General Chemistry I: Atoms, Molecules, and Bonding

Chemistry is the study of matter and its properties, structure, behavior, and reactivity. It is a central science that has connections to various fields such as physics, biology, environmental science, and nano-science. A strong foundation in chemistry is essential for advanced research in these areas. This course aims to develop core skills in chemistry, including drawing chemical structures and predicting molecular properties and reactivities. It also provides the necessary fundamental knowledge for advanced courses like Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Materials Science.

This chemistry course is the first part of a two-part series that covers first-year university-level chemistry. It explores the principles of chemical bonding by tracing its historical development from early experiments that revealed the dual wave-particle nature of energy and matter. The course utilizes quantum chemistry to build models that describe the electronic structure of atoms and how they can be combined into molecules through different chemical bonding models. Students will learn to predict the structure and geometry of molecules and analyze how molecular geometry influences their properties. They will also explore how molecules interact with each other and how these interactions impact properties in various phases.

The course is based on material from MIT's Principles of Chemical Science course, which is a requirement for all MIT undergraduates studying chemistry. The course image showcases liquid oxygen suspended between two magnets, illustrating its magnetic properties.

In conclusion, this chemistry course provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical bonding and its applications. It equips students with essential skills and knowledge for further studies in chemistry-related fields while fulfilling the General Institute Requirement in Chemistry at MIT.