We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Course image

Course image

Electrochemistry

Course image

4.5

Based on 16 ratings

, see reviews

James Anderson

What is the chemistry and mechanics behind an electric car versus a gas-powered car — and why do you feel a difference driving them? The discipline of electrochemistry is not new, but it has regained prominence due to the emergence of energy production, energy storage, and technological innovations driven by both science and public policy. Given the rise of global energy demand, research and inventions aim to meet these challenges. ****

Read more

What is the chemistry and mechanics behind an electric car versus a gas-powered car — and why do you feel a difference driving them? The discipline of electrochemistry is not new, but it has regained prominence due to the emergence of energy production, energy storage, and technological innovations driven by both science and public policy. Given the rise of global energy demand, research and inventions aim to meet these challenges. ****

To understand electrochemistry, you will combine the concepts of Gibbs Free Energy, electron flow, and chemical transformation. In this course, you will explore key concepts of acid-base reactions and their relation to chemical equilibrium. You will learn the significance of electrochemistry, understanding how electrical, chemical, and mechanical energy are linked.

By the end of the course, you will be able to identify differences in efficiencies between renewable energy sources and fossil fuel-based ones, including which battery types are leading the transition away from fossil fuels.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe key concepts of acid-base chemistry and equilibrium reactions involving acids and bases
Understand the significance of electrochemistry, how it relates to other fields of science, and how it is applied in real life
Understand what it means for an element to be "oxidized" or "reduced"

Identify the differences in efficiency between renewable primary energy from electrochemical energy sources with primarily fossil fuel-based energy ones
Describe the reactions occurring in an electrochemical (voltaic) cell
Identify how different types of batteries differ in their energy storage efficiency

Describe key concepts of acid-base chemistry and equilibrium reactions involving acids and bases
Understand the significance of electrochemistry, how it relates to other fields of science, and how it is applied in real life
Understand what it means for an element to be "oxidized" or "reduced"
Identify the differences in efficiency between renewable primary energy from electrochemical energy sources with primarily fossil fuel-based energy ones
Describe the reactions occurring in an electrochemical (voltaic) cell
Identify how different types of batteries differ in their energy storage efficiency

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Meant for students interested in energy production, storage, and technological innovations

Introduces learners to the principles of electrochemistry, including Gibbs Free Energy, electron flow, and chemical transformation

Instructor James Anderson is recognized for their work in electrochemistry

May need some background in chemistry to fully comprehend the material

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive electrochemistry for modern applications

Learners say this course provides a strong foundational understanding of electrochemistry, linking core concepts like acid-base reactions, Gibbs Free Energy, and electron flow to vital modern applications. Many appreciate the focus on renewable energy sources and battery technologies, finding the content highly relevant to current industry trends. The course is described as well-structured, building from fundamental principles to complex applications, making complex topics digestible. Some learners note that while the course offers a comprehensive overview, a basic understanding of chemistry may enhance the learning experience, suggesting it's ideal for those seeking to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world electrochemical challenges.

Beneficial for those with prior chemistry knowledge.

"While comprehensive, I feel a basic understanding of general chemistry would definitely be beneficial."

"For me, having some prior science helped me grasp the more complex equilibrium and energy concepts quickly."

"I think beginners might find the pace challenging without a foundational chemistry course beforehand."

Modules are well-organized and easy to navigate.

"The lectures were logically organized, making the progression of topics very smooth."

"I found the course structure very intuitive, guiding me through complex material effectively."

"The way topics flowed made learning enjoyable and prevented me from feeling overwhelmed."

Offers broad coverage, suitable for foundational understanding.

"The course provides an excellent overview of all the key aspects of electrochemistry."

"It gives you a good grasp of the subject's breadth, from cells to energy efficiency."

"I feel well-prepared to dive deeper into specific topics after completing this course."

Provides a solid understanding of fundamental electrochemical principles.

"The explanations of acid-base chemistry and redox reactions were very clear and helped solidify my understanding."

"I appreciate how the course builds up complex topics from fundamental concepts, making it easy to follow."

"It thoroughly covers what it means for an element to be oxidized or reduced, which is crucial."

Connects theoretical electrochemistry to real-world energy challenges.

"I found the connection between concepts like Gibbs Free Energy and electric car mechanics incredibly insightful."

"This course really brought electrochemistry to life with its focus on renewable energy and battery types."

"It's great to see how this fundamental science applies to cutting-edge technologies like EVs and energy storage."

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 Electrochemistry with these activities:

Electrochemistry Concepts Review

Show steps

Refreshing your knowledge of basic electrochemistry concepts will prepare you for more advanced topics in the course.

Show steps

Review notes and textbooks on electrochemical cells and their components.
Recall the concepts of electrode potentials and how they relate to cell voltage.
Practice applying Faraday's Laws to calculate the amount of substance produced or consumed during electrolysis.

Review Basic Chemistry Concepts

Show steps

Reviewing basic chemistry concepts will strengthen your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on General Chemistry

Show steps

Revisit the periodic table and familiarize yourself with the elements and their properties.
Review chemical bonding, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Practice balancing chemical equations to understand chemical reactions.

Electrochemical Calculations

Show steps

Performing electrochemical calculations will reinforce your understanding of the concepts and equations covered in the course.

