Course Description

This online course provides a comprehensive introduction to oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, which occur daily in numerous processes such as combustion, electricity generation through batteries, metal production and corrosion, and food oxidation. The course covers the general aspects of redox reactions, including identifying oxidizing and reducing agents, balancing reactions, stoichiometric calculations, and the spontaneity of redox reactions and their relation to electrical energy and potential. It also delves into electrolysis, its fundamentals, and its applications to metal production and compound decomposition.

What Students Will Learn

• Recognition and classification of redox reactions based on the oxidizing or reducing nature of various species.
• Methods to balance redox reactions and perform stoichiometric calculations.
• Understanding of electrochemical cells based on the spontaneity of reactions and key concepts related to electrolytic cells.
• Skills to identify redox processes and the general aspects of their applications.

Prerequisites

Students interested in taking this course should have a keen interest in chemistry. It is recommended to have some knowledge of concentration expressions, stoichiometric calculations, and general concepts of chemical equilibrium. Courses to learn or review these concepts are also available on edX.

Course Coverage

• Identification and role of oxidizing and reducing agents in redox reactions.
• Techniques for balancing redox reactions and their corresponding stoichiometric implications.
• Analysis of the spontaneity of redox reactions and their relationship with the electrical energy in cells.
• Study of electrolysis and its application in metal recovery and compound decomposition.

Who This Course Is For

This chemistry course is designed for university students, especially those who have not previously studied chemistry and require basic knowledge in this area to support their studies in potentially related fields.

Real-World Application of Skills

The skills acquired from this course are applicable in numerous fields including technology, biology, and everyday life. Understanding redox reactions can lead to innovations in battery technology, improvements in metal durability through anti-corrosion techniques, and better food preservation methods among others.

Syllabus

• Module 1: Introduction to Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
• Module 2: Balancing Redox Reactions
• Module 3: Electrochemical Cells
• Module 4: Electrolysis