Introduction to Chemistry

Gain essential foundational knowledge in chemistry in this online course. By course completion, you will be prepared to understand chemical principles and apply basic scientific reasoning in academic and professional contexts.

Overview

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It serves as a core scientific discipline that supports fields such as healthcare, engineering, environmental science, and materials development.

This Introduction to Chemistry course provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental chemical concepts. The curriculum covers key topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, reactions, and states of matter.

You will learn how matter is classified, how chemical reactions occur, and how to interpret basic chemical equations. The course also introduces laboratory principles and scientific methods used in chemical analysis and experimentation.

By completing this course, you will gain a strong foundation in chemistry and the ability to understand how chemical principles apply to real-world systems.

What you will learn

Understand the structure of atoms and subatomic particles
Learn how elements are organized in the periodic table
Explore chemical bonding and molecular structure
Understand states of matter and phase changes
Learn how chemical reactions occur and are classified
Balance basic chemical equations
Understand acids, bases, and pH concepts
Develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
Interpret basic chemical data and diagrams
Apply foundational chemistry concepts to real-world examples

How you will benefit

Build a strong foundation in chemical science
Improve analytical and problem-solving skills
Enhance readiness for advanced science courses
Increase understanding of scientific processes in everyday life
Support career pathways in healthcare, science, and technical fields
Qualify for entry-level roles in laboratory or science support environments

Syllabus

Introduction to Chemistry
Matter and Measurement
Atomic Structure
Periodic Table and Trends
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions and Equations
Stoichiometry Basics
States of Matter
Acids, Bases, and pH
Solutions and Mixtures
Introduction to Thermochemistry
Basic Laboratory Techniques
Scientific Method and Applications
Final Assessment

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later
Mac: macOS 12 or later
Spreadsheet software (Excel or equivalent, optional for calculations)
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account

Prerequisites:
Basic math and reading comprehension skills are recommended. No prior chemistry experience is required.

Certification Requirements:
This course provides foundational knowledge in chemistry; certification requirements may vary depending on academic or career pathways.