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Prof. Dorian A. Canelas

This is an introductory course for students with limited background in chemistry; basic concepts such as atomic and molecular structure, solutions, phases of matter, and quantitative problem solving will be emphasized with the goal of preparing students for further study in chemistry.

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Syllabus

Review Videos (I)

Welcome! Over the eight weeks of the Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions course, we will begin discussions about the electronic structure of the atom, structures of molecules, phases of matter, and solutions. This week, we included some basic concept videos in Chemistry. These come from the partner course called Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios. You can technically start with either course, but when these courses were originally designed, the Reactions and Ratios content came first, and you might find it helpful to complete that course before this course. If you are not familiar with the concepts of physical change v.s. chemical change, or significant figure and scientific notations, then please begin by reviewing video “Introduction”. I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

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light
We will cover introduction to light, Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, atomic orbitals, electron configurations, valence versus core electrons. Don’t forget to use this week’s discussion forum for any questions and discussions.
Quantum Number, Lewis Dot Structure

Welcome to week 2! This week we will introduce quantum numbers, more information about periodicity, chemical bonding concepts including Lewis dot structures, resonance, bond order. Continue using the discussion forum for any questions, concerns, discussions, and suggestions. We value your feedback very much!

I hope you already found out how we captured the course logo from Colored Flames. Wasn't that fun to watch? Kudos to those of you who browsed the course, watched videos, submitted exercises, and/or posted on the discussion forum! Keep the great work going please.

Formal Charge, VSEPR Theory, Hybridization

Welcome to week 3! This week includes introduction to the octet rule and expanded octets, formal chargevalence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, sigma and pi bonds, hybridization of the main group elements, and introduction to molecular shapes.

I hope you enjoyed the last two weeks of learning chemistry. Great work on watching videos, posting on the discussion forum and submitting your exercises!

Phases of Matter, Gas Laws

Welcome to week 4! This week we will discuss phases of matter, the importance of thermal energy, ideal gas law calculations, kinetic molecular theory of gases. Hope you will enjoy!

We are at the midway point in the course! As a group you have been watching videos, completing quizzes, and/or actively discussing chemistry on the forums, so please accept our compliments on your hard work so far in the course.

Intermolecular Forces and Phase Changes

Welcome to week 5! This week we will examine the phases of matter more closely, looking at concepts such as intermolecular forces and thermal energy. We will also practice calculations of energetics such as those requiring enthalpies of phase transitions. Finally, we will introduce concepts in metal bonding and solid lattices. We made a few illustrative demonstrations for your viewing pleasure; I hope that these are helpful!

Remember to continue posting any questions, concerns and suggestions to the discussion forum. Also help your peers out on the forum to build a beneficial learning community together!

Solutions

Welcome to week 6! We have reached the last week of video lectures and exercises for the course! Are you ready to make the final push through the rest of the material? After that, you should be ready to tackle the final exam which opens next week. I have enjoyed working on this course; and I hope you have too!

This week, we will first release a couple of review videos related to solution and solubility from Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios. Please review these important concepts before starting Lesson Two - Solutions. Then we will start with a review of dissolution and covers some concentration units. This is accompanied by solution-related demonstrations and another bonus interview with a chemist who also works at Duke. The interviews were conceived and filmed by Abdul Latif, an undergraduate in the humanities who is interested in the history of chemistry and how people choose their professions. Enjoy!

Strengthen Your Understanding

Congratulations on making through to the final week of the course! For many of you it was not an easy journey for the past six weeks with dozens of videos, exercises, problem sets, and forum discussions. I am proud of all of you! The last components of the course - final exam opens this week. Please use it as a chance to apply what you have learned from the course.

There are two parts (timed, 90 minutes for each part) in the final exam. You are encouraged to review all course lectures, exercises, and problem sets before attempting the Final exam. Please feel welcome to use a calculator, scratch paper, simple periodic table, and the reference materials we provided in the course. Good luck with your final exam!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Suitable for learners with limited background in chemistry
Provides a review of basic chemistry concepts
Explores phases of matter and their properties
Examines gas laws and their applications
Introduces quantum numbers and molecular shapes

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Reviews summary

Highly rated chemistry course

Learners say this well-received course is a good, basic introduction to chemistry. The lectures and example problems are well-explained. Also, a helpful group of assistants are available to aid with problem sets and unclear lecture points. The forum is lively and the students are diverse, so that many points of view are shared, and students are always willing to help other students.

