Position of the elements in the periodic table; electronic configuration; definition properties; Classification of the d-block elements into rows. Descriptive chemistry of the selected groups of the transition elements: occurrence and abundance; extraction methods. Physical and chemical properties: variable oxidation states; complex compound formation; colour formation; catalytic properties; magnetic properties. Uses of the selected elements and their compounds. Practical applications of selected oxides; Selected cataltically important reactions such as polymerization of olefins using Ziegler-Natta catalysts, hydrogenation of oils to margarine and other edible fats, manufacture of ammonia and sulphuric acid. Practicals will comprise synthesis of selected complexes, especially those illustrating how unusual oxidation states such as Fe (VI) and Ag(II), may be stabilized.