Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios Course form Coursera

“Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios” is an introductory course tailored for students with limited or no background in chemistry. This course emphasizes fundamental concepts involved in chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, periodic trends, nomenclature, and chemical problem solving. The goal is to prepare students for further study in chemistry, which is essential for many science, health, and policy professions.

Course Objectives:

Introduce students to the basic principles of chemistry.
Develop an understanding of chemical reactions and how to balance them.
Teach the concept of moles and stoichiometry for quantitative chemical analysis.
Explain the organization and trends of the periodic table.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of chemical nomenclature.
Equip students with the skills to solve chemical problems effectively.

Skills you will gain

Enrolling in and completing the “Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios” course on Coursera will equip you with a variety of essential skills in the field of chemistry. These skills are crucial for further academic studies and professional applications in various science, health, and policy professions. Here are the key skills you will gain:
1. Fundamental Chemistry Knowledge

Atomic Structure: Understand the basic structure of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Periodic Table Proficiency: Learn how to navigate the periodic table, including the significance of element groups and periods.

2. Chemical Reactions and Equations

Reaction Identification: Identify and classify different types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement).
Balancing Equations: Develop the ability to balance chemical equations accurately to reflect the conservation of mass.

3. Stoichiometry

Mole Concept Mastery: Utilize the mole concept to relate quantities of substances in chemical reactions.
Stoichiometric Calculations: Perform calculations involving reactants and products in chemical reactions, including limiting and excess reactants.

4. Chemical Nomenclature

Ionic and Covalent Compounds: Name and write formulas for ionic and covalent compounds correctly.
Acid and Base Nomenclature: Understand the naming conventions for acids and bases.

5. Periodic Trends

Trend Analysis: Analyze periodic trends such as atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity to predict element properties.

6. Solution Chemistry

Concentration Calculations: Calculate and prepare solutions with specific concentrations (molarity, molality, and percent concentration).
Dilution Techniques: Learn how to dilute concentrated solutions to desired concentrations.

7. Thermochemistry

Energy Changes: Understand and calculate energy changes in chemical reactions, including identifying exothermic and endothermic processes.
Enthalpy: Calculate enthalpy changes and interpret their significance in chemical reactions.

8. Problem-Solving Skills

Chemical Problem Solving: Develop strategies for solving various types of chemical problems, including dimensional analysis and using stoichiometric ratios.
Critical Thinking: Enhance critical thinking skills to approach and solve complex chemistry problems effectively.

9. Practical Laboratory Skills

While this course may not include hands-on lab work, the theoretical knowledge gained will prepare you for practical laboratory skills and experiments.

10. Scientific Communication

Terminology Proficiency: Gain familiarity with essential chemical terminology and concepts, enabling clear and effective communication of scientific information.

By the end of the course, you will be well-equipped with these fundamental chemistry skills, providing a solid foundation for further studies in chemistry and related fields, and enhancing your readiness for various professional roles in science, healthcare, and policy.

What you will learn

The “Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios” course on Coursera provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts. Here’s a detailed overview of what you will learn throughout the course:
Module 1: Basic Concepts in Chemistry

Introduction to Chemistry: Understand the scope, importance, and real-world applications of chemistry.
Atomic Structure: Learn about the components of an atom (protons, neutrons, electrons) and how they determine the behavior of elements.
Periodic Table: Explore the organization of the periodic table, including element groups, periods, and the significance of atomic number.

Module 2: Chemical Reactions and Equations

Types of Chemical Reactions: Identify and classify different types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement).
Balancing Chemical Equations: Master the skill of balancing chemical equations to reflect the law of conservation of mass.
Reaction Stoichiometry: Understand the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction, using mole ratios.

Module 3: The Mole Concept

Mole Concept: Grasp the concept of the mole and its significance in chemistry.
Avogadro’s Number: Use Avogadro’s number to relate moles to the number of particles (atoms, molecules, ions).
Molar Mass: Calculate the molar mass of elements and compounds and use it in stoichiometric calculations.

Module 4: Chemical Nomenclature

Naming Ionic Compounds: Learn the rules for naming ionic compounds and writing their chemical formulas.
Naming Covalent Compounds: Understand the nomenclature of molecular (covalent) compounds.
Acids and Bases Nomenclature: Master the naming conventions for acids and bases.

Module 5: The Periodic Table and Periodic Trends

Element Properties: Explore the properties of elements and how they vary across the periodic table.
Periodic Trends: Understand trends such as atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity.
Predicting Element Behavior: Use periodic trends to predict the behavior and reactivity of elements.

Module 6: Solutions and Concentrations

Solubility: Learn about factors affecting solubility and the concept of saturation.
Concentration Units: Understand different units of concentration, including molarity, molality, and percent concentration.
Dilutions and Solution Preparation: Master techniques for preparing solutions and performing dilutions to achieve desired concentrations.

Module 7: Thermochemistry and Chemical Problem Solving

Energy Changes in Reactions: Differentiate between exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Enthalpy Changes: Calculate enthalpy changes and interpret their significance in chemical reactions.
Problem Solving Strategies: Develop strategies for solving chemical problems, including dimensional analysis and using stoichiometric ratios.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Apply Basic Chemistry Principles: Understand and apply the foundational concepts of chemistry.
Predict and Balance Chemical Reactions: Identify types of chemical reactions and balance equations accurately.
Perform Stoichiometric Calculations: Use the mole concept to perform calculations involving reactants and products in chemical reactions.
Utilize the Periodic Table: Navigate the periodic table to predict element properties and trends.
Name Chemical Compounds: Correctly name and write formulas for ionic, covalent, and acid/base compounds.
Prepare and Analyze Solutions: Calculate concentrations and prepare solutions, understanding their importance in chemical reactions.
Analyze Energy Changes: Understand and calculate energy changes in reactions, interpreting their implications.
Solve Chemical Problems: Apply problem-solving strategies to tackle various chemical problems effectively.

This course is designed to build a solid foundation in chemistry, preparing you for advanced studies and professional applications in various scientific, healthcare, and policy-related fields.