Chemical reactions underpin the production of pretty much everything in our modern world. But, what is the driving force behind reactions? Why do some reactions occur over geological time scales whilst others are so fast that we need femtosecond-pulsed lasers to study them? Ultimately, what is going on at the atomic level? Discover the answers to such fundamental questions and more on this course in introductory physical chemistry.
Introduction to Physical Chemistry
Introduction to Physical Chemistry
Instructors: Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc
85,671 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(724 reviews)
18 hours to complete
3 weeks at 6 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
7 quizzes, 6 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 10 modules in this course
This module explores thermodynamic definitions, the zeroth law of thermodynamics and temperature, the first law of thermodynamics and enthalpy, reversible expansion, and heat capacity.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 quiz
This module explores the second law of thermodynamics and entropy, the second law of thermodynamics and spontaneity, the second law of thermodynamics and equilibrium, the third law of thermodynamics and absolute entropy, and Hess' Law.
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 quiz1 assignment
This lab allows you to further explore thermodynamics.
What's included
2 videos2 readings1 assignment
This module explores the rate of reaction, stoichiometry and order, zero order reactions, first order reactions, second order reactions, determination of reaction order, and effect of temperature on reaction rate.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 quiz
This module explores complex reactions, steady-state approximation, and catalysis.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 quiz1 assignment
This lab allows you to further explore kinetics.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module explores Planck's quantum of energy, particle nature of light, wave nature of matter, Heissenberg's uncertainty principle, the Schrödinger equation, free particle & the particle in a box, Born's interpretation of the wavefunction, and normalisation of the wavefunction.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 quiz
This experiment involves the visible absorption spectra of dyes.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
This module explores hydrogen atoms, hydrogen atom quantum numbers, radial and angular solutions for hydrogenic atoms, and energy levels for hydrogenic atoms.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 quiz1 assignment
This lab allows you to further explore quantum chemistry.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 quiz
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.6 (126 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Chemistry
Duke University
Duke University
Arizona State University
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.7
724 reviews
- 5 stars
78.31%
- 4 stars
15.46%
- 3 stars
4.28%
- 2 stars
0.69%
- 1 star
1.24%
Showing 3 of 724
QY
5
Reviewed on Sep 22, 2016
I like this course very much as it talks clearly about the basic concept in this course.(Prerequisite: I have learned this course before, I just try to review all the info in this class.)
SA
5
Reviewed on Oct 23, 2016
Me gusto el curso. El laboratorio virtual fue de mucha ayuda y ayuda a visualizar los ejercicios de mejor manera. Excelente
SV
5
Reviewed on Sep 30, 2020
It's really an excellent course , it helped me to define well my foundations in physical-chemistry,Thank you very much!
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,