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 Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions with these activities:
Attend a workshop on atomic structure
Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to learn about atomic structure from an expert and will give you the chance to ask questions and get feedback.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on atomic structure.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes.
  • Ask questions and get feedback from the workshop leader.
Watch videos on atomic structure
Watching the videos will help you to understand the basic concepts of atomic structure, including the arrangement of electrons, protons, and neutrons in the atom.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Go to the course website and find the videos on atomic structure.
  • Watch the videos carefully and take notes.
  • Pause the videos to take notes on any concepts that you don't understand.
  • Rewind the videos if you need to review any concepts.
  • Think about how the concepts of atomic structure relate to the other topics that you are learning in the course.
Discuss atomic structure with classmates
Discussing atomic structure with classmates will help you to understand the concepts more deeply and will provide you with different perspectives on the topic.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Find a group of classmates to discuss atomic structure with.
  • Prepare some questions to ask your classmates.
  • Take turns discussing the different concepts of atomic structure.
  • Listen to your classmates' perspectives and ask questions to clarify your understanding.
Five other activities
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Solve problems on atomic structure
Solving problems will help you improve your understanding of atomic structure and prepare you for the quizzes and exams.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Find some practice problems on atomic structure.
  • Solve the problems carefully and check your answers.
  • If you get stuck on a problem, ask your instructor or a classmate for help.
  • Review the problems that you solved to make sure that you understand the concepts.
Read a book on atomic structure
Reading a textbook will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of atomic structure and will provide you with additional resources to help you with your studies.
Show steps
  • Find a textbook on atomic structure.
  • Read the textbook carefully and take notes.
  • Highlight the important concepts.
  • Review the textbook regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Write a summary of atomic structure
Writing a summary will help you consolidate your understanding of atomic structure and will provide you with a valuable resource for review.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Gather your notes on atomic structure.
  • Organize your notes into a logical order.
  • Write a summary of the main concepts of atomic structure.
  • Review your summary and make sure that it is clear and concise.
Make a model of an atom
Creating a model will help you visualize the structure of an atom and will provide you with a hands-on learning experience.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Gather the materials that you need to make your model.
  • Follow the instructions to make your model.
  • Label the parts of your model.
  • Use your model to explain the structure of an atom to someone else.
Contribute to an open source project on atomic structure
Contributing to an open source project will give you hands-on experience with atomic structure and will allow you to learn from others who are working on the same topic.
Browse courses on Atomic Structure
Show steps
  • Find an open source project on atomic structure.
  • Join the project and start contributing.
  • Work with other contributors to develop and improve the project.
  • Share your knowledge and expertise with the community.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to develop new knowledge and technologies. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their properties and how to use this knowledge to develop new materials and products. This course may be useful for Research Scientists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Teacher
Teachers teach students about a variety of subjects. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their properties and how to use this knowledge to explain complex scientific concepts to students. This course may be useful for Teachers because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research in a variety of fields. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their properties and how to use this knowledge to develop new materials and products. This course may be useful for Professors because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and the impact of human activities on the environment. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their environmental properties and how to use this knowledge to protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their environmental properties.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their properties and how to use this knowledge to explain complex scientific concepts to a lay audience. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Scientists analyze evidence from crime scenes to help solve crimes. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their physical and chemical properties and how to use this knowledge to identify and analyze evidence. This course may be useful for Forensic Scientists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their physical and chemical properties.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications to patients and provide information about the medications. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their pharmacological properties and how to use this knowledge to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. This course may be useful for Pharmacists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their pharmacological properties.
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their function in biological systems. This course may be useful for Biochemists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their functions.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists study the causes and treatments of diseases. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their biological properties and how to use this knowledge to develop new treatments for diseases. This course may be useful for Medical Scientists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their biological properties.
Analytical Chemist
Analytical Chemists study the composition of materials and substances. They understand the composition of substances in relation to their structures. This course may be useful for Analytical Chemists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of different materials and substances.
Chemist
Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their chemical properties and how to use these properties to create new materials and products. This course may be useful for Chemists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their chemical properties.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their biological properties and how to use this knowledge to develop new treatments for diseases. This course may be useful for Physicians because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their biological properties.
Quality Control Analyst
Quality Control Analysts ensure that products meet quality standards. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their properties and how to use this knowledge to ensure that products are safe and effective. This course may be useful for Quality Control Analysts because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials for use in a variety of applications. They understand how the structure of molecules affects the properties of materials and how to use this knowledge to create new materials with desired properties. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their properties.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and operate processes to convert raw materials into useful products. They understand how the structure of molecules affects their chemical properties and how to use these properties to create new materials and products. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers because it helps build a foundation in understanding the structures of molecules and their chemical properties.

