Chemical Bonding and Shapes of Molecules - Chemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

The shape of a molecule dictates its function. This course provides a practical, foundational treatment of chemical bonding and molecular geometry - the principles governing how atoms connect to form substances. It covers ionic and covalent bonding, the drawing of Lewis structures, and methods for determining molecular shape using VSEPR theory and orbital hybridisation. Finally, we examine intermolecular forces that control a substance's physical properties. A command of this material is essential for molecular design. Knowledge of bonding and geometry dictates the properties of everything from pharmaceuticals, where shape governs drug-receptor specificity, to new materials like polymers and catalysts. Mastery of this foundational knowledge is the starting point for developing or synthesising any new chemical compound. Our system uses comprehensive videos and allows you to ask questions directly, making it fully online and easy to master at your pace. By the end of this course, you will be able to draw correct Lewis structures for any molecule, predict its three-dimensional geometry and polarity using VSEPR theory, determine the central atom's hybridisation and bond types, and identify the various intermolecular forces present in a substance. This course is mandatory for all undergraduate students of chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science, and is a direct prerequisite for studying organic chemistry. It benefits anyone needing a rigorous, structured, student-centred refresher or initial exposure to this critical subject, assuming a complete understanding of atomic theory and electronic configuration.

9 hrs

Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
This learning track delivers the complete NUC CCMAS curriculum for General Chemistry I. It is a comprehensive programme designed to build a robust, university-level foundation in modern chemistry. The track systematically covers all essential topics, from atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the states of matter, to the quantitative principles of stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This programme is for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculties who are required to take CHM 101. It is also essential for any student or professional globally who needs a rigorous and complete foundation in first-year university chemistry for further study or career development. This track delivers a full skill set in chemical theory and quantitative problem-solving. Graduates will be able to determine molecular structures, calculate reaction quantities, analyse the energetics and rates of reactions, and solve complex equilibrium problems. This programme provides the non-negotiable prerequisite knowledge for all subsequent chemistry courses and for any degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or medicine.

This learning track delivers the complete NUC CCMAS curriculum for General Chemistry I. It is a comprehensive programme designed to build a robust, university-level foundation in modern chemistry. The track systematically covers all essential topics, from atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the states of matter, to the quantitative principles of stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This programme is for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculties who are required to take CHM 101. It is also essential for any student or professional globally who needs a rigorous and complete foundation in first-year university chemistry for further study or career development. This track delivers a full skill set in chemical theory and quantitative problem-solving. Graduates will be able to determine molecular structures, calculate reaction quantities, analyse the energetics and rates of reactions, and solve complex equilibrium problems. This programme provides the non-negotiable prerequisite knowledge for all subsequent chemistry courses and for any degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or medicine.

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Course Chapters

1. Introduction
1
This chapter provides the roadmap for the course. It outlines the progression from the fundamental nature of chemical bonds to the theories that predict the three-dimensional shapes of molecules. Key learning objectives include: understanding the overall course structure and appreciating why the shape of a molecule is critical to its function.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
6:11
2. Types of Bonds
9
This chapter establishes the foundation by classifying and detailing the strong intramolecular forces that hold atoms together. Mastery of ionic and covalent bonding is the prerequisite for subsequent analysis of molecular structure. We also introduce the critical hydrogen bond. Key objectives: Define ionic, covalent, and coordinate covalent bonds; contrast the physical properties of ionic and covalent substances; and understand hydrogen bonding.
Concept Overviews
9 Lessons
1:48:23
3. Lewis Structures
7
This chapter establishes the Lewis structure framework, the fundamental method for mapping valence electron arrangement in molecules and ions. Mastering this structured approach is the prerequisite skill for predicting molecular geometry and understanding bond characteristics later in the course. We cover systematic rules for neutral species and polyatomic ions, including the essential concept of resonance. By the end of this chapter, you will master: drawing valid Lewis structures for molecules and ions; identifying and drawing resonance structures; applying the three main octet rule exceptions; and calculating and using formal charges to select the most plausible structure.
Concept Overviews
7 Lessons
1:31:56
4. Shapes of Molecules
3
This chapter focuses on mastering Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to accurately predict the three-dimensional geometry of molecules. Understanding molecular shape is non-negotiable; it governs all chemical properties, reactivity, and function, providing the framework for molecular design. Upon completion, you will be able to: predict electron and molecular geometry for molecules with two to six electron domains, identify geometries in examples with multiple lone pairs, and master the step-by-step procedure for determining complex molecular shapes.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
1:22:45
5. Hybridization Theory
4
This chapter introduces Valence Bond Theory and the crucial concept of orbital hybridization. Hybridization is a necessary model for explaining molecular shapes and bond angles that cannot be accounted for by simple VSEPR theory alone, bridging the gap between bonding theory and observed molecular geometry. Upon completion, you will be able to: define bonding as the overlap of atomic orbitals, explain the formation of sigma and pi bonds, and accurately determine the hybridization (from sp to sp3d2) for the central atom in any molecule.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
1:21:58
6. Intermolecular Forces
3
This chapter details intermolecular forces (IMFs) - the attractive forces between molecules. These non-covalent interactions dictate all physical properties, including melting points, boiling points, and solubility, which is critical for predicting substance behaviour. Upon completion, you will be able to: define and identify London dispersion and dipole-dipole forces, explain the unique strength of hydrogen bonding, and use dipole moment and molecular symmetry to determine a molecule's overall polarity.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
52:10
7. Conclusion
1
This final chapter is dedicated to comprehensive application and synthesis of all course material. It reinforces the critical connections between Lewis structures, molecular geometry, and physical properties, ensuring foundational knowledge is secure for advanced topics. Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate mastery across: drawing Lewis structures, predicting VSEPR geometry, determining orbital hybridization and bond types, and identifying intermolecular forces in any given molecule.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
3:48