OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Master The Fundamentals Of Chemistry (Part 2 of 4)

LearnFire Education, Andrew Roden-Bow, and LearnFire Team

ATTENTION PARENTS: Are your students having difficulty with the subject matter in chemistry GCSE (or related courses)? Are they preparing for their final examination, or end of year examinations? Purchase this course to help your student prepare for their exams by helping them to understand chemistry, rather than focusing on trying to memorise seemingly unrelated facts. This course includes practical demonstrations of common reactions and experiments seen on GCSE papers.

Full syllabus coverage details are available in a downloadable file for iGCSE Cambridge/Edexcel/

Read more

ATTENTION PARENTS: Are your students having difficulty with the subject matter in chemistry GCSE (or related courses)? Are they preparing for their final examination, or end of year examinations? Purchase this course to help your student prepare for their exams by helping them to understand chemistry, rather than focusing on trying to memorise seemingly unrelated facts. This course includes practical demonstrations of common reactions and experiments seen on GCSE papers.

Full syllabus coverage details are available in a downloadable file for iGCSE Cambridge/Edexcel/

This course covers all of the material studied in iGCSE Chemistry and GCSE Chemistry courses in the topics of The Periodic Table, and Calculations. These are normally the topics covered in (i)GCSE courses by schools in year 10 (Grade 9/10, ages 14/15). The material is also relevant for most GCSE courses. It is designed for students who are currently in years 10/11 (Grade 9/10, ages 14-16) and revising the material covered in their school lessons. It would also be useful for those students entering A level, or IBDP courses in chemistry who require a firm grounding before embarking on these more advanced qualifications. The material covered in this topic is also covered in most American and Canadian syllabuses in grade 10 chemistry/science (ages 15/16).

As soon as students sign up for this IGCSE Chemistry and GCSE Chemistry masterclass they will receive access to:

  1. NEW and updated IGCSE chem & GCSE chem video lessons for each section of the course.

  2. FREE digital IGCSE chem resources, summary sheets and practice questions (with model answers provided).

  3. FULL EXAM QUESTION 

  4. FREE topic-specific IGCSE chemistry past exam paper questions and mark schemes.

This IGCSE chemistry (O Level) masterclass is offered by IGCSEprep on Udemy. This masterclass covers all the content needed to write the IGCSE chemistry exams offered by Pearson Edexcel (double or triple) or Cambridge CIE (core or extended) or other exam boards like Oxford AQA.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • In this course you will learn exactly what you need to know for your chemistry exams so that you can learn as efficiently as possible.
  • Understand how the similarities in the reactions of group 1 elements with water provide evidence of their recognition as a family of elements
  • Understand how the differences between the reactions of the group 1 elements with oxygen and water provide evidence for the pattern of their reactivity
  • Use knowledge of the trends in group 1 to predict the properties of other alkali metals
  • Explain the trend in reactivity in terms of electronic configuration
  • Know the colours and states of the group 7 elements at room temperature, and trends in physical properties
  • Use knowledge of trends in group 7 to predict the properties of other elements
  • Understand how the displacement reaction of halogens and halides provides evidence for the pattern of reactivity
  • Explain the trend in reactivity of group 7 in terms of electronic configuration
  • Know the approximate % by volume of the 4 most abundant gases in dry air
  • Understand how to determine the % of oxygen in air using (for example) the reaction of a metal with oxygen
  • Describe the reactions of elements with oxygen (magnesium, hydrogen, sulphur)
  • Describe the formation of carbon dioxide from the thermal decomposition of metal carbonates
  • Know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming
  • Understand how elements are arranged in the periodic table, in order of atomic number, in groups and periods
  • Understand how to deduce the electronic configuration of the first 20 elements from their position in the periodic table
  • Understand how to use electrical conductivity, and the acid/base character of oxides to classify elements as metals or non-metals
  • Identify an element as metal or non-metal according to its position in the periodic table
  • Understand how the electronic configuration of a main group element is related to its position in the periodic table
  • Understand why elements in the same group have similar chemical properties
  • Understand why the noble gases do not readily react
  • Write word and symbol equations for reaction detailed in the specification, and unfamiliar reactions where information is provided
  • Calculate relative formula mass from relative atomic masses
  • Know that the mole is a measure of the amount of substance
  • Understand how to perform calculations with the amount of substance using mr
  • Calculate reacting masses using experimental data and chemical equations
  • Understand how the formulae of simple compounds can be determined experimentally
  • Know what is meant my the terms molecular and empirical formulae
  • Calculate empirical and molecular formulae from experimental data
  • Understand how to carry out calculations with amount of substance using concentrations
  • Understand how to carry out calculations using the molar volume of a gas at room temperature and pressure
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction & Course Expectations for Part 2

An introduction on how to get the most out of this course. Please check the syllabus coverage document to see how relevant to your specification this course is.

