General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application from Coursera

This course will cover the topics of a full year, two semester General Chemistry course. We will use a free on-line textbook, Concept Development Studies in Chemistry, available via Rice’s Connexions project.

The fundamental concepts in the course will be introduced via the Concept Development Approach developed at Rice University. In this approach, we will develop the concepts you need to know from experimental observations and scientific reasoning rather than simply telling you the concepts and then asking you to simply memorize or apply them.

So why use this approach?

One reason is that most of us are inductive learners, meaning that we like to make specific observations and then generalize from there. Many of the most significant concepts in Chemistry are counter-intuitive. When we see where those concepts come from, we can more readily accept them, explain them, and apply them.

A second reason is that scientific reasoning in general and Chemistry reasoning in particular are inductive processes. This Concept Development approach illustrates those reasoning processes.

A third reason is that this is simply more interesting! The structure and reactions of matter are fascinating puzzles to be solved by observation and reasoning. It is more fun intellectually when we can solve those puzzles together, rather than simply have the answers to the riddles revealed at the outset.

Recommended Background:

The class can be taken by someone with no prior experience in chemistry. However, some prior familiarity with the basics of chemistry is desirable as we will cover some elements only briefly. For example, a prior high school chemistry class would be helpful.

Syllabus

Introduction

This lecture will cover the unique approach used in this course to the introduction of the fundamental concepts of Chemistry. The Concept Development Study approach was created, implemented, developed and refined at Rice over the course of more than twenty years. In this pedagogy, each new concept is developed from experimental observations and scientific reasoning. By contrast, most introductory Chemistry courses simply present each concept as an accepted fact, without foundation. This is why most Chemical concepts seem abstract and unapproachable. The CDS approach has been shown to more effective for most beginning students. I hope that this opening lecture will pique your curiosity about how you might learn Chemistry in a way which is more effective and more fun.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Some prior familiarity with the basics of chemistry would be helpful

Teaches the fundamental concepts of Chemistry from experimental observations and scientific reasoning

Covers the topics of a full year, two semester General Chemistry course

Examines the structure and reactions of matter from an inductive learning approach

Suggested Readings are available from the on-line textbook “Concept Development Studies in Chemistry”

Reviews summary

General chemistry: concept development approach

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in general chemistry using a unique and effective Concept Development Approach. Many students found the lectures clear and engaging, appreciating how concepts are built from experimental observations rather than just presented. While some found the course challenging, particularly for beginners or those without a strong math background, the depth and clarity of explanations were frequently highlighted as major strengths. Reviewers suggest dedicating significant time to practice problems and sometimes supplementing with standard textbooks for additional practice, though the free online textbook is seen as a valuable resource.

Demanding course requiring significant study time.

"Be prepared to spend a lot of time on practice problems."

"This is not a light course; it requires dedication and consistent effort."

"To truly grasp the concepts, you need to work through the examples and assignments diligently."

"Requires significant time commitment outside of lectures."

Free online text is a good resource.

"The free online textbook was surprisingly comprehensive and well-written."

"I appreciated having the free textbook available."

"The assigned readings from the online text complemented the lectures well."

Covers core gen chem topics in depth.

"This course provides a very thorough introduction to General Chemistry."

"It covers all the key topics expected in a first-year chemistry sequence."

"The depth of coverage for fundamental concepts is impressive."

Instructor explains complex ideas well.

"The instructor is very clear and explains difficult concepts patiently."

"I found the lectures engaging and easy to follow, even on challenging topics."

"Professor presents the material in a logical, step-by-step manner."

"His enthusiasm for the subject is evident and makes learning more enjoyable."

Builds understanding from experiments.

"I loved how the course built up complex ideas from simple observations."

"The 'Concept Development Approach' is truly unique and made chemistry much more intuitive."

"Understanding *why* things work this way, based on experiments, was incredibly helpful."

"This method of starting from experimental evidence made the concepts stick better than traditional lectures."

Prior knowledge or strong math helps.

"As someone with no prior chemistry, I found some parts quite difficult."

"A solid math background is definitely beneficial for this course."

"Might be better for those who have had high school chemistry before."

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 General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application with these activities:

Review the textbook

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in this course.

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Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes as you go.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your comprehension.
Summarize the key concepts of each chapter in your own words.

Watch online tutorials on chemistry concepts.

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Supplement your learning by exploring different perspectives and explanations of course topics.

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Find a reputable source for online chemistry tutorials.
Choose a tutorial that covers a topic you're interested in or struggling with.
Take notes and pause the tutorial as needed to fully understand the concepts.

Practice solving chemistry problems.

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Improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of chemical principles.

