Discovering Science: Chemical Products from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. If you intend to complete the Discovering Science program , it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however this course can still be studied independently. You can use the hashtag #FLchemproducts to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Everyday biomaterials and their molecular properties.
The molecular structure of wool and silk and how this has developed over the last century.
The influence of natural materials on the development of man-made fibres.
The potential uses of self-assembling peptides within the human body.
The creation of hydrogels from self-assembling peptides.
The development of synthetic spider silk.
The future of bio-inspired materials.
The creation of composite biomaterials that combine organic and inorganic components.
Assignment: prepare a press release to communicate the science of ‘composite bio-inspired materials’.
The science and environmental impact of everyday household products.
The evolution of effective, safe and economical products.
The use of surfactants in household products.
The chemistry of hair dyes and how they are tested and regulated.
The significance of the chemical industry.
The complexity between scientific fact and public perception of consumer products.
Parabens and the controversy that surrounds their use as preservatives.
Construct a science writing text.
Assignment: prepare a newspaper article about the controversy around the use of parabens.

Reviews summary

Chemistry & science writing for all

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly accessible introduction to the world of chemical products. Students consistently praise the crystal clear explanations and the way instructors make complex ideas easy to grasp, making chemistry fun and engaging for those with a general interest or no prior background. The course content, spanning everyday biomaterials, household products, and bio-inspired materials, is found to be highly relevant and fascinating. The combination of chemistry and science writing is a notable feature. While the science writing assignments are seen as challenging yet useful for skill development, some advanced learners note the content can feel too basic or lack sufficient depth for those seeking professional specialization. It provides a solid overview rather than a deep dive.

Develops practical communication skills alongside science.

"The science writing assignments were challenging but very useful for improving my communication skills."

"The assignment on the parabens controversy was particularly insightful, making me think critically."

"I think the combination of science content and writing practice is unique and beneficial."

Explores fascinating, everyday applications of chemistry.

"The topics on biomaterials and household products were fascinating and directly relevant to everyday life."

"I appreciated the focus on real-world applications of chemistry, from hair dyes to self-assembling peptides."

"I feel much more informed about the products I use daily."

Complex chemistry made easy for all learners.

"This course was absolutely fantastic! I found the explanations incredibly clear and engaging."

"The lectures were easy to follow and the examples were highly relatable. The instructors did a great job explaining complex concepts simply."

"Absolutely loved this course. The explanations were crystal clear and the pace was perfect. It made chemistry accessible and fun."

Assignments sometimes felt separate, feedback could improve.

"I found some of the writing assignments a bit tedious and not always well-integrated with the core science material."

"The flow between topics wasn't always smooth. I found the feedback system frustrating."

Ideal for new learners, less so for advanced professionals.

"I enrolled hoping for more advanced professional insights, but this course felt too basic."

"Much of the content was introductory, which might be great for absolute beginners, but less so for someone with a science background."

"While it's geared towards beginners, I still learned a lot. I sometimes wished for more depth in certain areas."

Career center

Learners who complete Discovering Science: Chemical Products will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Discovering Science

Chemical Products

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Chemistry & science writing for all

Activities

Career center

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