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Pre-University Chemistry

Volkert van Steijn, Rienk Eelkema, Robin de Kruijff, and Cristiano Glessi

Chemistry is the fundamental discipline that helps us explain properties, structure, and behavior of matter. A solid foundation in chemistry is of importance in addressing today’s challenges with innovative chemical technological solutions.

This course provides you with an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals of chemistry, either out of personal interest or to ensure that you are adequately equipped for the first year of your Bachelor's degree.

You will acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental chemical concepts and see how they can be applied to real-world problems, in areas including: energy transition, chemistry of health and new materials.The course not only covers the content needed for further study, but it also introduces the different ways in which chemistry is taught at the university-level.

This course is intended for:

Prospective university students who seek a review
High school students who want an additional challenge in chemistry not offered by their school
Students who have already started at university who realize that they have a knowledge gap
Professionals who want to broaden their knowledge or are looking for a refresher course

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the basics of general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry
Apply principles of chemistry in various science and engineering contexts
Perform quantitative calculations and apply basic calculus to solve chemical problems

Combine knowledge from different areas of chemistry to solve advanced problems
After taking this course you will be able to:

Understand the basics of general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry
Apply principles of chemistry in various science and engineering contexts
Perform quantitative calculations and apply basic calculus to solve chemical problems
Combine knowledge from different areas of chemistry to solve advanced problems
After taking this course you will be able to:

Syllabus

Molecules, bonds, and orbitals

Balancing a chemical equation

Redox chemistry

Reaction mechanism

Equilibrium reactions

Chemical technology

Molecular structure

Acid-base reactivity

Organic reaction mechanisms

Weak forces

Solutions and solubility

Biomolecules and macromolecules

Phase transitions

Solid Materials

Metals and conductivity

Electrochemistry

Batteries

Nanochemistry

Module 1: Energy TransitionAn introduction to basic concepts in general chemistry and chemical technology to understand the challenges for (future) chemists and chemical engineers working on the energy transition.Covered Topics:

Module 2: Chemistry of HealthAn introduction to organic chemistry to understand the challenges for (future) chemists and chemical engineers working on medicinal applications.Covered topics:

Module 3: New MaterialsAn introduction to inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry to understand the challenges for (future) chemists and chemical engineers working on novel materials.Covered topics:

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Chemical engineering is a topic that the lead instructor has had significant experience in, research-wise

There are many module choices for you to choose what topics you wish to specialize in

This course has a good breadth of topics, including energy, health, and new materials

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pre-University Chemistry with these activities:

Explore Khan Academy Chemistry Tutorials

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Utilize Khan Academy's interactive tutorials to reinforce concepts and improve understanding.

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Visit the Khan Academy Chemistry section.
Select a topic you need to review.
Watch the video tutorials and take notes.
Complete the practice exercises.

Read 'Chemistry: The Central Science'

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Review the fundamentals of general chemistry by reading this comprehensive textbook.

View Chemistry on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week.
Highlight important concepts and make notes.
Solve practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Discuss the content with classmates or a tutor.

Organize Course Notes and Materials

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Create a comprehensive set of organized notes and materials to facilitate efficient studying and revision.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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Review your lecture notes and slides.
Organize notes into logical sections.
Highlight key concepts and definitions.
Create summaries or mind maps to condense information.

Five other activities

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Practice Balancing Chemical Equations

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Practice balancing chemical equations to strengthen your understanding of chemical reactions and stoichiometry.

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Review the rules for balancing chemical equations.
Start with simple equations and gradually increase the complexity.
Use online resources or textbooks for guidance.
Check your answers against provided solutions.

Attend Chemistry Study Groups

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Engage with peers in study groups to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and clarify doubts.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Find a study group or create one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.
Work together to solve problems and explain concepts.
Provide feedback and support to each other.

Contribute to the Online Chemistry Textbook

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Make a meaningful contribution to the chemistry community by participating in the development of open educational resources.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify an area in the textbook that needs improvement.
Research the topic and gather relevant information.
Write a clear and concise explanation or update.
Submit your contribution for review.

Design a Chemistry Experiment

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Apply your knowledge to design and conduct a chemistry experiment, strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Experimental Design

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Identify a research question or hypothesis.
Plan the experiment, including materials, procedures, and variables.
Conduct the experiment and collect data.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
Present your findings in a report or presentation.

Develop a Molecular Model

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Enhance your spatial understanding by creating a 3D molecular model, improving your ability to visualize and comprehend molecular structures.

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Choose a molecule to model.
Use modeling software or online tools.
Build the model, paying attention to bond lengths and angles.
Analyze the model and identify key features.
Present your model to the class or share it online.

Career center

Learners who complete Pre-University Chemistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, operate, and optimize chemical plants, where raw materials are converted into products such as plastics, fertilizers, medicines, and fuels. In order to perform their jobs effectively, Chemical Engineers must have a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. This course can help build that foundation by providing a comprehensive overview of the basics of general, inorganic, and organic chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials. This course provides a strong foundation for a career as a Chemical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new theories in a variety of scientific disciplines. Many Research Scientists work in the field of chemistry, where they may specialize in areas such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or biochemistry. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Research Scientist by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials. This course can help prepare students for success as a Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science at the secondary school level. They may specialize in a particular area of science, such as chemistry, biology, or physics. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Science Teacher by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials. This course can help prepare students for success as a Science Teacher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact. They may also develop and implement environmental management plans. This course can help prepare students for a career as an Environmental Consultant by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Quality Control Chemist

Quality Control Chemists ensure that products meet safety and quality standards. They may work in a variety of industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Quality Control Chemist by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Chemist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information in a clear and concise manner. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Technical Writer by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They must have a strong understanding of the patent process and the law. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Patent Attorney by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

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Chemical Technician

Chemical Technicians conduct chemical experiments and tests under the supervision of a chemist. They may work in a variety of industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Chemical Technician by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials.

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Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a laboratory. They may be responsible for hiring and training staff, ordering supplies, and ensuring that the laboratory is in compliance with safety regulations. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Laboratory Manager by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Manager

Health and Safety Inspector

Health and Safety Inspectors ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. They may also investigate accidents and make recommendations for improvements. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Health and Safety Inspector by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health and Safety Inspector

Science Writer

Science Writers write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts to a general audience. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Science Writer by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze evidence from crime scenes to help solve crimes. They may specialize in a particular area of forensic science, such as DNA analysis or trace evidence. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Forensic Scientist by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on humans and animals. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government, industry, and academia. This course can help prepare students for a career as a Toxicologist by providing them with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health and new materials, all of which are very important to this role.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists develop and test new materials for use in a variety of applications. They may work in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. This course may be useful for students who are interested in a career as a Materials Scientist, as it provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of new materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical reactions that take place in living organisms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as academia, industry, and government. This course may be useful for students who are interested in a career as a Biochemist, as it provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry. It also covers more advanced topics such as chemical technology, energy transition, and the chemistry of health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Pre-University Chemistry:

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Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pre-University Chemistry.

Physical Chemistry

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Provides a comprehensive overview of chemistry, covering topics from general chemistry to organic chemistry to inorganic chemistry. It commonly used textbook at academic institutions and provides a solid foundation for further study in chemistry.

Physical Chemistry: Quanta, Matter, and Change

Paperback

$$$$

General Chemistry

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Provides a comprehensive overview of general chemistry, covering topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium. It commonly used textbook at academic institutions and provides a solid foundation for further study in chemistry.

Chemistry

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