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Find a set of practice problems online or in a textbook.
Work through the problems, step-by-step.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

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Join a study group or attend a review session.

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course material, clarify concepts, and prepare for assessments.

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Find a study group or review session that aligns with your schedule and learning style.
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Work together to solve problems and review key concepts.

Start a project to design, synthesize, and characterize a new molecule.

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Gain hands-on experience designing and synthesizing molecules, a skill applicable to medicinal chemistry, materials science, and other areas.

Browse courses on Organic Chemistry

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Research and identify a target molecule with desired properties.
Design a synthetic pathway to the target molecule.
Carry out the synthesis reactions.
Characterize the synthesized molecule using spectroscopic techniques.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Create a presentation on a chemistry topic.

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Develop your communication skills and reinforce your understanding by teaching a chemistry concept to others.

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Choose a chemistry topic that you're passionate about or well-versed in.
Research the topic thoroughly to gather accurate information.
Organize your presentation in a logical and engaging way.
Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure fluency and clarity.
Present your topic to an audience, either in person or online.

Attend a chemistry workshop or conference.

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Expand your knowledge, learn about cutting-edge research, and network with professionals in the field.

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Identify chemistry workshops or conferences that align with your interests.
Register for the event and make travel arrangements.
Attend the workshop or conference, actively participating in sessions and discussions.
Engage with speakers, ask questions, and connect with other attendees.

Participate in a chemistry competition or hackathon.

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Challenge yourself, showcase your skills, and connect with other chemistry enthusiasts.

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Research chemistry competitions or hackathons that align with your interests.
Form a team or work individually to prepare for the competition.
Develop innovative solutions to chemistry-related challenges.
Present your work to a panel of judges or experts.

Career center

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

Research Scientist - Chemistry

A Research Scientist (Chemistry) conducts research in the field of chemistry to advance knowledge and develop new products and processes. A doctoral degree (PhD) is typically required for this advanced role, and General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application provides a strong foundation in chemistry principles and research methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist - Chemistry

Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, builds, and operates chemical plants and processes to convert raw materials into valuable products such as fuels, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and benefits from a deep knowledge of chemistry, including topics covered in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application such as chemical bonding, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.

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Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials with improved properties for use in a variety of applications, from consumer products to aerospace components. While a bachelor's degree in materials science is typically required, this course can provide a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science principles, which are essential for success as a Materials Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Quality Control Chemist

A Quality Control Chemist ensures that products meet quality standards by conducting tests and inspections. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, this role can benefit from the understanding of chemical processes and analytical techniques developed in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Chemist

Pharmaceutical Chemist

A Pharmaceutical Chemist researches, develops, and tests new drugs and drug formulations. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical chemistry or a related field, and benefits from a deep understanding of chemistry, including topics covered in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application such as organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and analytical chemistry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Chemist

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer combines engineering principles with medical science to design and develop devices and systems that improve healthcare. Many roles in biomedical engineering require a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. This course may help build a foundation in chemistry, which can be applied to the design and development of medical devices and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer develops solutions to environmental problems, such as water and air pollution, and climate change. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, this role can benefit from the understanding of chemical processes and their impact on the environment developed in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney helps inventors obtain patents for their inventions. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in science or engineering and a law degree, this role can benefit from a deep understanding of chemistry, including topics covered in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application such as chemical bonding, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Science Policy Analyst

A Science Policy Analyst analyzes scientific information and develops policy recommendations for government agencies. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in science or public policy, this role can benefit from the understanding of chemistry and its applications developed in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. While a bachelor's degree in science writing or a related field is typically required, this course can aid in gaining a strong foundation in chemistry, which is essential for effectively writing about scientific topics.

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Science Teacher (High School)

A Science Teacher (High School) develops and delivers lesson plans and teaches science concepts to high school students. While a bachelor's degree in science education is typically required, this course can be helpful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of chemistry concepts in order to effectively teach them to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher (High School)

Packaging Engineer

A Packaging Engineer designs, develops, and tests packaging for products to ensure that they are protected from damage during shipping and handling and that they meet regulatory requirements. Typically requiring a bachelor's degree in packaging engineering, this career may greatly benefit from the in-depth understanding of chemical processes and materials science developed in General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents to explain complex technical information. While a bachelor's degree in technical writing or a related field is typically required, this course can help build a foundation in chemistry for those wishing to write about scientific and technical topics.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development, marketing, and launch of new products. While a bachelor's degree in business or a related field is typically required, this course may be helpful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of chemistry and its applications to product development.

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Forensic Scientist

A Forensic Scientist collects and analyzes evidence to help solve crimes. Typically, a bachelor's degree in forensic science is required, but this course may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career where understanding chemistry is an advantage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist