Chemistry: Colouring our reality (mooc)
Subject: Chemistry
Type: MOOC (massive open online course)
Taught by: Dr Fabrizio Ortu & Dr Philip Ash from University of Leicester
Where: springpod.com
How long is it?
There course consists of five videos, as well as bonus content and a quiz.
Is it easy to understand?
All the science terminology in each video is defined and explained.
Who is it for?
It is for anyone with an interest in chemistry.
What to expect from the Chemistry: Colouring Our Reality MOOC
Episode 1: Introduction to Chemistry
- Why you should study chemistry
- How chemistry links with other fields
- Why chemists are useful people
- Which transferable skills can be built through chemistry
Episode 2: Flame tests
- How colour changes occur
- The macroscopic and microscopic world
- How to determine compounds with flame tests
- How colour relates to atomic structure and quantum mechanics
Episode 3: Why are materials coloured?
- What atomic orbitals are
- The different types of orbitals
- How x ray radiation is used to see atomic structure
- What catalysts do
- The applications of catalytic processes in the real world and in sustaining our modern lifestyles
Episode 4: Chemical reactions at work
- What the reactivity series is
- How the reactivity series is relevant in our bodies and in industry
- Reduction and oxidisation
- What redox reactions are
- How to predict whether or not a redox reaction will occur
- What displacement reactions are and why they occur
- The voltages of reactions
Episode 5: Recap & careers
- The different career options in chemistry
- How chemistry can help you make a difference in the world
- How you can combine chemistry with your other interests
Bonus content: Meet the academic
- Get to know Dr Fabrizio Ortu and Dr Philip Ash from the University of Leicester
My thoughts…
Why study chemistry?
I think there are many reasons to study chemistry. One important reason is that by studying chemistry, you are actively learning more about the world which surrounds us every day. I would argue that this kind of curiosity about the world can make life more interesting. Chemistry is also related to other subjects, such as medicine, engineering, physics and biology which means that you can gain insight into how these different fields overlap and interact.
Furthermore, chemistry is useful for the innovation of more sustainable materials and energy sources. Sustainability is becoming increasingly urgent as the climate crisis continues to intensify, so chemists are incredibly valuable to companies and governments. As well as this, chemistry plays a key role in the discovery and development of new medicines, so you could literally save lives with chemistry. For all of these reasons, I believe that chemistry is central to an adequate understanding of the world and it is central to building a better future for the planet and its population.