Read more
The properties and trends of the elements in the Periodic Table

Students will be able to identify metals and non-metals from the Periodic Table and describe their different physical properties.

Students will observe the reaction of Mg and S with oxygen and recall the chemical and physical properties of oxides.

Metals and Non-metals Quiz

Students will be able to explain the reactivity of group 1 metals and recall the observations of Li, Na and K when placed in water.

Students will be able to describe the appearance of the halogens and the observations when iron reacts with chlorine, and bromine. They will be able to explain the reactivity of the haolgens.

Students will be able to predict the products of potential halogen displacement reactions and predict the colour changes associated with the reactions.

Quiz about the reactions and observations during halogen displacement.

Quiz covering the chemical and physical properties of groups 1+7

Students will be able to recall the uses of the Noble gases and explain their lack of common reactions.

Students will be able to recall the % of different gases in the air. They will be able to describe suitable experiments for the production and collection of oxygen, and carbon dioxide. They will be able to describe an experiment to measure the % of oxygen present in the air.

Questions about the % of gases in the air, their uses and laboratory preparations

Students will review past examination paper questions and model answers.

Calculations involving moles using Mr, molar gas volumes, concentrations, and empirical formulae.

Students will be able to write balanced symbol equations for common reactions.

Quiz requiring the correct writing and balancing of symbol equations

Students will be able to calculate the number of moles of a substance when given the mass, and the mass of a substance when given the number of moles.

Quiz covering basic calculation of Mr and moles

Students will be able to determine the empirical formula of a substance when provided with data related to reacting masses.

Students will observe the classic experiment of determining the empirical formula of magnesium oxide. They will be able to describe some of the practical considerations required during the experiment.

Students will be able to convert from an empirical formula to a molecular formula using data relating to Mr.

Students will be able to describe the chemical test for water using anhydrous copper sulphate. They will understand the difference between hydrated and anhydrous salts.

Questions about hydrated and anhydrous salts.

Students will be able to calculate the value for x in the formulae of hydrated salts.

Students will be able to predict the mass of products/reactants in common reactions when given the mass of one substance involved.

Students will be able to convert from the volume of a gas to the number of moles present using the molar volume of a gas at room temperature.

Quiz related to calculating the number of moles of solid and gaseous substances.

Students will understand how the concentration of a substance is linked to the quantity of solvent and solute present. They will be able to calculate the number of moles from a given volume and concentration. They will be able to calculate the concentration of solutions produced during dissolving.

Quiz on calculating concentrations and moles for solutions.

Students will be able to calculate the quantity of substance invovled in common reactions for calculations involving solutions.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers material typically studied in year 10 (Grades 9/10), making it highly relevant for students revising course material or needing a firm foundation
Includes practical demonstrations of common reactions and experiments, which are often seen on GCSE papers and can aid in understanding
Provides free digital resources, summary sheets, and practice questions with model answers, which can be valuable for exam preparation
Offers topic-specific past exam paper questions and mark schemes, which are useful for exam practice and understanding assessment criteria
Requires students to recall observations and predict products of reactions, which may be challenging for some learners without hands-on experience
Focuses on specific exam boards (Edexcel, Cambridge CIE), so students using other exam boards may find some content less relevant

