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.
Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
Duke UniversityAbout 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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Hebrew
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
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Hebrew
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.
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
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY: REACTIONS AND RATIOS
by NHJun 12, 2020
It is a wonderful course for Middle school students. A first course in Chemistry, for the gifted students who will do AP Chemistry. Not suitable for adult learners who need an advanced introduction.
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 IMMay 22, 2020
What an amazing experience! I totally loved it. Prof. Dorian was an amazing instructor. I would like to thank her very much and also Coursera for bringing such course. It was really helpful for me.
by RRMay 8, 2020
The best explanations I've ever heard, everything felt so easy to understand. Also the humour of Ms. Dorian Canelas was really great and brought a very positive feeling when completing the course.
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.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
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.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
