About this course: 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. The course covers the key concepts of three of the principal topics in first-year undergraduate physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum mechanics. These three topics cover whether or not reactions occur, how fast they go and what is actually going on at the sub-atomic scale.

Created by: University of Manchester

Taught by: Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc, Reader
Chemistry
Taught by: Michael W. Anderson, FRSC, Professor of Materials Chemistry
School of Chemistry
Taught by: Jonathan Agger, MRSC, Lecturer and Deputy Director of Outreach
Chemistry

Commitment	12-15 hours
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Thermodynamics I

This module explores thermodynamic definitions, the zeroth law of thermodynamics and temperature, the first law of thermodynamics and enthalpy, reversible expansion, and heat capacity.

7 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 2

Thermodynamics II

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.

7 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

Graded: Thermodynamics Assessment

WEEK 3

Virtual Lab 1: Thermodynamics

This lab allows you to further explore thermodynamics.

2 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 4

Chemical Kinetics I

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.

11 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 5

Chemical Kinetics II

This module explores complex reactions, steady-state approximation, and catalysis.

8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

Graded: Chemical Kinetics Assessment

WEEK 6

Virtual Lab 2: Kinetics

This lab allows you to further explore kinetics.

4 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 7

Quantum Chemistry I

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...

11 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 8

Virtual Lab 3: Particle in a Box

This experiment involves the visible absorption spectra of dyes.

1 video, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz

WEEK 9

Quantum Chemistry II

This module explores hydrogen atoms, hydrogen atom quantum numbers, radial and angular solutions for hydrogenic atoms, and energy levels for hydrogenic atoms.

8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

Graded: Quantum Chemistry Assessment

WEEK 10

Virtual Lab 4: Hydrogen Emission Spectroscopy

This lab allows you to further explore quantum chemistry.

2 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz

FAQs

How It Works

Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from Your Peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

Creators

University of Manchester

Tracing its roots back to 1824, the University of Manchester is home to almost 40,000 students. The University has three Nobel laureates among its current staff – more than any other British university - and a total of 25 Nobel laureates have come from our past and present students and staff. We have three main goals: to undertake world-class research; to deliver an outstanding learning and student experience; and to be socially responsible.

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 of 196 ratings

I really think this is a great challenge for high school students to choose, but it truly taught me something that interesting and relate to my future study.

Great course! It serves as a good bridge between A-levels and an undergraduate degree in chemistry.

This course was well thought of, organised according to level of difficulty and came with cogent examples for each concept explained. However, the quality of sound in the latter videos sometimes hindered thorough comprehension which can be taken care of. Overall, one of the best courses I have done.

This course is suitable for all who want to know Physical Chemistry basically.

Share

Introduction to Physical Chemistry

Introduction to Physical Chemistry

Introduction to Physical Chemistry