Course Overview:

This online Chemistry course begins by introducing students to the science of chemistry beginning with exploring why scientists are interested in studying matter at a submicroscopic level. Students will continue to learn how scientific methods are used to understand the natural world and will continue to develop their skills in this area. The first semester covers topics in the characteristics of matter, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical bonds and compounds, and chemical formula writing and naming. 

The second semester builds on the concepts and skills learned in the first semester as students continue to explore the properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. It covers topics in chemical reactions and stoichiometry, gasses, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. An algebra background is recommended because of the amount and type of math involved.

Semester 1:  

In Semester A, the course covers fundamental concepts in chemistry. Students explore the basics of chemistry, including the properties and behavior of matter. The concept of the atom is studied, focusing on its structure and composition. The electronic structure and periodicity of elements are examined, emphasizing the organization of elements on the periodic table. Students learn about ionic compounds, understanding their formation and properties. Covalent compounds are also explored, highlighting their bonding and molecular structures.

Semester 2: 

In Semester B, the course delves into more advanced topics in chemistry. Chemical reactions are studied, including the various types of reactions and their balancing. Chemical stoichiometry is explored, focusing on the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. The behavior of gases is examined, including their properties and the gas laws that govern their behavior. Thermochemistry, kinetics, and equilibrium are explored, covering the energy changes in chemical reactions, reaction rates, and the concept of chemical equilibrium. Acids and bases are studied, understanding their properties, behavior, and the pH scale. Lastly, the course introduces organic and biological chemistry, highlighting the unique properties and importance of organic compounds in living organisms.