General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding from edX

Chemistry is the study of the properties, structure, behavior, and reactivity of matter. As the central science, chemistry has connections to fields from physics to biology, from environmental science to nano-science. A fundamental understanding of chemistry is the basis on which cutting-edge research in many fields rests. This course is designed to build core skills in chemistry, including drawing chemical structures and predicting molecular properties and reactivities, as well as to gain the necessary fundamental knowledge for advanced courses such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Materials Science.

This chemistry course is the first in a series of two courses that together cover first-year, University-level chemistry. In this course, you will uncover the principles of chemical bonding, in the way it historically occurred: starting from the first experiments that revealed the fundamental dual wave-particle nature of energy and matter. Using the machinery of quantum chemistry, you will learn to:

build models to describe the electronic structure of atoms,
examine how atoms can be combined into molecules through different chemical bonding models,
predict the structure and geometry of molecules,
analyze how molecular geometry determines molecular properties,
explore how molecules interact with each other and analyze how these interactions impact properties in a variety of phases

This course is based on material in MIT’s Principles of Chemical Science course, which fulfills the General Institute Requirement in Chemistry for all MIT undergraduates.

The course image is of liquid oxygen suspended between two powerful magnets, demonstrating that oxygen is a magnetic species.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Wave-particle duality of energy and matter
Introductory quantum mechanics
Electronic structure of atoms

Molecular bonding and structure
Intermolecular and interatomic interactions

Wave-particle duality of energy and matter
Introductory quantum mechanics
Electronic structure of atoms
Molecular bonding and structure
Intermolecular and interatomic interactions

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Developers core skills foundational for advanced chemical study

Examines wave-particle duality and other quantum phenomena emerging from fundamental experiments

Builds a foundation in chemical bonding, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds

Teaches principles of intermolecular and interatomic interactions in gases, liquids, and solids

Suitable for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors, especially those planning to pursue advanced study in chemistry

May be taken as the first in a two-part sequence covering first-year university chemistry

Reviews summary

Foundational, rigorous first-year chemistry

According to learners, General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding provides a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in university-level chemistry. Students consistently praise the clarity of the lectures and the instructor's ability to explain complex topics. While many find the course content deeply conceptual and well-structured, a significant number of students note the demanding workload and challenging problem sets, indicating it requires substantial self-study and dedication. The course is considered excellent preparation for advanced chemistry and related STEM fields, though some feel the pace can be fast for beginners, suggesting some prior science exposure is beneficial.

Fast-paced; best for those with some prior science background.

"While excellent, the pace of the course is quite rapid, so it might be tough for someone completely new to chemistry."

"I had some high school chemistry, and even then, I found myself needing to review extensively to keep up."

"This course is probably better suited for learners who are comfortable with scientific thinking and basic math."

Ideal preparation for further studies in chemistry and STEM.

"This course was instrumental in preparing me for more advanced chemistry courses and understanding research papers."

"I now have a solid conceptual framework that helps me connect chemistry to biology and materials science."

"For anyone planning a career in a STEM field, this course provides the essential building blocks you'll need."

Instructor excels at making complex chemistry understandable.

"The instructor's explanations were incredibly clear and articulate, making even abstract quantum concepts accessible."

"I really appreciated how the lectures broke down difficult topics into manageable parts with great examples."

"The way concepts were built up from first principles was excellent; I could follow along without getting lost."

Offers a strong, university-level foundational understanding.

"This course provided me with an incredibly strong foundation in general chemistry, truly university-level material."

"I feel well-prepared for organic chemistry after completing this; the concepts were explained in great detail."

"It's an excellent dive into the fundamentals of atoms, molecules, and bonding, very thorough and comprehensive."

Expect challenging problem sets and a significant time commitment.

"The problem sets were incredibly difficult and time-consuming; I spent many hours on each one."

"Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to this course, especially if you want to master the material."

"I found the exams quite challenging, requiring a very deep understanding beyond just memorization."

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 I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding with these activities:

Read 'Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight'

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of chemistry and can supplement your learning from the course.

