Atomic structure and the periodic table (historical development of quantum theory, quantum numbers and atomic wavefunctions, electron configurations, shielding, and periodic trends and exceptions); symmetry and group theory for analysis of molecular properties and spectroscopy; molecular bonding from Lewis structures and VSEPR to molecular orbital theory, including advanced MO models; acid–base chemistry and its role in reaction mechanisms; solid-state chemistry (crystal structures, lattice enthalpy, band theory, solubility, and factors controlling stability and reactivity); coordination chemistry from molecular orbital and Lewis-acid perspectives; and laboratory experiments emphasizing synthetic inorganic techniques.