Show steps

Practice calculating cell potentials using the Nernst equation.
Apply Gibbs Free Energy to predict the spontaneity of electrochemical reactions.
Solve problems involving electrochemical cells and batteries.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Battery Technology Exploration

Show steps

Exploring battery technology through tutorials will expand your knowledge beyond the course material.

Browse courses on Battery Performance

Show steps

Find tutorials on different types of batteries, such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, and solid-state batteries.
Learn about battery performance metrics like capacity, voltage, and cycle life.
Investigate the applications of batteries in various industries, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Electrochemical Analysis Discussion

Show steps

Engaging in discussions with peers will foster your critical thinking and understanding of electrochemical analysis.

Browse courses on Data Interpretation

Show steps

Participate in online forums or discussion groups related to electrochemical analysis.
Share your insights and perspectives on specific electrochemical analysis techniques.
Analyze and interpret data from electrochemical experiments.

Career center

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

Electrochemical Engineer

Electrochemical Engineers design and develop electrochemical systems and devices, such as batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for success in this field. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrochemical Engineer

Battery Researcher

Battery Researchers develop new and improved battery technologies. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for success in this field. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of batteries. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Battery Researcher

Fuel Cell Engineer

Fuel Cell Engineers design and develop fuel cells, which are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for success in this field. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of fuel cells. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fuel Cell Engineer

Electrochemist

Electrochemists study the chemical reactions that occur in electrochemical systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for success in this field. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrochemist

Corrosion Engineer

Corrosion Engineers develop and implement strategies to prevent and control corrosion, which is the deterioration of materials due to chemical reactions with their environment. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the mechanisms of corrosion. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corrosion Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists develop and characterize new materials, including those used in electrochemical systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical materials. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop and implement strategies to protect the environment. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and operate mechanical systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and operate nuclear power plants. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and operate oil and gas wells. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and operate electrical systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and operate civil infrastructure. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design and operate computer systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which is essential for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, which are all important for understanding the behavior of electrochemical systems. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with electrochemical experiments, which is valuable for developing the skills needed to be successful in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Electrochemistry.

Cover image

Cover image

Modern Electrochemistry

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of electrodics, including topics such as electrode kinetics and mass transport. It valuable reference for those interested in the theoretical aspects of electrochemistry.

Modern Electrochemistry

Modern Electrochemistry

Cover image

Cover image

Handbook of Infrared Spectroscopy of Ultrathin Films

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of electrochemical surface science, including topics such as surface characterization, electrochemical reactions, and electrocatalysis. It good choice for students interested in learning more about the fundamental aspects of electrochemistry.

Handbook of Infrared Spectroscopy of Ultrathin Films

Cover image

Cover image

Phase Transformation in Metals

Save

Discusses electrochemistry in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. It good supplement for the course, particularly for students interested in advanced electrochemistry topics.

Phase Transformation in Metals: Mathematics, Theory...

Phase Transformation in Metals: Mathematics, Theory...

Phase Transformation in Metals: Mathematics, Theory...

Cover image

Cover image

Electrochemical Engineering

Save

Provides an introduction to the principles of electrochemical engineering, including topics such as mass transfer, electrode kinetics, and reactor design. It good choice for students interested in learning more about the practical applications of electrochemistry in industry.

Electrochemical Engineering

Electrochemical Engineering

Cover image

Cover image

Principles and Applications of Electrochemistry

Save

A textbook that provides a clear and concise introduction to electrochemistry. It valuable resource for students and researchers in chemistry and related fields.

Principles and Applications of Electrochemistry

Principles and Applications of Electrochemistry

Cover image

Cover image

Understanding Biocorrosion

Save

A textbook that provides a rigorous treatment of the physical principles of electrochemistry. It valuable resource for researchers and advanced students.

Understanding Biocorrosion: Fundamentals and...

Understanding Biocorrosion: Fundamentals and...

Cover image

Cover image

Electrochemistry of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Save

A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of electrochemical biosensors. It valuable resource for students and researchers in chemistry and related fields.

Electrochemistry of Nucleic Acids and Proteins:...

Cover image

Cover image

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Save

A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It valuable resource for students and researchers in chemistry and related fields.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (The ECS...

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (The ECS...

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Copy Link

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Electrochemistry.

Outsmarting intermittency

Outsmarting intermittency

Renewable Energy Futures

Renewable Energy Futures

Advanced Chemistry

Advanced Chemistry

Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields

Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 2

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 2

21st Century Energy Transition: how do we make it work?

21st Century Energy Transition: how do we make it work?

Equivalent Circuit Cell Model Simulation

Equivalent Circuit Cell Model Simulation

Chemistry For IIT JEE MAIN & ADVANCED, NEET, BITS, SAT etc.

Chemistry For IIT JEE MAIN & ADVANCED, NEET, BITS, SAT...

Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner

Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections

Free audit track for open learning access

14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates

Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)

Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard

OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Course image

Rating

4.5

Effort

4 to 8 hours per week for 10 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

Harvard University

Instructor

James Anderson

Language

English

Transcript

English

This course belongs to a collection called University Chemistry. It's comprised of four courses:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Meant for students interested in energy production, storage, and technological innovations

Introduces learners to the principles of electrochemistry, including Gibbs Free Energy, electron flow, and chemical transformation

Instructor James Anderson is recognized for their work in electrochemistry

May need some background in chemistry to fully comprehend the material

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

Link

Begin learning today

Enroll now to gain full access to Electrochemistry.

Enroll now Enroll in this course

Save for later

Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.

Save

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