- Level Foundation
- Duration 19 hours
- Course by University of Manchester
-
Offered by
About
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.Modules
Introduction and Definitions
2
Videos
- Introduction
- Thermodynamic Definitions
2
Readings
- About Us
- Thermodynamics I Overview
The Zeroth and First Laws
2
Videos
- The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics and Temperature
- The First Law of Thermodynamics and Enthalpy
Reversible Expansion and Heat Capacity
2
Videos
- Reversible Expansion
- Heat Capacity
Recap and Review
1
Videos
- Thermodynamics I Recap
1
Quiz
- Thermodynamics I - Practice Quiz
Introduction
1
Videos
- Thermodynamics II Introduction
1
Readings
- Thermodynamics II Overview
The Second Law
3
Videos
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Spontaneity
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
The Third and Hess' Laws
2
Videos
- The Third Law of Thermodynamics and Absolute Entropy
- Hess' Law
Review and Recap
1
Assignment
- Thermodynamics Assessment
1
Videos
- Thermodynamics Recap
1
Quiz
- Thermodynamics II - Practice Quiz
Introduction and Calorimeter Experiment
2
Videos
- Introduction to Experiment
- Calorimeter Experiment
Thermodynamics Lab
1
Assignment
- Thermodynamics Virtual Lab
2
Readings
- Thermodynamics Lab Overview (Virtual Lab)
- Thermodynamics Lab Solutions
Introduction and Reactions I
4
Videos
- Introduction to Chemical Kinetics I
- Rate of Reaction
- Stoichiometry and Order
- Zero Order Reactions
1
Readings
- Chemical Kinetics I Overview
Reactions II
2
Videos
- First Order Reactions
- Second Order Reactions
Reaction Order
2
Videos
- Determination of Reaction Order
- Experimental Determination of Reaction Order
Examples of Measurements
2
Videos
- Examples of Measurements I
- Examples of Measurements II
Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate
1
Videos
- Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate
Review
1
Quiz
- Chemical Kinetics I - Practice Quiz
Introduction
1
Videos
- Chemical Kinetics II Introduction
1
Readings
- Chemical Kinetics II Overview
Complex Reactions
2
Videos
- Complex Reactions: Equilibria
- Complex Reactions: Consecutive reactions (Rate-Determining Step)
Steady-State Approximation
1
Videos
- Steady-State Approximation
Using the Steady State Approximation
2
Videos
- Using the Steady State Approximation (Lindemann Mechanism)
- Using the steady state approximation (Chain Reactions)
Catalysis
1
Videos
- Catalysis
Review and Recap
1
Assignment
- Chemical Kinetics Assessment
1
Videos
- Chemical Kinetics Recap
1
Quiz
- Chemical Kinetics II - Practice Quiz
Introduction and Gas Burette Experiment
3
Videos
- Introduction to Experiment
- Gas Burette Experiment
- Experiment Extra Data
1
Readings
- Kinetics Lab Overview
Kinetics Lab + Feedback
1
Assignment
- Kinetics Virtual Lab
1
Videos
- Lab 2 Feedback
Introduction to Quantum Chemistry
5
Videos
- Introduction to Quantum Chemistry by Dr. Patrick O'Malley
- Planck's Quantum of Energy
- Particle Nature of Light
- Particle Nature of Light - Example
- Wave Nature of Matter
1
Readings
- Quantum Chemistry I Overview
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and The Schrödinger Equation
2
Videos
- Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
- The Schrödinger Equation
The Free Particle & the Particle in a Box
1
Videos
- The Free Particle & the Particle in a Box
The Wave Function and Particle in a Box Application to Polyene Electronic Spectra
3
Videos
- Born's Interpretation of the Wavefunction
- Normalisation of the Wavefunction
- Particle in a Box Application to Polyene Electronic Spectra
Review
1
Quiz
- Quantum Chemistry I - Practice Quiz
Particle in a Box Introduction
1
Videos
- Particle in a Box Introduction
1
Readings
- Particle in a Box Overview
Particle in a Box Lab
1
Assignment
- Particle in a Box Lab
1
Readings
- Spectrometer Simulation
Introduction to Quantum Chemistry II and Hydrogenic Atoms
3
Videos
- Introduction to Quantum Chemistry I by Dr. Patrick O'Malley
- Introduction to Hydrogenic Atoms
- Hydrogenic Atom Quantum Numbers
1
Readings
- Quantum Chemistry II Overview
Radial Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms
1
Videos
- Radial Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms
Angular Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms
1
Videos
- Angular Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms
Interpretation of Hydrogenic Atom Solutions
1
Videos
- Interpretation of Hydrogenic Atom Solutions
Energy levels for Hydrogenic Atoms
1
Videos
- Energy levels for Hydrogenic Atoms
Review and Recap
1
Assignment
- Quantum Chemistry Assessment
1
Videos
- Quantum Chemistry II Recap
1
Quiz
- Quantum Chemistry II - Practice Quiz
Hydrogen Emission Introduction
1
Videos
- Hydrogen Emission Introduction
1
Readings
- Quantum Chemistry Lab Overview
Quantum Lab + Feedback
1
Videos
- Quantum Lab Feedback
1
Quiz
- Quantum Virtual Lab
Auto Summary
Dive into the fundamental principles of chemical reactions with "Introduction to Physical Chemistry," a foundational course designed for those interested in the science and engineering domain. Guided by expert instructors from Coursera, this comprehensive course demystifies the driving forces behind chemical reactions, exploring why some reactions span geological time scales while others occur in mere femtoseconds. Over approximately 19 hours of engaging content, you will delve into three critical areas of physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics. These subjects will help you understand whether reactions will happen, how quickly they transpire, and the intricate processes occurring at the atomic and sub-atomic levels. Available through Coursera's Starter and Professional subscription plans, this course is perfect for first-year undergraduates or anyone looking to build a solid foundation in physical chemistry. Embark on this educational journey to unlock the secrets of the molecular world and enhance your scientific knowledge.

Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc

Michael W. Anderson, FRSC

Jonathan Agger, MRSC