Electrochemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

Electrochemistry bridges chemical reactions and electrical energy. This course examines the mechanics of electron transfer. You will study galvanic cells that generate power and electrolytic cells that consume it. The curriculum covers cell structure, standard notation, and the role of inert electrodes. This science drives portable energy and industrial manufacturing. You apply these principles when working with batteries, fuel cells, and corrosion prevention. Industrial applications rely heavily on this knowledge for metal extraction, electroplating, and purifying elements like aluminium and copper. Mastering this connects theoretical chemistry to practical engineering. You will learn to identify cell components and write precise cell notations. You will calculate standard cell potentials, determine reaction spontaneity using Gibbs free energy, and apply the Nernst equation to non-standard conditions. You will also use Faraday's laws to compute mass deposited, time taken, and current passed during electrolysis. This course is built for undergraduate foundation students in chemistry and chemical engineering. It is also directly useful for recent secondary school leavers preparing for university admissions. Engineering and materials science students will find this material essential for understanding thermodynamics and electrical systems.

4 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

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.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter provides the foundational roadmap for the study of electrochemistry. It defines the relationship between chemical reactions and electrical energy, establishing the framework for all subsequent course modules. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to distinguish between galvanic and electrolytic cells, appreciate the industrial importance of electrochemical processes, and navigate the course structure effectively.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

3:43

2. Galvanic Cells

This chapter covers galvanic cells, which convert spontaneous redox reactions into electrical energy. Understanding these cells is essential for grasping the operation of batteries and portable power sources. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify key cell components, represent cells using standard notation, explain the function of inert electrodes, and derive balanced chemical equations from cell notation.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

18:32

Problem Walkthroughs

2 Lessons

12:08

3. Thermodynamics and Cell Potential

This chapter links electrochemistry to core thermodynamic principles. You will master the quantitative relationships that govern electrochemical spontaneity and cell efficiency, which are critical for predicting how batteries and fuel cells behave under real-world conditions. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to calculate cell potentials, determine reaction spontaneity using Gibbs free energy, apply the Nernst equation for non-standard states, and derive equilibrium constants.

Concept Overviews

4 Lessons

26:54

Problem Walkthroughs

4 Lessons

33:56

4. Electrolytic Cells

This chapter covers electrolytic cells driven by external electrical energy. These systems are essential for electroplating and industrial metal extraction. You will learn to apply Faraday's first and second laws; calculate electrochemical equivalent weights; and determine the quantitative relationship between current, time, and mass in single and series cells.

Concept Overviews

6 Lessons

37:15

Problem Walkthroughs

4 Lessons

39:46

5. Conclusion

This concluding chapter consolidates essential redox concepts and energy transfer. It ensures readiness for industrial applications and further study of general chemistry. You will master the distinction between galvanic and electrolytic cells; energy conversion principles; and the practical application of Faraday's laws.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

3:09