The lanthanides and actinides (the f elements) are rarely studied in detail by chemistry undergraduates. More often they appear as an afterthought in bonding, spectroscopy, magnetism, coordination chemistry, and organometallics courses. This is largely because of a lack of an accessible text treating the chemistry of these elements in one cover. Moreover, the placement of lanthanides and actinides in the closing pages of standard inorganic chemistry text books serves to marginalise these elements further. The f elements has therefore been written to fill a gap in the undergraduate chemistry textbook market. It covers much of the fundamental chemistry of the lanthanide and actinide elements, including coordination chemistry, solid state compounds, organometallic chemistry, electronic spectroscopy, and magnetism. Many comparisons are made between the chemistry of the lanthanides and actinides and that of the transition elements, which is generally much more familiar to undergraduate chemistry students. The book uses the chemistry of the f elements as a vehicle for the communication of several important chemical concepts that are not usually discussed in detail in undergraduate courses, for example the chemical consequences of relativity and the lanthanide and actinide contractions. Many important modern applications of f element chemistry, e.g. the use of actinides in nuclear power generation and of the lanthanides in magnetic resonance imaging and catalytic converters in motor vehicle exhausts, are also discussed in depth.

Visual Spatial Enquiry explores visual and textual ways of working within spatial research. Architects and spatial thinkers from the arts, social sciences and humanities present rich case studies from remote and regional settings in Australia to the suburbs of Los Angeles, and from gallery and university settings to community collaborations in Mongolia. Through these case studies the authors reappraise and reconsider research approaches, methods and processes within and across their fields. In spatial research diagramming can be used as a method to synthesise complex concepts into a succinct picture, whereas metaphors can add the richness of lived experiences. Drawing on the editors' own architectural backgrounds, this volume is organised into three key themes: seeing, doing and making space. In seeing space chapters consider observational research enquiries where developing empathy for the context and topic is as important as gathering concrete data. Doing space explores generative opportunities that inform new and innovative propositions, and making space looks at ways to rethink and reshape spatial and relational settings. Through this volume Creagh and McGann invite readers to find their own understandings of the value and practices of neighbouring fields including planning, geography, ethnography, architecture and art. This exploration will be of value to researchers looking to develop their cross-disciplinary literacy, and to design practitioners looking to enhance and articulate their research skills.

While the organometallic chemistry of the d-block transition elements has been a flourishing field for the past 25 years, it has only been in the last several years that dramatic activity and progJ'ess has occurred in the area of lanthanide and actinide organometallic chemistry. The f. -element organometallic research effort has been truly multinational and multidisciplinary. In a large number of countries, sCientists have become increasingly interested in the synthesis, reactivity, spectroscopy, and the molecular and electronic structures of f-element organometallic compounds. The backgrounds of these scientists range from organic, inorganic, nuclear, and catalytic chemistry to chemical and nuclear physics. The motivations for the study of f-element organometallics have been equally varied. In the area of basic research, there has been a growing realization that the lanthanides and actinides represent two unique and, to a great extent, neglected families of elements in which many fascinating aspects of chemistry and bonding remain to be explored. On a more practical level, an increasing number of these elements play important roles in nuclear energy production and in industrial catalytic processes. It has become apparent that efficiency and safety in both areas could greatly benefit from increased knowledge. In the past there has been no suitable international forum available for bringing together researchers in the diverse areas of f-element organometallic science mentioned above.

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The Chemistry of the Actinide and Transactinide Elements is a contemporary and definitive compilation of chemical properties of all of the actinide elements, especially of the technologically important elements uranium and plutonium, as well as the transactinide elements. In addition to the comprehensive treatment of the chemical properties of each element, ion, and compound from atomic number 89 (actinium) through to 109 (meitnerium), this multi-volume work has specialized and definitive chapters on electronic theory, optical and laser fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, organoactinide chemistry, thermodynamics, magnetic properties, the metals, coordination chemistry, separations, and trace analysis. Several chapters deal with environmental science, safe handling, and biological interactions of the actinide elements. The Editors invited teams of authors, who are active practitioners and recognized experts in their specialty, to write each chapter and have endeavoured to provide a balanced and insightful treatment of these fascinating elements at the frontier of the periodic table. Because the field has expanded with new spectroscopic techniques and environmental focus, the work encompasses five volumes, each of which groups chapters on related topics. All chapters represent the current state of research in the chemistry of these elements and related fields.

Visual Spatial Enquiry explores visual and textual ways of working within spatial research. Architects and spatial thinkers from the arts, social sciences and humanities present rich case studies from remote and regional settings in Australia to the suburbs of Los Angeles, and from gallery and university settings to community collaborations in Mongolia. Through these case studies the authors reappraise and reconsider research approaches, methods and processes within and across their fields. In spatial research diagramming can be used as a method to synthesise complex concepts into a succinct picture, whereas metaphors can add the richness of lived experiences. Drawing on the editors' own architectural backgrounds, this volume is organised into three key themes: seeing, doing and making space. In seeing space chapters consider observational research enquiries where developing empathy for the context and topic is as important as gathering concrete data. Doing space explores generative opportunities that inform new and innovative propositions, and making space looks at ways to rethink and reshape spatial and relational settings. Through this volume Creagh and McGann invite readers to find their own understandings of the value and practices of neighbouring fields including planning, geography, ethnography, architecture and art. This exploration will be of value to researchers looking to develop their cross-disciplinary literacy, and to design practitioners looking to enhance and articulate their research skills.

With an emphasis on co-ordination compounds, d- and f-Block Chemistry aims to provide an introduction to the principles underlying the chemistry of the d- and f-block metals. It briefly describes the origins, uses and importance of these elements before considering the factors underlying their chemical properties. The book describes aspects of structure, bonding, chemical thermodynamics and spectroscopy, which underpin studies of the chemistry of these elements. Examples are drawn from different parts of the d- or f-blocks to illustrate particular points and study questions allow students to practice the application of the principles they have learned. The text assumes a basic knowledge of symmetry, atomic structure, thermodynamics and electrode potentials. A familiarity with the qualitative use of the molecular orbital approach to bonding is also assumed, although an understanding of group theory is not essential. The material is aimed at first and second year undergraduates, with a view to providing a basis for more advanced studies of the reactions, electronic structures, spectra and magnetism of transition metal complexes. Additional material is available on the website at www.rsc.org/tct Ideal for the needs of undergraduate chemistry students, Tutorial Chemistry Texts is a major series consisting of short, single topic or modular texts concentrating on the fundamental areas of chemistry taught in undergraduate science courses. Each book provides a concise account of the basic principles underlying a given subject, embodying an independent-learning philosophy and including worked examples.