Save this course

Save Master The Fundamentals Of Chemistry (Part 2 of 4) to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Master The Fundamentals Of Chemistry (Part 2 of 4) with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce foundational chemistry knowledge to better understand the periodic table and calculations covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Review atomic structure and bonding principles.
  • Practice balancing chemical equations.
  • Familiarize yourself with common chemical nomenclature.
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce foundational chemistry knowledge to better understand the periodic table and calculations covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Review atomic structure and bonding principles.
  • Practice balancing chemical equations.
  • Familiarize yourself with common chemical nomenclature.
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Reinforce foundational chemistry knowledge to better understand the periodic table and calculations covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Review atomic structure and bonding principles.
  • Practice balancing chemical equations.
  • Familiarize yourself with common chemical nomenclature.
14 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 17 activities
Review 'Chemistry: The Central Science'
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive chemistry textbook to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental principles.
View Chemistry on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to atomic structure and chemical bonding.
  • Work through example problems related to stoichiometry and molarity.
  • Review the sections on periodic trends and properties of elements.
Review 'Chemistry: The Central Science'
Solidify understanding of core chemistry concepts with a widely used textbook.
View Chemistry on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters on atomic structure and chemical bonding.
  • Work through example problems related to stoichiometry and molarity.
  • Review the periodic table and its trends.
Read 'The Periodic Table' by Primo Levi
Gain a broader understanding of the elements and their properties through a literary lens.
View The Last Interview: Conversations with Giovanni... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read a chapter or two each week.
  • Reflect on how the element relates to the story.
  • Consider the element's properties and uses.
Practice Balancing Chemical Equations
Improve proficiency in balancing chemical equations, a crucial skill for performing accurate stoichiometric calculations.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with chemical equation balancing exercises.
  • Work through a set of 20-30 equations, focusing on different reaction types.
  • Check your answers and review the correct balancing process for any mistakes.
Practice Mole Calculations with Peers
Improve problem-solving skills and understanding of mole calculations through collaborative practice.
Browse courses on Calculations
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Work through practice problems on mole calculations together.
  • Explain your reasoning and approach to each problem.
  • Discuss any areas of confusion or disagreement.
Practice Mole Calculations
Sharpen your skills in mole calculations, a crucial aspect of quantitative chemistry covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Solve practice problems involving mass, moles, and molar mass.
  • Work through problems involving molar gas volume.
  • Tackle problems involving concentrations of solutions.
Create a Periodic Table Infographic
Solidify understanding of periodic trends by creating a visual representation of element properties and relationships.
Browse courses on Periodic Table
Show steps
  • Research periodic trends like electronegativity, ionization energy, and atomic radius.
  • Design an infographic highlighting these trends across the periodic table.
  • Include examples of elements and their properties to illustrate each trend.
Balancing Chemical Equations Practice
Reinforce the skill of balancing chemical equations through repetitive practice.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with chemical equation balancing exercises.
  • Work through a set of equations, aiming for accuracy and speed.
  • Check your answers and review any mistakes.
Create a Periodic Table Infographic
Solidify your understanding of the periodic table by creating a visual representation of its key trends and properties.
Browse courses on Periodic Table
Show steps
  • Research the trends in the periodic table.
  • Design an infographic highlighting these trends.
  • Include information about element properties and uses.
Review 'Calculations in Chemistry'
Enhance calculation skills by working through practice problems in a dedicated chemistry calculations textbook.
View Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry on Amazon
Show steps
  • Work through the chapters on mole calculations and stoichiometry.
  • Practice problems related to empirical and molecular formula determination.
  • Review the sections on solution concentrations and titrations.
Explore 'Chemistry: The Central Science'
Deepen your understanding of core chemistry concepts with a comprehensive textbook.
View Chemistry on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters after each course module.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
  • Attempt the end-of-chapter exercises for practice.
Create a Periodic Table Infographic
Deepen understanding of the periodic table by creating a visual representation of its elements and trends.
Browse courses on Periodic Table
Show steps
  • Research the properties and trends of elements in the periodic table.
  • Design an infographic that visually represents these properties and trends.
  • Include information about element groups, periods, and reactivity.
  • Share your infographic with classmates for feedback.
Read 'The Disappearing Spoon'
Expand knowledge of the periodic table with engaging stories about the elements.
View The Disappearing Spoon on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to elements covered in the course.
  • Take notes on interesting facts and anecdotes.
  • Reflect on how these stories relate to the chemical properties of the elements.
Tutor Younger Students in Chemistry
Solidify your understanding of chemistry concepts by teaching them to others.
Browse courses on Chemistry
Show steps
  • Volunteer to tutor younger students in chemistry.
  • Prepare lessons and practice problems for your students.
  • Explain concepts clearly and answer questions patiently.
  • Reflect on your own understanding as you teach.

