“The Great Principles of Chemistry” marks Hillsdale’s 38th free online course

Hillsdale College announces its newest online course, “The Great Principles of Chemistry.” Dean of Natural Sciences and Associate Professor of Chemistry Matthew Young teaches the series, which was released on March 28. More than 16,000 people preregistered for the free course.

The online course offers an examination of the principles and key history of chemistry from the early discovery of the elements and the periodic table through the quantum mechanical model of the atom. “Dr. Young does an excellent job providing a fundamental education in the purpose and principles of chemistry through a fascinating exploration of the nature and behavior of the atom,” said Kyle Murnen, director of online learning at Hillsdale College. “If you have a curiosity for the natural world and an appreciation for the beauty of creation, this course is for you.”

“Because chemistry is a central part of the natural sciences, everyone should have some understanding of this vast and fascinating subject,” said Young. “The liberal arts are about cultivating the ability to 'see' reality in all its multifaceted complexity.” Young explains, “Chemistry allows us to 'see' the material world at the atomic and molecular scale. We can understand the order behind the incredible variety of substances in the universe. The purposes of the online course in chemistry are to introduce some of the most important ideas in chemistry, to put the development of modern chemistry into some historical context, and to inspire a renewed appreciation for chemistry.”

Matthew Young is the dean of natural sciences and associate professor of chemistry at Hillsdale College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Seattle Pacific University and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Northwestern University. Matthew Young joined Hillsdale’s faculty in 2007, where he later received the Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2012.

“The Great Principles of Chemistry” includes lessons on:

• Chemistry and the Liberal Arts
• Chemical Elements and the Periodic Table
• Atomic Theory
• Atomic Models
• The Strange Behavior of Electrons
• Atomic Orbitals
• Ionic Bonds
• Covalent Bonds
• The Molecular Basis of Life

To view photos from the course, click here. To view the course’s trailer, click here.

For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent, nonsectarian, Christian liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 6.2 million. For more information, visit hillsdale.edu.

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