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Chemistry

This course is designed to cover subjects in advanced high school chemistry courses, correlating to the standard topics as established by the American Chemical Society. This course is a precursor to the Advanced Chemistry Coursera course. Areas that are covered include atomic structure, periodic trends, compounds, reactions and stoichiometry, bonding, and thermochemistry.

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Syllabus

Week 1

We will learn about the components inside the atom and look especially at the electrons. The electron structure determines the properties of the elements. So, by the end of this series of lessons, you will know for each elements where the electrons are located in the atom.

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Suitable for high school students preparing for Advanced Chemistry

Covers advanced high school chemistry topics based on the American Chemical Society's standards

Taught by experienced chemistry instructors, Dr. Allison Soult and Dr. Kim Woodrum

Provides a strong foundation for understanding chemical concepts and principles

Coursework includes engaging videos, readings, and interactive materials to enhance learning

Assesses student understanding through multiple choice quizzes and graded assignments

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Reviews summary

Foundational university chemistry introduction

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in chemistry, covering fundamental concepts thoroughly. Students often praise the clarity of the explanations, particularly in the lectures, finding them easy to follow even for complex topics like atomic structure, bonding, and stoichiometry. While many find the course well-structured and suitable as a precursor to more advanced study or for refreshing high school knowledge, some reviewers note that the assignments can be challenging and require significant practice. Overall, it is viewed as a largely positive introduction to the subject.

Course follows a logical progression of topics.

"The way the topics are ordered makes sense and builds knowledge step by step."

"I appreciated the structure, moving from basic atomic concepts to reactions and thermochemistry."

"The course is well-organized and easy to navigate through the different units."

Provides strong basics for further chemistry study.

"This course gave me a really solid foundation for my university chemistry classes."

"It's a great way to refresh high school chemistry or prepare for college-level material."

"I feel much better prepared for the next course after completing this one."

Topics are explained clearly and logically.

"The instructor explains concepts very clearly, making complex ideas easy to grasp."

"I found the lectures easy to follow, especially the parts on atomic structure and trends."

"The explanations provided a lot of clarity on topics I struggled with before."

Some complex topics felt rushed.

"I felt some later topics, like thermochemistry, were covered a bit too quickly."

"Could benefit from a bit more time on some of the more advanced concepts."

"Some units felt a little rushed, but overall manageable with effort."

Homework and quizzes require effort.

"Some of the homework problems were quite difficult and required extra practice."

"The quizzes really made me think and apply the concepts, which was challenging but good."

"I had to spend a lot of time on the assignments to understand them fully."

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 Chemistry with these activities:

Review Chemistry: The Central Science

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Review the key concepts and principles of chemistry, which will provide a strong foundation for this course.

View Chemistry on Amazon

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Read each chapter and take notes.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.

Review High School Chemistry Concepts

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Ensure a solid foundation by revisiting key concepts and principles from your previous chemistry courses.

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Review your high school chemistry notes or textbooks.
Complete practice problems or quizzes online.
Seek clarification on any concepts that you need to reinforce.

Volunteer at a Local Science Museum

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Gain practical experience and engage with the broader scientific community through volunteering at a science museum.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Find a local science museum or organization that offers volunteer opportunities.
Inquire about available volunteer positions.
Attend training sessions and familiarize yourself with the museum's exhibits.

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Solve Practice Problems

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Reinforce your understanding of chemical concepts by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Access online practice problems or textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.

Create a Periodic Table Poster

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Enhance your understanding and visualization of the periodic table through creating a personalized poster.

Browse courses on Periodic Table

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Gather information about the elements.
Design the layout of your poster.
Create the poster using digital or physical materials.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and quiz each other, fostering a deeper understanding.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find classmates or online forums to form a study group.
Set regular meeting times and create a study schedule.
Actively participate in discussions and contribute to the group's learning.

Present a Chemistry Demonstration

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Deepen your comprehension through hands-on experimentation and sharing your findings, reinforcing concepts and fostering a passion for chemistry.

Browse courses on Experiments

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Choose a chemical reaction or concept to demonstrate.
Design and conduct the experiment.
Prepare a visually appealing and informative presentation.
Present the demonstration to your classmates or a wider audience.

