Discovering Science: Chemical Products (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Leeds,
Discovering Science: Chemical Products (FutureLearn)

With chemistry providing us an endless amount of possibilities, what would you choose to develop? For centuries natural materials have been used by people to meet their daily needs. Discover how scientists are using their knowledge of the molecular structure of naturally occurring compounds to develop new and exciting materials. From clothing to tooth enamel, the possibilities are endless. You’ll also consider the chemistry behind the development of everyday consumer, and consider the ethics behind the products you use.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Syllabus

Week 1: From biomaterials to bio-inspired materials
Week 2: Consumer products

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Identify how an understanding of natural fibres has led to the development of synthetic fibres.
  • Explore how bio-inspired materials have the potential to make significant impacts on our everyday lives.
  • Investigate the chemistry behind everyday household products.
  • Explore the impacts of consumer products.
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy (Coursera) Coursera
University of Manchester

Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy (Coursera)

The course introduces the three key spectroscopic methods used by chemists and biochemists to analyse the molecular and electronic structure of atoms and molecules. These are UV/Visible , Infra-red (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The content is presented using short focussed and interactive screencast presentations accompanied by formative quizzes to probe understanding of the key concepts presented. Numerous exercises are provided to facilitate mastery of each topic. A unique virtual spectroscopic laboratory is made available to enable students to measure and analyse spectra online. Assessment is via summative quizzes completed during the course period.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Mastering bitumen for better roads and innovative applications (Coursera) Coursera
École des Ponts ParisTech

Mastering bitumen for better roads and innovative applications (Coursera)

During the four coming weeks, best experts in bitumen will bring you their knowledge and experience to build a strong understanding of today’s realities and new perspectives on the future of bitumen. Total is the European leader on bitumen markets. Innovation has always been the key to sustainability and durability in the products they develop. Their main objective here is to share technical knowledge and experience to insure bitumen are being used in the most effective and efficient ways for their different applications in road works.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
El enlace químico y las interacciones moleculares (edX) EdX
Universitat Politècnica de València,UPValenciaX

El enlace químico y las interacciones moleculares (edX)

Aprenderemos a identificar los tipos de enlace presentes en los compuestos químicos y a relacionar la estructura de éstos con sus propiedades. Los materiales que utilizamos diariamente y los objetos que nos rodean están formados por sustancias químicas cuyas propiedades, aplicaciones y transformaciones dependen del tipo de enlace que las caracteriza. El tipo de enlace condiciona la interacción entre las moléculas de un compuesto.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry) (edX) EdX
HarvardX,Harvard University

Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry) (edX)

Top chefs and Harvard researchers explore how everyday cooking and haute cuisine can illuminate basic principles in chemistry, physics, and engineering. Learn about food molecules and how chemical reactions can affect food texture and flavor. During each module of this course, chefs reveal the secrets behind some of their most famous culinary creations — often right in their own restaurants. Inspired by such cooking mastery, the Harvard team will then explain the science behind the recipe.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Atmospheric Chemistry: Planets and Life Beyond Earth (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Atmospheric Chemistry: Planets and Life Beyond Earth (FutureLearn)

Learn about the atmospheric chemistry of planets and celestial bodies and explore the possibility of finding life beyond Earth. Discover the extraordinary world of atmospheric chemistry. On this course you will learn about planetary atmospheres across our solar system and beyond. You will discover what an atmosphere is, how it’s formed, and how data collected from space missions is used to determine a planet’s atmosphere.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Iniciándome en la Química (Coursera)

En este curso aprenderás los conocimientos básicos de química general que te permitirán tener una mejor comprensión del estudio de la química, así como de la naturaleza. A lo largo del curso aprenderás la clasificación de la materia y sus propiedades, las teorías atómicas, la clasificación periódica, los tipos de enlaces y nomenclatura inorgánica.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Thermodynamique : applications (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Thermodynamique : applications (Coursera)

Ce cours complète le MOOC « Thermodynamique : fondements » qui vous permettra de mettre en application les concepts fondamentaux de la thermodynamique. Pour atteindre cet objectif, le Professeur J.-Ph. Ansermet de l’Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne s’est entouré d’experts et de spécialistes des différents domaines d’application provenant de diverses institutions partenaires du réseau RESCIF. Vous pourrez ainsi voir l’usage de la thermodynamique en chimie, en ingénierie et en physique.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Physical Chemistry (Coursera) Coursera
University of Manchester

Introduction to Physical Chemistry (Coursera)

Chemical reactions underpin the production of pretty much everything in our modern world. But, what is the driving force behind reactions? Why do some reactions occur over geological time scales whilst others are so fast that we need femtosecond-pulsed lasers to study them? Ultimately, what is going on at the atomic level? Discover the answers to such fundamental questions and more on this course in introductory physical chemistry.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios (Coursera)

This is an introductory course for students with limited background in chemistry; basic concepts involved in chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, periodic trends, nomenclature, and chemical problem solving will be emphasized with the goal of preparing students for further study in chemistry as needed for many science, health, and policy professions.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Biology Everywhere Foundations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Biology Everywhere Foundations (Coursera)

In this course, we will explore the nature of science and biology. We will discuss what the “biology everywhere” philosophy means and the history of the “biology everywhere” project. We will also discuss what science (and biology) are as a discipline of inquiry and how chemistry is foundational to understanding biology.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Más que química (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Más que química (Coursera)

El objeto de la química, como disciplina científica, se enfoca en el estudio de la materia y de los cambios que ésta experimenta. En tanto disciplina científica, a la que se le atribuye la reputación de ser una ciencia complicada y aburrida. Esta reputación, bastante inmerecida, obedece al poco conocimiento que se tiene sobre ella y sobre sus enormes posibilidades de aplicación en el mundo científico, en diferentes campos de la industria y la producción, así como en la vida cotidiana.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks