Best Online Course for Organic Chemistry
The best online course for organic chemistry depends on the learner’s level, goals, and preferred learning style. Options range from practical experimental courses to comprehensive university lectures. These courses include free and paid options, beginner through advanced topics, exam preparation, and language-specific content.
Practical Organic Chemistry: Exploring Everyday Chemistry
This course by the University of York on FutureLearn offers a 16-hour journey into the chemistry behind everyday life. Taught by Andy Parsons, it focuses on hands-on kitchen experiments like extracting plant fragrances and testing spices for antimicrobial properties. The course suits adult learners and advanced high school students preparing for university.
- Duration: 16 hours
- Cost: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee
- Rating: 4.8/5.0 (52 reviews)
- Enrollment: 28.8K students
Topics cover chemical attractions such as pheromones, antibiotics like penicillin, antioxidants in brewing, and polymers in sports medicine.
“Exploring Everyday Chemistry delves into organic chemistry with practical experiments focusing on daily life applications.”
Best Beginner Course: High School Organic Chemistry 1
Udemy’s “High School Organic Chemistry 1” targets students starting organic chemistry or revising for exams like IGCSE, A-levels, WAEC, or JAMB. It lasts 8 hours and has engaging tasks that cover foundational concepts and key organic compounds.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: Paid
- Rating: 4.3/5.0 (43 reviews)
- Enrollment: 9.3K students
You learn about hydrocarbons, homologous series, alkanes, alkyl groups, alkenes, alkanols, and esters. The course bridges high school and introductory tertiary levels effectively.
“High School Organic Chemistry 1 provides a solid foundation for beginners and exam preparation.”
General Interest Course: Organic Chemistry by CrashCourse
CrashCourse’s YouTube series offers a free, fast-paced college-level introduction in 50 episodes (6 hours total). It covers nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and synthesis with animated visuals.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: Free
- Views: 3.1 million
- Likes: 17K
Topics include functional groups, 3D molecular structure, IR and NMR spectroscopy, SN1/SN2 mechanisms, thermodynamics, and organic reactions.
“Organic Chemistry by CrashCourse covers sophomore-level college material, ideal for visual and auditory learners.”
Comprehensive Free Option: Professor Dave Explains Organic Chemistry
Professor Dave offers a 13-hour detailed YouTube course that explains organic chemistry from basics to advanced topics. His emphasis is on improving scientific literacy with clear, step-by-step presentations.
- Duration: 13 hours
- Cost: Free
- Views: 2.5 million
- Likes: 11K
Subjects include resonance, stereochemistry, nucleophilic substitutions, elimination and addition reactions, spectroscopy, and organometallic chemistry.
“This course is recommended for learners who want depth and clarity.”
Free Textbook: John McMurry’s Organic Chemistry (10th Edition)
OpenStax provides this comprehensive 1250-page textbook online for free. It covers organic bonds, compounds, spectroscopy, biomolecules, metabolism, and polymer synthesis.
- Cost: Free online access
- Amazon Rating (9th edition): 4.5/5.0
- Edition: 10th
This textbook suits learners who want an in-depth resource alongside video or course material.
“McMurry’s Organic Chemistry is a trusted resource for detailed organic chemistry concepts.”
Concise Introductory Courses
- The Organic Chemistry Tutor: A free 42-minute video covering basic concepts like bond types, hybridization, and formal charges. Ideal for quick foundational review.
- The Organic Chemistry Course (Udemy): 1-2 hour course targeting pre-university students with name reactions, synthesis, and notes. Free with 11.6K enrollments.
Both are useful for learners with limited time or as exam refreshers.
Exam Preparation: Organic Chemistry Help & Review (Study.com)
This 14-hour paid course prepares students for exams with a review of structure, nomenclature, spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry. It offers lessons and quizzes for active knowledge checks.
Advanced University-Level Course: Organic Chemistry in Biology and Drug Development
Provided by IIT Kharagpur and NPTEL on YouTube, this 42-hour course links organic chemistry to biochemistry and pharmacology. It is ideal for university students focusing on biological applications of organic chemistry.