Career center

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

Chemist

Chemists study the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. They investigate the structure and properties of substances, and how they interact with each other. They apply their knowledge to develop new processes and products, and solve problems in various industries. The subject matter of this course gives a solid foundation for a career as a chemist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers apply principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve problems in the fields of energy, medicine, and environmental science. They focus on the processes that convert raw materials into products and create new materials. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of chemistry which forms the foundation of the knowledge required for a career in chemical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists solve complex problems that affect human health and the environment, such as climate change and pollution. They research the effects of human activities on the environment, and develop and implement solutions to protect and restore the environment. Chemistry knowledge is essential for environmental scientists to analyze environmental samples, to understand the chemistry of pollutants, and to mitigate and solve environmental problems.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and improve existing ones. They study the structure, properties, and behavior of materials, and how they can be used in different applications. This course provides a solid foundation for the chemistry that underpins materials science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Quality Control Chemist

Quality Control Chemists ensure that products meet safety and quality standards. They develop and conduct tests to analyze the composition and properties of products. They work in a variety of industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This course provides a foundation in the principles of chemistry, which are essential for ensuring the integrity of products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Chemist

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical composition and processes that occur in living organisms. They apply principles of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry to understand how molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids come together to form cells and tissues. The study of atoms and molecules via inorganic chemistry is the foundation of organic chemistry, which in turn is the foundation of biochemistry. This course could help build a foundation for a future in biochemistry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientists diagnose and treat diseases by analyzing body fluids and tissues. They perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The knowledge of chemistry, especially of inorganic chemistry, is essential for Clinical Laboratory Scientists to understand the composition and reactions of body fluids and tissues, enabling them to make accurate diagnoses and provide effective treatments.

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Geochemist

Geochemists are earth scientists specializing in the chemistry of the Earth and other planets. They study the composition and structure of the Earth's crust, mantle, and core in order to understand how the Earth formed and evolved over time. Knowledge of inorganic chemistry, which forms the foundation of the periodic table, is essential for the study of the distribution of elements and their isotopes in different geological environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geochemist

Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemists research, develop, and apply analytical techniques to inorganic and organic substances. They determine the composition of materials to help other scientists and researchers understand the properties of substances. The principles of chemistry, such as those you will learn in this course, are the foundation of analytical techniques. Techniques include spectroscopy and chromatography. Analytical chemists work in a variety of industry settings such as chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceuticals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analytical Chemist

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists are healthcare professionals who use physics principles to diagnose and treat diseases. They use their knowledge of chemistry to understand the interactions between radiation and biological tissues. This course can help build a strong foundation of chemistry, which is essential for understanding the principles of medical physics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They may work in academia, industry, or government. Knowledge of chemistry is essential for research scientists to understand the composition and reactions of substances, and to develop new technologies. This course could help provide a foundation in chemistry, which is essential for research scientists to conduct their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on living organisms. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, and government. Knowledge of chemistry is essential for toxicologists to understand the composition and properties of toxic substances, and to assess their potential risks to human health and the environment. This course could help build a foundation in chemistry, which is important for toxicologists to conduct their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist

Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students about science at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop and implement lesson plans, conduct experiments, and grade assignments. Knowledge of chemistry is essential for science teachers to understand the subject matter they are teaching. This course could help build a foundation in chemistry, which is important for science teachers to ensure that their students have a solid understanding of the subject.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Knowledge of chemistry is essential for pharmacists to understand the composition, properties, and interactions of medications. This course could help build a foundation in chemistry, which is important for pharmacists to understand the principles of pharmacology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They prescribe medications and other treatments, and perform surgeries. Knowledge of chemistry is essential for physicians to understand the composition and reactions of medications, and the chemistry of the human body. This course could help provide a foundation for chemistry, which is important for physicians to understand the principles of pharmacology and physiology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read three articles that feature Chemistry:

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Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Chemistry.

Chemistry

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics. It is written in a clear and engaging style and is widely used as a textbook in high school and college chemistry courses.

Physical Chemistry

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This textbook provides a rigorous and in-depth treatment of the fundamental principles of chemistry. It is written in a clear and concise style and is widely used as a textbook in college chemistry courses.

Chemistry

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational university chemistry introduction

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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