Elements, Chemicals, and Reactions

Chemistry is often called the central science because it connects the physical world to the biological systems that sustain life. In this course, we will build a strong foundation in the structure and behavior of matter, starting with the arrangement of electrons in atoms and moving through the periodic trends that govern element properties, the formation of chemical compounds, and the transformations that occur in chemical reactions. Whether you're preparing for advanced coursework, pursuing a career in health or science, or simply curious about the materials that make up our world, this course will equip you with the essential tools to understand and apply chemical principles in meaningful ways. This self-paced course is comprised of instructional video content, step-by-step follow-along “watch me solve” problem videos, and assessments to reinforce your learning (assessments available to Verified Track learners only). The course is organized into 10 lessons that you should complete in order, as each subsequent lesson builds on the previous one. Lesson 1: Introduction to Electron Configurations Lesson 2: Valence Electrons and Chemical Reactivity Lesson 3: Organization of the Periodic Table Lesson 4: Periodic Trends and Their Significance Lesson 5: Writing and Interpreting Chemical Formulas Lesson 6: Naming Compounds Lesson 7: Chemical Reactions Lesson 8: Types of Chemical Reactions Lesson 9: The Mole and Molar Mass Lesson 10: Stoichiometry and Reaction Calculations 3b:T

• Describe Atomic Structure and Electron Configurations: Explain how electrons are arranged in atoms and predict element behavior based on electron configurations and valence electrons.
• Analyze Periodic Trends and Element Properties: Interpret the periodic table to explain trends in atomic size, ionization energy, electronegativity, and chemical reactivity.
• Write and Name Chemical Compounds: Construct and name chemical formulas for ionic and molecular compounds, including those containing polyatomic ions.
• Classify and Balance Chemical Reactions: Identify types of chemical reactions and apply the law of conservation of mass to balance chemical equations.
• Quantify Chemical Relationships Using Stoichiometry: Use molar relationships to calculate masses, moles, and molecules in chemical reactions.

• CHEM-421: Foundations in Thermodynamics
• CHEM-423: Organic Compounds
• CHEM-424: Gases and Electrochemistry