Course Review: Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios by Duke University (Coursera)
A beginner chemistry course that teaches reactions, ratios, and stoichiometry using clear videos, real examples, and step-by-step problem solving skills.
Instructor: Prof. Dorian A. Canelas
Course Overview
Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios is a beginner course from Duke University designed for learners with little or no chemistry background. It explains core ideas using clear language, short videos, and steady practice. The course starts with measurement, matter, and energy, then builds skills step by step. Concepts are taught in a logical order to support real understanding. Across seven modules, learners study atoms, the periodic table, chemical names, formulas, and reactions. The course places strong focus on stoichiometry, ratios, and problem solving. You also learn about solutions, acids and bases, and basic redox reactions. Simple lab demos help connect theory to real examples. This course is best for students, beginners, or anyone who needs a strong chemistry base for science or health fields. A basic comfort with algebra is helpful. Flexible pacing, practice quizzes, and optional honors problems support different learning goals. By the end, learners gain confidence in reading, writing, and solving chemical problems.
Duration: Flexible schedule. About 7 weeks to complete.
Modules: 7 modules. Each module builds skills step by step.
Tutor: Prof. Dorian A. Canelas.
Pros & Cons
👍Pros
- ✅ Clear explanations make hard ideas easy to follow.
- ✅ Strong focus on basics like ratios, reactions, and problem solving.
- ✅ Flexible pace with practice work and optional honors problems.
👎Cons
- ❌ Not ideal for learners seeking advanced chemistry topics.
- ❌ Needs basic algebra skills, which may challenge some beginners.
- ❌ Limited hands-on labs beyond video demonstrations.
🧑🎓 Who is This Course Best For?
This course is ideal for anyone who wants a solid introduction to chemistry. It is designed for beginners and those who need a clear, step-by-step approach to learn chemical reactions, ratios, and problem solving. The content builds from basic ideas to practical applications, making it useful for students and professionals alike.
- High school and middle school students: Gain a strong foundation in chemistry concepts. Videos and exercises help reinforce learning in a simple way.
- College students starting chemistry: Prepare for advanced courses with a clear understanding of stoichiometry, chemical reactions, and atomic structure.
- Health science learners: Learn basic chemistry needed for medicine, nursing, and pharmacy studies. Understand formulas, solutions, and reaction calculations.
- Science enthusiasts: Explore chemistry concepts out of curiosity. Lab demos and real-world examples make learning engaging and practical.
- Educators and tutors: Use the structured modules to teach or explain chemistry basics to students. Lesson examples and exercises provide ready-to-use content.
- Working professionals in related fields: Strengthen chemistry knowledge for careers in pharmaceuticals, lab work, or research. Gain confidence in calculations and problem solving.
- Self-learners: Study at your own pace with flexible timing and practice quizzes. Optional honors problems allow you to challenge yourself further.
- Pre-health or policy students: Understand chemistry concepts required for courses in environmental science, nutrition, and policy. Build a foundation for further study.
📘 What You’ll Learn
In this course, you will build a strong foundation in chemistry from the ground up. You will start with basic ideas about matter, energy, and measurement, and gradually learn to solve chemical problems with confidence. The course emphasizes clear explanations, step-by-step examples, and real-world applications. By the end, you will be able to understand chemical reactions, calculate ratios, and apply your knowledge to practical scenarios. Optional honors exercises give you the chance to challenge yourself further.
- Understand the scientific method and key measurement techniques in chemistry.
- Learn about matter, energy, and how chemical substances interact.
- Master basic stoichiometry, including moles, ratios, and formula calculations.
- Identify atoms, elements, isotopes, ions, and their properties.
- Interpret and use the periodic table, including trends and atomic structures.
- Learn to name compounds, calculate formula masses, and balance reactions.
- Explore solutions, solubility rules, precipitation reactions, and electrolytes.
- Understand basic acid-base and redox reactions and perform reaction calculations.
- Apply chemistry concepts through lab demonstrations and real-world examples.
- Develop problem-solving skills for science, health, and policy applications.
❓FAQs
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