Introduction to Physical Chemistry

Build in-demand skills with a full year of Coursera Plus, now $239. Save now.

Introduction to Physical Chemistry

Instructors: Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc

90,628 already enrolled

Included with Learn more

10 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

761 reviews

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

10 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

761 reviews

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

96%

Most learners liked this course

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 10 modules in 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.

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

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 51 minutes

Introduction4 minutes
Thermodynamic Definitions9 minutes
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics and Temperature5 minutes
The First Law of Thermodynamics and Enthalpy11 minutes
Reversible Expansion12 minutes
Heat Capacity9 minutes
Thermodynamics I Recap1 minute

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

About Us10 minutes
Thermodynamics I Overview10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Thermodynamics I - Practice Quiz30 minutes

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.

What's included

7 videos1 reading2 assignments

7 videosTotal 56 minutes

Thermodynamics II Introduction1 minute
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy7 minutes
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Spontaneity16 minutes
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium11 minutes
The Third Law of Thermodynamics and Absolute Entropy6 minutes
Hess' Law15 minutes
Thermodynamics Recap 1 minute

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Thermodynamics II Overview10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Thermodynamics Assessment30 minutes
Thermodynamics II - Practice Quiz30 minutes

This lab allows you to further explore thermodynamics.

What's included

2 videos2 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

11 videos1 reading1 assignment

11 videosTotal 114 minutes

Introduction to Chemical Kinetics I1 minute
Rate of Reaction6 minutes
Stoichiometry and Order10 minutes
Zero Order Reactions9 minutes
First Order Reactions9 minutes
Second Order Reactions18 minutes
Determination of Reaction Order13 minutes
Experimental Determination of Reaction Order7 minutes
Examples of Measurements I8 minutes
Examples of Measurements II10 minutes
Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate23 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Chemical Kinetics I Overview10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Chemical Kinetics I - Practice Quiz30 minutes

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

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments

8 videosTotal 94 minutes

Chemical Kinetics II Introduction 2 minutes
Complex Reactions: Equilibria15 minutes
Complex Reactions: Consecutive reactions (Rate-Determining Step)19 minutes
Steady-State Approximation11 minutes
Using the Steady State Approximation (Lindemann Mechanism)12 minutes
Using the steady state approximation (Chain Reactions)24 minutes
Catalysis8 minutes
Chemical Kinetics Recap2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Chemical Kinetics II Overview10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Chemical Kinetics Assessment30 minutes
Chemical Kinetics II - Practice Quiz30 minutes

This lab allows you to further explore kinetics.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

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 of the wavefunction.

What's included

11 videos1 reading1 assignment

11 videosTotal 123 minutes

Introduction to Quantum Chemistry by Dr. Patrick O'Malley3 minutes
Planck's Quantum of Energy6 minutes
Particle Nature of Light11 minutes
Particle Nature of Light - Example5 minutes
Wave Nature of Matter11 minutes
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle15 minutes
The Schrödinger Equation16 minutes
The Free Particle & the Particle in a Box27 minutes
Born's Interpretation of the Wavefunction11 minutes
Normalisation of the Wavefunction8 minutes
Particle in a Box Application to Polyene Electronic Spectra11 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Quantum Chemistry I Overview10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quantum Chemistry I - Practice Quiz30 minutes

This experiment involves the visible absorption spectra of dyes.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

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

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments

8 videosTotal 105 minutes

Introduction to Quantum Chemistry I by Dr. Patrick O'Malley2 minutes
Introduction to Hydrogenic Atoms14 minutes
Hydrogenic Atom Quantum Numbers7 minutes
Radial Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms28 minutes
Angular Solutions for Hydrogenic Atoms16 minutes
Interpretation of Hydrogenic Atom Solutions23 minutes
Energy levels for Hydrogenic Atoms16 minutes
Quantum Chemistry II Recap1 minute

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Quantum Chemistry II Overview10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Quantum Chemistry Assessment30 minutes
Quantum Chemistry II - Practice Quiz30 minutes

This lab allows you to further explore quantum chemistry.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(135 ratings)

Patrick J O'Malley, D.Sc

University of Manchester

2 Courses150,668 learners

Michael W. Anderson, FRSC

University of Manchester

1 Course90,628 learners

Jonathan Agger, MRSC

University of Manchester

1 Course90,628 learners

Offered by

University of Manchester

Explore more from Chemistry

Duke University
Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
Course
Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH)
Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics
Course
Duke University
Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions
Course
University of Minnesota
Statistical Molecular Thermodynamics
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
78.18%
4 stars
15.50%
3 stars
4.33%
2 stars
0.78%
1 star
1.18%

Showing 3 of 761

5.0

Reviewed on May 9, 2020

Excellent course content and really very useful in understanding the modern applications of nanotechnology.

5.0

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2020

Amazing course. Thanks to University of Manchester and Coursera for this course. I've learnt a lot of important things from here. :)

5.0

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2022

The important note according to course contents is having background knowledgment is vitally advice .good luck

View more reviews

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Give yourself skills that last, now $239
Save now
Gift your team new skills
Save 40% now

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.