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EM101

General Chemistry

This chemistry survey is designed to introduce students to the world of chemistry. The principles of chemistry were first identified, studied, and applied by ancient Egyptians in order to extract metal from ores, make alcoholic beverages, glaze pottery, turn fat into soap, and much more. What began as a quest to build better weapons or create potions capable of ensuring everlasting life has since become the foundation of modern science. Take a look around you: chemistry makes up almost everything you touch, see, and feel, from the shampoo you used this morning to the plastic container that holds your lunch. In this course, we will study chemistry from the ground up, learning the basics of the atom and its behavior. We will use this knowledge to understand the chemical properties of matter and the changes and reactions that take place in all types of matter.

This course is no longer available. Find a similar course by searching these:
chemistry survey introduction to chemistry chemical principles atomic structure chemical reactions matter and energy

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Reviews summary

Foundational general chemistry for beginners

According to learners, EM101: General Chemistry offers a very solid and accessible introduction to the subject, particularly for those without a strong science background. Students frequently highlight the instructor's incredibly clear explanations and the well-organized lectures, which help demystify complex topics like stoichiometry and chemical bonding. While many appreciate the helpful interactive simulations and integrated labs, a minority of reviewers found the pace inconsistent, with some later concepts feeling rushed. Some older reviews also noted a dry presentation style or a lack of practical demonstrations, though more recent feedback suggests improved engagement.
Ideal for those new to chemistry or needing a refresher.
"Highly recommend for beginners!"
"I took this as a refresher course, and it served its purpose well. ...leans heavily towards true beginners."
"This course made chemistry accessible and exciting."
Provides a strong base for further chemistry studies.
"EM101 provides a very solid foundation. The lectures are well-organized and the examples are practical."
"Good general overview for absolute beginners... It provides a strong fundamental toolkit, but expect to build on it elsewhere."
"I feel much more confident in my understanding of chemical principles. This is a must-take for anyone starting in chemistry."
Concepts are broken down, making complex topics accessible.
"The instructor's explanations were incredibly clear, especially on complex topics like stoichiometry and chemical bonding."
"As someone without a strong science background, this course was a godsend. The way the instructor broke down concepts made them easy to grasp."
"Absolutely fantastic! This course made chemistry accessible and exciting. The visual aids and clear examples in the lectures were outstanding."
Varied opinions on course engagement and real-world relevance.
"I struggled with this course... the presentation felt very dry, and the material was often hard to connect to real-world applications."
"I found the interactive simulations really helpful for visualizing atomic structures."
"Decent course, but I felt the content was a bit dry. I think the course could benefit from more engaging activities or case studies."
Some topics feel rushed, others are overly detailed.
"My only minor critique is that some topics, like organic chemistry basics, felt a little rushed towards the end."
"The course covers a lot of ground, but I sometimes found the pace inconsistent. Some early topics felt overly detailed..."
"The biggest downside is the pace; some parts are very slow, others very fast."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for EM101: General Chemistry. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete EM101: General Chemistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features EM101: General Chemistry:
The Definitive List of Advanced Placement (AP) Online Courses
31 minute read

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Featured in The Course Notes
Read one article that features this course, EM101: General Chemistry from our blog, The Course Notes:
The Definitive List of Advanced Placement (AP) Online Courses
31 minute read
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