About this Course

This introductory chemistry course, offered by Cooper Union, explores foundational concepts in chemistry through various topics using multimedia teaching tools such as video lectures, practice questions, and review exams. Topics studied include modern atomic theory, periodic trends, household and industrial chemicals, bonding, and molecular structure, among others. Geared primarily towards self-study, this asynchronous course features auto-graded assessments to enhance learning.

What Students Will Learn

  • The fundamental building blocks of all matter.
  • How the structure and arrangement of particles affect the chemical and physical properties of materials.
  • The process through which particle reorganization leads to changes in matter.
  • The rates at which chemical reactions occur and the factors affecting molecular collisions.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of an introductory high school chemistry course.
  • A good grasp of algebra, logarithms, and significant figures.

Course Coverage

  • Modern atomic theory and periodic table trends.
  • Stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
  • Chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  • Chemical kinetics and reaction rates.
  • Thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium.
  • Properties of gases, liquids, and solids.
  • Acid-base theories and solubility.
  • Fundamentals of electrochemistry.

Target Audience

This course is designed for students who have a background in high school chemistry and are looking to deepen their understanding of basic and intermediate chemistry concepts. It also serves teachers and lifelong learners interested in self-directed education in chemistry.

Real-World Application

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in various scientific, healthcare, and environmental management careers. Understanding fundamental chemistry concepts is crucial for medical professionals, research scientists, chemical engineers, and environmental consultants, among others.

Syllabus Outline

  • Week 1: Introduction to Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends
  • Week 2: Stoichiometry and Law of Definite Proportions
  • Week 3: Bonding Theories and Molecular Geometry
  • Week 4: Thermodynamics and Principles of Reactivity
  • Week 5: Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics
  • Week 6: The Behavior of Gases, Liquids, and Solids
  • Week 7: Acids, Bases, and Solubility Equilibrium
  • Week 8: Introduction to Electrochemistry
  • Week 9: Review and Comprehensive Assessment
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