Career center

Learners who complete Master The Fundamentals Of Chemistry (Part 2 of 4) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chemistry Teacher
A chemistry teacher imparts knowledge of chemical principles to students, often at the secondary level. This course, which covers essential topics like the periodic table, reactions, and calculations, is a good fit for this role. A future chemistry teacher will find the course's emphasis on understanding concepts and practical demonstrations helpful. The course's focus on preparing students for exams by emphasizing understanding over memorization aligns well with the goals of a teacher who wants to make sure the material is learned properly. This course may be useful in building content knowledge and skills in teaching chemistry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemistry Teacher
Science Tutor
A science tutor provides personalized instruction to students, often focusing on specific areas in which they need support, which includes chemistry. This course, with its concentration on the fundamentals of chemistry, particularly periodic table trends and calculations, directly supports the work of a science tutor. The detailed explanations and practical demonstrations included in the course help someone in this role explain concepts clearly and effectively. This course may be useful to future tutors by enhancing their subject knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Tutor
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs educational materials and resources. A curriculum developer will find that this course may be helpful, because its detailed coverage of fundamental chemistry concepts like the periodic table, reactions, and calculations. They can use the course's structure and content as a reference for their work. The course, which includes practical demonstrations and a focus on understanding instead of memorization, can help a curriculum developer better design coursework. The course's focus on preparing students for exams by emphasizing understanding over memorization aligns well with the goals of a curriculum developer who wants to create education that truly helps students learn.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Science Writer
A science writer communicates scientific information to the public or specialized audiences. A science writer will find that this course may be useful, because its detailed coverage of fundamental chemistry concepts like the periodic table, reactions, and calculations provides a strong base for this career. The course emphasizes understanding rather than memorization, which helps a science writer explain scientific concepts accurately and clearly. The course's practical demonstrations and focus on exam preparation provide additional context that a science writer can use to generate compelling content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning experiences and materials for various educational settings. Given that this course provides a thorough overview of essential areas in chemistry, it can be a useful resource for this career role, for those wishing to specialize in creating content for science subjects. The course's focus on practical demonstrations, along with its clear explanations of complex topics such as the periodic table and calculations, helps build a structure around which a designer can build their lesson plans. The course’s emphasis on exam preparation can also be useful to someone who needs to create materials that help learners succeed in their studies. This course may be useful in giving an instructional designer a solid foundation in chemistry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Lab Technician
A lab technician supports scientific research by preparing laboratory equipment and conducting experiments, often in a chemistry lab. This course's practical demonstrations and focus on common reactions and experiments build a solid foundation for someone who wants to work as a lab technician. Understanding the principles behind reactions and calculations, as covered in the course, is essential for ensuring the accuracy and safety of lab work. The course's emphasis on the periodic table, in particular, will help someone in this role with a basic understanding of materials. This course may be helpful, particularly for those planning to work in an educational laboratory environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lab Technician
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools and educational organizations on best practices and curriculum development. This course, which emphasizes conceptual understanding of important topics like the periodic table, reactions, and calculations, may be helpful. The course demonstrates excellent teaching strategies, like the focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorization which are valuable for an educational consultant to recognize and recommend. The course's practical demonstrations of common reactions add to its value. This course provides a good example of curriculum development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Science Communicator
A science communicator translates complex scientific topics for the public through various media. The course may be useful for this role because it provides thorough understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry, such as the periodic table and chemical reactions. This course emphasizes comprehension rather than rote learning, which will help a science communicator to clearly explain scientific concepts. The course's approach of including practical demonstrations will help a science communicator understand how to illustrate scientific processes using concrete examples.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator
Chemical Sales Representative
A chemical sales representative sells chemicals and related products to various clients. The course may be useful to get this role. This course provides familiarity with fundamental chemistry concepts, like the periodic table and chemical reactions, which are necessary to this position. An understanding of chemical properties and how they react, will help a chemical sales representative understand the products they’re selling. This course will give a representative a solid background in the fundamentals of chemistry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Sales Representative
Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant assesses and advises on environmental issues. A clear grasp of chemistry principles is valuable for understanding chemical pollutants and their impact on the environment. The periodic table, reaction chemistry and stoichiometric calculations, which are covered in this course, may be useful for someone in this role. This course's emphasis on understanding chemical processes can help an environmental consultant evaluate and mitigate chemical-related environmental problems. A firm understanding of chemical principles is essential for this work, and this course helps provide that knowledge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant
Research Assistant
A research assistant supports scientific research by conducting experiments and analyzing data, typically in a laboratory setting. With its instruction on the periodic table, stoichiometry, and chemical reactions, this course builds a good foundation for this role. The course's practical demonstrations are particularly beneficial for someone wishing to work in a lab. The course provides a good foundation for carrying out research, and may be useful for someone who will be working in a chemistry laboratory.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for technical products or processes. Technical writers need to be able to understand scientific information to communicate it clearly. The course’s focus on the fundamentals of chemistry, including the periodic table, reactions, and calculations, may be helpful. The course emphasizes comprehension over memorization, which is useful for a technical writer because it is important to understand the material before writing about it. An understanding of chemistry is helpful for any technical writer writing about scientific topics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Quality Control Analyst
A quality control analyst works to ensure the quality of products by performing tests and analyses, often in a manufacturing environment. This course may be useful as it teaches fundamental chemistry principles, like the periodic table, chemical reactions and basic calculations using moles. A quality control analyst in a chemistry lab needs this background and the ability to interpret results from tests. This course will help someone in this role do their job correctly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Analyst
Science Editor
A science editor reviews and edits scientific content for publications or online platforms. This course, which covers fundamental chemistry, may be useful for a science editor who reviews chemistry content. The course includes critical topics like the periodic table, reactions, and calculations. The editor would be aided by the emphasis on understanding rather than memorization. This course may be useful to future editors by improving their ability to evaluate scientific content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Editor
Patent Analyst
A patent analyst reviews and analyzes patent applications, often in scientific fields. While this job may require more advanced study, this course may be helpful. A patent analyst needs to understand the fundamental principles behind the innovations they review. This course's discussion of the periodic table, reaction chemistry, and chemical calculations may be useful. Understanding these topics will help a patent analyst accurately assess patent claims related to chemistry. This course may be useful to someone beginning a career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Analyst