- Biological macromolecules, protein synthesis
- Enzyme kinetics and inhibition
- Drug discovery and neurotransmitter chemistry
- Pharmacokinetics and QSAR models
Taught by Amit Basak, it earned a 4.4/5.0 rating from 30 reviewers.
Language-Specific Option: Organic Chemistry in Hindi
Available on YouTube from J Chemistry, this free course targets exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, and IIT-JAM. It focuses on reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and organometallics, with content delivered in Hindi.
Comparative Table of Top Organic Chemistry Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Cost | Level | Focus | Enrollment / Views |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring Everyday Chemistry | FutureLearn (Uni. of York) | 16 hrs | Free audit | Adults / Sixth Form | Practical, Life Chemistry | 28.8K |
| High School Organic Chemistry 1 | Udemy | 8 hrs | Paid | High School / Beginners | Foundation, Exam Prep | 9.3K |
| CrashCourse Organic Chemistry | YouTube (CrashCourse) | 6 hrs | Free | College Sophomore | Theory & Mechanisms | 3.1M views |
| Professor Dave Explains | YouTube | 13 hrs | Free | Detailed College Level | Comprehensive Concepts | 2.5M views |
| John McMurry’s Organic Chemistry | OpenStax | 1250 pages | Free | University Level | Textbook | NA |
| Organic Chemistry Help & Review | Study.com | 14 hrs | Paid | Exam Prep (College) | Review & Quizzes | NA |
| Organic Chemistry in Biology and Drug Development | NPTEL/IIT Kharagpur | 42 hrs | Free | University Advanced | Bio & Drug Applications | NA |
Choosing the Best Course for Your Needs
Select online organic chemistry courses based on these factors:
- Level: Beginners benefit from high school or concise introductory courses. Advanced students may prefer university-level options.
- Focus: Practical courses suit learners interested in applications. Theory-heavy courses target exam prep and academic depth.
- Format: Videos with animations help visual learners. Textbooks assist independent deep study.
- Cost: Free courses and textbooks provide accessible learning. Paid options often include certificates or quizzes.
- Language: Choose courses in your preferred language to improve comprehension. Hindi courses are available for Indian exams.
Key Takeaways
- Practical learners can explore chemistry applied to daily life via FutureLearn’s “Exploring Everyday Chemistry”.
- Beginners benefit from Udemy’s “High School Organic Chemistry 1” or short intro videos on YouTube.
- CrashCourse and Professor Dave Explains offer free, comprehensive video series covering college-level material.
- John McMurry’s textbook on OpenStax provides an extensive, free resource for deep study.
- Study.com’s paid course targets exam preparation with lessons and quizzes.
- IIT Kharagpur’s course links organic chemistry with biology and drug development for advanced students.
- Language-specific courses like the Hindi series meet regional exam needs.
What is the best online course for practical organic chemistry?
“Exploring Everyday Chemistry” by FutureLearn and the University of York offers practical kitchen experiments that reveal everyday organic chemistry. It suits adult learners and students preparing for university.
Which online course is ideal for beginners studying organic chemistry?
Udemy’s “High School Organic Chemistry 1” is great for high school students. It covers the basics and helps prepare for exams like IGCSE, A-levels, WAEC, and JAMB in about 8 hours.
Are there free online courses covering comprehensive organic chemistry topics?
Yes. CrashCourse on YouTube offers a 6-hour, animated series covering a wide range of college-level organic chemistry topics with no cost or certificate.
Where can I find detailed yet free organic chemistry lectures online?
Professor Dave Explains on YouTube provides 13 hours of thorough organic chemistry content. It covers basics to advanced topics, focusing on understanding and application.
Is there a free textbook recommended for organic chemistry learners?
John McMurry’s “Organic Chemistry” 10th edition is available for free online through OpenStax. It covers bonds, reactions, biomolecules, and more, making it a valuable resource for students.
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