This is an introductory course for students with limited background in chemistry; basic concepts involved in chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, periodic trends, nomenclature, and chemical problem solving will be emphasized with the goal of preparing students for further study in chemistry as needed for many science, health, and policy professions.
Offered By
Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
Duke University
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Learner Career Outcomes
43%
started a new career after completing these courses
33%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Beginner Level
Approx. 29 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Hebrew
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
4 hours to complete
Introduction
Over the seven weeks of Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios, you will be able to progress from a most basic knowledge of matter and energy to solving interesting real world chemical reaction stoichiometry problems. Each lesson in the course introduces some new concepts that allow you to build upon the material from previous lessons, so completing the coursework in the order that it is delivered will be most beneficial for developing a thorough understanding of synthesized information. This course is intended for students with very little background in the subject, but a strong foundation in algebra is needed to solve some of the problems.In the first unit, the course will first introduce the basic concepts of scientific methods and measurement. Then we will talk about matter, energy, and stoichiometry. Last, we prepared several lab demonstrations by Dr. Ken Lyle. I hope that you are as excited as I am to this amazing world of chemistry! Good luck!
4 hours to complete
12 videos (Total 133 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
12 videos
Scientific Method9m
Measurement and Significant Figures Part I16m
Measurement and Significant Figures Part II13m
Matter17m
Energy Part I14m
Energy Part II14m
Intro Stoichiometry Part I - Chemical Formulas12m
Intro Stoichiometry Part II - The Mole13m
[DEMO] Dr. Ken Lyle Chemistry Demonstration6m
[DEMO] Physical Change3m
[DEMO] Chemical Change4m
2 readings
Math Concept Quiz Instructions10m
Significant Figure Tips10m
2 practice exercises
Math Concept Quiz30m
Week 1 Exercises30m
5 hours to complete
Matter and Energy
<p>If you are interested in significant figures in more detail, here are some <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/decimals-pre-alg/sig-figs-pre-alg/v/significant-figures" target="_blank">good videos</a> to follow on Khan Academy.</p><p>This week we will continue our explorations of matter and energy. We will discuss the sub-atomic particles that govern chemical reactions, isotopes, anions, and cations. We will learn how to name compounds, calculate formula masses, convert between grams and moles, examine periodic trends, and more! An advanced problems set is posted now; that is a longer assignment and is optional unless you would like to be eligible for the Honor’s Track. You can still earn a regular verified certificate without completing the advanced problem sets, so please be sure to keep working on the normal weekly exercises.</p>
5 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 183 min)
9 videos
The Structure of the Periodic Table27m
Ions and Isotopes23m
Ionic Bonds17m
Orbital Energy and Ionization Energy Part I22m
Orbital Energy and Ionization Energy Part II14m
Electronegativity and Atomic Radius23m
Introduction to Thermochemistry: Heat Capacity19m
[DEMO] Density6m
2 practice exercises
Week 2 Exercises24m
Advanced Problem Set1h 46m
2 hours to complete
Compounds
<p>In this week's videos and exercises (aka quizzes), we will learn how to name compounds, calculate formula masses, convert between grams and moles, examine periodic trends, and more!</p><p>I hope you enjoyed the last two weeks of learning chemistry. Great work on watching videos, posting on the discussion forum and submitting your exercises!</p>
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 99 min)
7 videos
Oxidation States Part II - Examples13m
Naming Ionic Compound Part I13m
Naming Ionic Compound Part II12m
Covalent Bond Formation19m
Naming Molecular Compounds12m
Formula Mass9m
1 practice exercise
Week 3 Exercises22m
3 hours to complete
Chemical Composition and Reactions
<p>Week 4 for Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios is about to begin! This week will be filled with introductions to chemical compositions, chemical reaction terminology, and reaction calculations.</p><p>If any of the following questions interest you, then watching this week's videos and doing some practice problems are probably a good way to get started! How much sodium is in my diet? What amount of pollutants are in drinking water? How much iron is in iron ore for steel production? These of the types of problems you will be able to address this week.</p>
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 106 min)
7 videos
Chemical Composition: Mole Ratios18m
Mass Percent9m
Empirical Formula19m
Introduction to Chemical Reaction11m
Balancing Chemical Reaction Equations15m
Chemical Reaction Calculations15m
2 practice exercises
Week 4 Exercises18m
Advanced Problem Set40m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY: REACTIONS AND RATIOS
by DPFeb 5, 2018
Great Beginner Course. There are some parts where there will be frustration, but the forums are helpful. Any type of class involving math and science involves practice and work. Professor is great!
by JSJul 1, 2019
Excellent introduction. Engaging lectures, clear demonstrations and approachable problem sets. I love that everything for this course works from my phone. THANK YOU FOR OFFERING THIS COURSE!!!!!
by ICJul 10, 2019
Excellent course. Although, it was very challenging to me to complete it and I had to repeat some of the videos, I am very happy that I decided to take it. It helped me to repeat my knowledge.
by MRAug 8, 2019
An exceptional course to revise previous concepts. many a times strengthened my previously vague concepts. The interviews and especially the practical videos were very enlightening.
by PFNov 23, 2016
A very good course to review basic college chemistry, or to prepare for for taking a college course if High School chemistry was taken too long ago. Highly recommended!
by ACOct 13, 2017
Professor Canelas was a wonderful teacher who made the content incredibly easy to understand. I can't thank her enough for putting her time into the course!
by CBNov 19, 2018
Very clear, well organized and well explained info! Teacher is very pleasant and engaging and you can see that she enjoys what she's doing.
by ASAug 4, 2017
Very useful for those who start the scientific career or for students who want to have the first contact with the basic chemistry.
by CSFeb 26, 2017
Thank you for this course! It was very engaging. The instructor's explanations were clear and the demonstrations were excellent.
by CZDec 28, 2017
Clear explanations and an excellent course for beginners. Very slow to begin, but informative and thorough.
by MBFeb 17, 2017
There were some errors in the video playback, one entire lesson near the end seemed like it was skipped.
by SSNov 11, 2019
I wish more time was spent going over the mathematical equations and more examples were given.
by YKFeb 25, 2018
Professor is really good at explaining the things! I find this course awesome for starters
by EOMay 19, 2018
It was a very good course, and I enjoyed it. It was fun, and I think I learnt quite a lot.
by VHNov 25, 2019
I am enjoying the course, and it has been challenging; but that is what I am looking for.
by APNov 17, 2016
Thank you Dorian, I have learned a lot on the basics of chemistry and chemical reactions
by LBJul 22, 2018
There's so much to learn. Thank you Duke University! Thank you Coursera!
by DMJul 19, 2017
This course has helped me tremendously in preparing to return to college
by TASep 17, 2017
This is a special course for everyone who want to know about chemistry.
by SBAug 26, 2019
It served me for a quick review of my high school physical chemistry.
Offered by
Duke University
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
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Is financial aid available?
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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