Reading list

We've selected 30 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 Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions.
This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of chemistry topics, from basic concepts to advanced theories. It provides a solid foundation for further study in chemistry and is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
This textbook is written in a clear and concise style, and it provides a good balance of theory and practical applications. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the fundamental principles of chemistry, as well as those who are preparing for a career in chemistry.
This textbook presents a clear and concise introduction to general chemistry. It covers essential concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics. Useful as a supplement to the course for additional background or as a reference for basic concepts.
This textbook covers the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry, including structure, reactivity, and synthesis. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and provides a solid foundation for further study in organic chemistry.
This textbook is written in a clear and concise style, and it provides a good balance of theory and practical applications. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the fundamental principles of chemistry, as well as those who are preparing for a career in chemistry.
These three volumes provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of physics. They are written in a clear and engaging style, and they are a valuable resource for students of all levels.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry of the elements. It covers topics such as periodic trends, bonding, and reactivity. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry of the elements.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of inorganic chemistry. It covers topics such as coordination complexes, organometallic chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of inorganic chemistry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of polymer science and engineering. It covers topics such as polymer synthesis, characterization, and properties. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of polymer science and engineering.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry. It covers a broad range of topics, including atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry. It covers a broad range of topics, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. It covers a broad range of topics, including the laws of thermodynamics, the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, and the Gibbs free energy.
Comprehensive overview of the field of transport phenomena. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of transport phenomena to the latest advances in transport phenomena.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum chemistry. It covers topics such as quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and molecular structure. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of quantum chemistry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of solid state chemistry. It covers topics such as crystal structures, electronic properties, and magnetic properties. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of solid state chemistry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of biochemistry. It covers topics such as protein structure, enzyme catalysis, and metabolism. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of biochemistry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of analytical chemistry. It covers topics such as spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of analytical chemistry.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of environmental chemistry. It covers topics such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution. Suitable for advanced learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of environmental chemistry.
Is another commonly used introductory chemistry textbook at academic institutions. It covers a wide range of topics, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics. While it is not specific to the topics covered in the course, it would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the basics of chemistry.
Comprehensive overview of the field of chemical engineering. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of chemical engineering to the latest advances in chemical engineering.
Comprehensive overview of the field of chemical process safety. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of chemical process safety to the latest advances in chemical process safety.
Comprehensive overview of the field of process dynamics and control. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of process dynamics and control to the latest advances in process dynamics and control.
Concise and accessible introduction to the field of chemistry. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of atomic structure to the latest advances in nanotechnology.
Clear and engaging introduction to the field of chemistry. It is written in a non-technical style, and it great way to learn about the basics of chemistry without getting bogged down in the details.
Popular science book that explores the history and properties of the elements. It fascinating read for anyone who is interested in chemistry.
Classic work on the history of science. It examines the way in which scientific theories change over time.
Fascinating and informative look at the history of chemistry, told through the stories of the elements. It great way to learn about the role of chemistry in our lives, and it is sure to inspire a love of science in anyone who reads it.
Memoir of the author's childhood, and it beautiful and inspiring story about the power of science. Sacks was a brilliant chemist, and his book testament to the joy of discovery.

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