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Preview each chapter by reading the introduction, summary, and key terms
Read each chapter carefully, taking notes and highlighting important concepts
Complete the end-of-chapter problems to test your understanding

Review VSEPR theory

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Understanding VSEPR theory will help you to predict the geometry and molecular shape of molecules

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Read through an introduction to VSEPR theory
Practice applying VSEPR theory to molecules of different shapes

Follow online tutorials on quantum chemistry concepts

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Following online tutorials on quantum chemistry concepts can help reinforce your understanding

Browse courses on Quantum Chemistry

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Identify specific quantum chemistry concepts that you want to learn more about
Search for online tutorials on these concepts
Follow the tutorials and take notes
Complete any practice exercises or quizzes provided in the tutorials

Four other activities

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Problems

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Practicing quantum homework problems can help strengthen your problem-solving skills and understanding of quantum mechanics concepts

Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics

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Attempt the practice problems at the end of each chapter
Check your work by referring to the answer key, but don't immediately give up if you can't get the answer. Trying to solve the problem yourself will be more beneficial than just looking at the answer
If you are still struggling with the concepts, go back and review the corresponding sections of the textbook or lecture notes

Attend workshops or webinars on chemistry topics

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Attending workshops or webinars on chemistry topics can expose you to new ideas and applications of chemistry.

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Search for upcoming workshops or webinars on chemistry topics
Register for and attend the events
Take notes and ask questions during the events
Follow up with the speakers or organizers if you have any further questions

Create an educational video on a chemical bonding concept

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Creating an educational video on a chemical bonding concept can help you to review your knowledge and reinforce your understanding while also potentially benefiting others.

Browse courses on Chemical Bonding

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Choose a bonding concept
Research and gather information from credible sources
Write a script
Record and edit your video
Share your video with others

Review and compile your notes, assignments, and exams

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Taking time to review your notes and other materials will help you to better retain the information and reinforce your understanding.

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Gather all of your notes, assignments, and exams
Review the materials and identify any areas where you need to improve your understanding
Create a study guide or summary sheet that includes the key concepts and equations

Career center

Learners who complete General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientists work on the research, development, and production of new drugs and therapies. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and other sciences to create new treatments for diseases and improve the health of people around the world. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Pharmaceutical Scientist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers plan, design, and optimize chemical plants. They work on developing new technologies, improving existing ones, and ensuring that chemical plants operate efficiently and safely. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Chemical Engineer by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. They work on a wide range of projects, such as developing new drugs, understanding the causes of diseases, and designing new biofuels. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Biochemist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemists develop and use methods to analyze the chemical composition of materials. They work in a wide variety of industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as an Analytical Chemist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analytical Chemist

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties, structure, and behavior of materials. They work on developing new materials and improving existing ones for use in a wide variety of applications, such as electronics, energy, and medicine. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Materials Scientist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They use their knowledge of science to help solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Forensic Scientist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers work on the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas. They use their knowledge of geology, engineering, and chemistry to find and extract oil and gas from the Earth. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Petroleum Engineer by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Secondary School Teacher

Secondary School Teachers need a bachelor's degree in the field they teach, and many states require a teaching certification. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a secondary teacher by providing the necessary skills and knowledge to teach high school chemistry effectively.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers work on the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants. They also work on the development of new nuclear technologies. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Nuclear Engineer by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work on a wide range of projects, such as cleaning up pollution, protecting natural resources, and designing sustainable technologies. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as an Environmental Engineer by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Geochemist

Geochemists study the chemistry of the Earth and other planets. They work on a wide range of projects, such as understanding the formation of the Earth's crust, studying the chemical composition of the oceans, and exploring for new mineral resources. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Geochemist by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors diagnose and treat diseases. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Medical Doctor by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. They work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Science Writer by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help inventors protect their intellectual property. They work with inventors to file patents and represent them in court if necessary. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Patent Attorney by helping to build a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and chemical bonding, which are essential for this field.

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Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists typically need to hold a Master's or PhD in a science field, often in physics or radiation physics. General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding may be useful in preparing for a career as a Medical Physicist by helping to build an understanding of the properties and structure of matter, which are fundamental to this field.

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