Reading list

We've selected four 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 Master The Fundamentals Of Chemistry (Part 2 of 4).
Chemistry
Save
This widely used introductory chemistry textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of chemical principles. It covers topics such as atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics in detail. valuable reference tool for students seeking a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Chemistry
Paperback
Check
Chemistry
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry
Save
Focuses specifically on the quantitative aspects of chemistry. It provides numerous worked examples and practice problems related to mole calculations, empirical formula determination, and solution stoichiometry. This book is particularly useful for students who struggle with the mathematical concepts in chemistry. It is often used as a supplementary text for GCSE and A-level chemistry courses.
Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Last Interview
Save
Offers a unique perspective on chemistry through a collection of autobiographical stories, each linked to a specific element. It provides a deeper understanding of the elements' properties and their impact on the world. While not a textbook, it offers valuable context and humanizes the study of chemistry. It is best used as additional reading to enrich the learning experience.
The Last Interview: Conversations with Giovanni...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disappearing Spoon
Save
Explores the fascinating stories behind the elements of the periodic table. It provides a more engaging and accessible way to learn about the elements and their properties. While not a direct reference for exam preparation, it offers a broader context and appreciation for the subject matter. It is best used as supplemental reading to enhance understanding and retention.
The Disappearing Spoon
Paperback
Check
The Disappearing Spoon
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
4 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructors
LearnFire Education
Andrew Roden-Bow
LearnFire Team
Language
English
Good to know
Covers material typically studied in year 10 (Grades 9/10), making it highly relevant for students revising course material or needing a firm foundation
Includes practical demonstrations of common reactions and experiments, which are often seen on GCSE papers and can aid in understanding
Provides free digital resources, summary sheets, and practice questions with model answers, which can be valuable for exam preparation
Offers topic-specific past exam paper questions and mark schemes, which are useful for exam practice and understanding assessment criteria
Requires students to recall observations and predict products of reactions, which may be challenging for some learners without hands-on experience
Focuses on specific exam boards (Edexcel, Cambridge CIE), so students using other exam boards may find some content less relevant
Share and help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Don't miss out
Enroll today to gain access to this course
Enroll in this course
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser