Chemistry Resources | Online University

Chemistry Defined

Interested in developing a greater understanding of fuel cells? How about one day working in the complex and dynamic field of nanotechnology? Chemists today are at the forefront of exciting research in technology, medicine, and the environment. One of the largest degree granting programs in the nation, chemistry is the major of choice for those wishing to prepare for a plethora of science (and non science related careers) such as biochemistry, pharmacology, engineering, medicine, education, business, and law. A deeply integrated field, chemistry fuses together a variety of academic disciplines and explores basic properties of matter and how these properties change when they react to form new substances. Students of chemistry are expected to master broad and specific sets of chemical knowledge, carry out laboratory experiments, competently solve problems and interpret and analyze results through effective writing and communication skills. And yet, chemistry exists far beyond the formal classroom or laboratory. For example, the everyday actions of tasting, touching, seeing, smelling and hearing all involve chemical reactions and interactions within the body. Chemicals, as you will see, are not just those substances in the laboratory—chemists believe that everything is made of chemicals. Thus, it is essential to know about chemistry in order to gain a better understanding of the world and our place in it.

The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to the subject of chemistry and to provide you with a variety of online, academic and career-related resources in order to further your understanding of chemistry as an academic subject, field, profession, and beyond.

General Chemistry Topics

The following are topics that are covered in introductory chemistry courses. Click on each topic for a complete definition and review.

Chemical nomenclature is the term which refers to the naming of compounds. Chemists use different conventions and guidelines to name compounds. This section reviews some of those conventions.

Acid base chemistry refers to the chemical reactions that take place between acids and bases. This section reviews general terminology and provides sample equations with step-by-step answers. For a more in-depth review of acids and bases, click here.

Atomic structure refers to an exploration of atoms, which are the smallest building blocks of matter and are made up of electrons, neutrons and protons. Review their definitions, learn how to read the periodic table of the elements and how to determine electron configuration.

Lewis Structure refers to electron-dot diagrams which are used to represent paired and unpaired outer-shell electrons in an atom. Read about these structures and how to compose a diagram here.

Chemical reactions are reactions in which the identity of at least one subject changes. Learn about the different kinds of reactions, how to classify them and their corresponding equations.

Stoichiometry is the math behind chemistry needed to calculate masses, moles and percents. If you need a complete refresher, mathematics in chemistry provides a comprehensive and step-by-step review of required mathematical concepts and theories.

Learning Resources for Students

Massachusetts Institute for Technology Open Courses
Take a free online course at one of the nation’s top schools for chemistry. View syllabi, lecture notes, projects and assignments. This is an excellent tool for deepening subject knowledge or simply finding an answer to a general question.

Organic Chemistry Practice Problems
Useful study tool for anyone involved in undergraduate chemistry courses. Each problem is color-coded to indicate the particular level.

Visual Elements Periodic Table

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s interactive Periodic Table of the Elements. Visually appealing and comprehensive, you can click each element for unique facts, atomic data, isotopes and much more.

My RSC Online Community
Join groups, read the latest blogs, get your questions answered and expand your chemistry contacts here.

Learn Chemistry and Learn Chemistry Wiki Site
Browse chemistry by subject, category, or age group. Excellent source for students and teachers at all levels. View tutorials, guides, quizzes, experiments and much more.

Learning Assistance Tools
Browse through a variety of study resources for approaching chemistry, including study tips, lecture note-taking, time management, organization and content support.. Other subjects of interest are included as well.