About this Course

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This is an introductory course for students with limited background in chemistry; basic concepts such as atomic and molecular structure, solutions, phases of matter, and quantitative problem solving will be emphasized with the goal of preparing students for further study in chemistry.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 17 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 17 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.67/5 (100 Ratings)

Prof. Dorian A. Canelas

Associate Professor of the Practice

Chemistry

130,070 Learners

2 Courses

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating95%(3,026 ratings)

Week

1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Review Videos (I)

Welcome! Over the eight weeks of the Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions course, we will begin discussions about the electronic structure of the atom, structures of molecules, phases of matter, and solutions. This week, we included some basic concept videos in Chemistry. These come from the partner course called Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios. You can technically start with either course, but when these courses were originally designed, the Reactions and Ratios content came first, and you might find it helpful to complete that course before this course. If you are not familiar with the concepts of physical change v.s. chemical change, or significant figure and scientific notations, then please begin by reviewing video “Introduction”. I hope you enjoy this week's materials!

1 hour to complete

8 videos (Total 83 min)

2 hours to complete

light

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 88 min)

Week

2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Quantum Number, Lewis Dot Structure

Welcome to week 2! This week we will introduce quantum numbers, more information about periodicity, chemical bonding concepts including Lewis dot structures, resonance, bond order. Continue using the discussion forum for any questions, concerns, discussions, and suggestions. We value your feedback very much!

3 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 127 min)

Week

3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Formal Charge, VSEPR Theory, Hybridization

Welcome to week 3! This week includes introduction to the octet rule and expanded octets, formal chargevalence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, sigma and pi bonds, hybridization of the main group elements, and introduction to molecular shapes.

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 98 min)

Week

4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Phases of Matter, Gas Laws

Welcome to week 4! This week we will discuss phases of matter, the importance of thermal energy, ideal gas law calculations, kinetic molecular theory of gases. Hope you will enjoy!

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 85 min)

Week

5

Week 5

2 hours to complete

Intermolecular Forces and Phase Changes

Welcome to week 5! This week we will examine the phases of matter more closely, looking at concepts such as intermolecular forces and thermal energy. We will also practice calculations of energetics such as those requiring enthalpies of phase transitions. Finally, we will introduce concepts in metal bonding and solid lattices. We made a few illustrative demonstrations for your viewing pleasure; I hope that these are helpful! Remember to continue posting any questions, concerns and suggestions to the discussion forum. Also help your peers out on the forum to build a beneficial learning community together!

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 91 min)

Week

6

Week 6

3 hours to complete

Solutions

Welcome to week 6! We have reached the last week of video lectures and exercises for the course! Are you ready to make the final push through the rest of the material? After that, you should be ready to tackle the final exam which opens next week. I have enjoyed working on this course; and I hope you have too!

This week, we will first release a couple of review videos related to solution and solubility from Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios. Please review these important concepts before starting Lesson Two - Solutions. Then we will start with a review of dissolution and covers some concentration units. This is accompanied by solution-related demonstrations and another bonus interview with a chemist who also works at Duke. The interviews were conceived and filmed by Abdul Latif, an undergraduate in the humanities who is interested in the history of chemistry and how people choose their professions. Enjoy!

3 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 137 min)

11 videos

2.1 Introduction to Solutions Part I 17m

2.2 Introduction to Solutions Part II 11m

2.3 [Demo] Electrolytes10m

2.4 Dissolution and the Solubility Product Constant Part I 15m

2.5 Dissolution and the Solubility Product Constant Part II11m

2.6 Solubility Rules 13m

Solution Review11m

Solutions: Factor Affecting Solubility15m

Solutions: Calculations & Dilutions Part I10m

Solutions: Calculations & Dilutions Part II11m

[Interview] Dr. Dubay Interview8m

2 practice exercises

Week 6 Exercise30m

Second Advanced Problem Set30m

Week

7

Week 7

1 hour to complete

Strengthen Your Understanding

Congratulations on making through to the final week of the course! For many of you it was not an easy journey for the past six weeks with dozens of videos, exercises, problem sets, and forum discussions. I am proud of all of you! The last components of the course - final exam opens this week. Please use it as a chance to apply what you have learned from the course.

1 hour to complete

Reviews

4.7

123 reviews

5 stars
79.34%
4 stars
13.26%
3 stars
3.26%
2 stars
1.52%
1 star
2.60%

TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY: STRUCTURES AND SOLUTIONS

by MRJun 4, 2020

The method of doctor Dorian Canels is osm

Thank you, Coursera

I have learned a lot then I expected from it.

by MAug 14, 2017

All the topics are very good. But in quiz part, some questions (especially choices) are not given appropriately.

by DASep 20, 2020

All the topics were explained very clearly, the weekend quizzes were very challenging yet useful.Thank you

by SHJan 29, 2020

Really great course! I have learned so much over the past few weeks. I would recommend to anyone that needs to freshen up their chemistry skills.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

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Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions

Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions

About this Course