Introduction to Organic Chemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon, the building block of life and modern materials. This course covers the history of the field, the unique bonding properties of carbon, and the structure of its allotropes like diamond, graphite, and fullerenes. You will learn about nanotubes and nanostructures, bridging the gap between traditional chemistry and modern nanotechnology. The curriculum focuses on how carbon atoms link to form the complex molecules found in everything from fuels to medicines. Understanding organic chemistry is essential for careers in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and manufacturing. You will apply this knowledge to understand how plastics are made, how drugs interact with the body, and how new materials like carbon nanotubes are used in electronics and construction. This foundation allows you to solve practical problems in industrial chemical production and environmental safety. It provides the technical base needed to work in Nigeria's oil and gas sector or the global pharmaceutical industry. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain why carbon is unique among elements and identify the structures of fullerenes and nanotubes. You will understand the principles of nanochemistry and how these tiny structures change the properties of materials. You will gain the skill to distinguish between different forms of carbon and describe their industrial uses. The course ensures you can discuss the historical development of organic chemistry and its transition into modern materials science with clarity. This course is for undergraduate students starting their degree in science or engineering. It is also suitable for secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance exams or professionals in technical fields who need a refresher on chemical structures. Even if you are not a chemistry major, this knowledge helps you understand the composition of products you use daily. It builds the logical thinking and scientific literacy required for any technical role in the modern workforce.

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 102: General Chemistry II

Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries. This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress. You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter sets the foundation for organic chemistry. It explains why carbon is central to life and modern materials, providing the context needed for advanced study. You will learn the course structure, the history that disproved vital force theory, and the unique properties of carbon that allow it to form complex molecules.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

16:58

2. Hybridisation

This chapter explains how electrons in the carbon atom rearrange to allow for stable bonding. It is the basis for understanding the shape and strength of all organic molecules. You will master the electronic configuration of the atom, the movement of electrons during bonding, and the formation of sp3, sp2, or sp hybrid orbitals.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

31:07

3. Bonding

This chapter explains the forces holding carbon atoms together and how these interactions decide the shape and behaviour of the molecule. This knowledge is vital for predicting the stability and the reactivity of the compound. You will master molecular geometry and bond types; the effect of electronegativity on the polarity of the bond; structural representation methods; and the calculation of the formal charge.

Concept Overviews

8 Lessons

1:01:12

4. Basic Allotropes

This chapter examines diamond and graphite to show how different arrangements of the same atoms create vastly different materials. You will learn why one is a hard mineral while the other is a soft lubricant. You will learn to describe diamond and graphite structures, relate their properties to their bonding, and perform calculations on crystal dimensions.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

Problem Walkthroughs

1 Lesson

5. Molecular Allotropes

This chapter introduces fullerenes as a form of carbon consisting of hollow cages. These molecules represent the bridge between traditional chemistry and the world of nanotechnology. You will learn to recount the discovery of fullerenes, describe the structure of buckminsterfullerene, and calculate the molar mass of large carbon cages.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

Problem Walkthroughs

2 Lessons

6. Nanostructures

This chapter explores modern carbon nanostructures and the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. You will see how tubes and sheets of carbon are revolutionising electronics and construction. You will learn to describe carbon nanotubes and graphene, explain nanochemistry principles, and compare surface area to volume ratios.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

Problem Walkthroughs

1 Lesson

7. Conclusion

This final chapter consolidates the fundamental concepts covered in the course. It serves as a bridge between structural organic chemistry and the study of functional groups. You will learn to summarise the unique properties of carbon, review its allotropes and nanostructures, and prepare for advanced organic chemistry topics.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson