetic properties of engineering materials
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe quantum numbers and their role in defining atomic orbitals of engineering elements [Familiarity]
- Write electron configurations for atoms and ions commonly encountered in engineering materials [Usage]
- Predict periodic trends in atomic properties and relate them to material engineering performance [Assessment]
- Interpret magnetic properties of engineering alloys using spin-orbit coupling considerations [Usage]