15 Top Free Online Chemistry Courses With Certificates

Hey there! Are you interested in learning chemistry without putting a hole in your wallet? Then step right in! I have curated a list of free online chemistry courses with certificates. These chemistry courses are offered by academic institutions from across the world and you can learn the courses right from the comfort of your home. Let’s get started. 

Chemistry is a physical science that deals with the properties, composition, and structure of substances (elements and compounds), the transformations they undergo, and the natural laws that define these changes.

Generally, chemistry is known to be a central science because it connects physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and the earth and environmental sciences.

Chemistry plays a vital role in our everyday lives and thanks to it we are able to meet the basic needs of man including energy, clean air, and water. New technologies in chemistry enrich our quality of life by offering new solutions to problems in health, materials, and energy usage.

Therefore, the study of chemistry prepares one for the real world and offers several rewarding careers.

With a degree in chemistry, you are sure to assume top positions in industry, education, or public service. You can also advance further in other related fields with a degree in chemistry. This is why the free online chemistry courses with certificates are a sure bet for you. The courses will equip you with a rich knowledge of chemistry that will prepare you to learn further advanced concepts in the university and set you up for success in the field. 

Enrolling in free online chemistry courses will help you test the waters if you want to pursue a degree in chemistry or its related discipline later in life. And when that time comes, you will be ready to take up online chemistry courses for college credits so that you can complete college faster. 

You may also enroll in online chemistry courses if you are simply looking to refresh your knowledge in a certain chemistry topic. All the same, you will be taking the courses online without paying a dime. 

However, the free online chemistry courses come with a certificate at the end of the course. While the course is entirely free keep in mind that the certificate may attract some nominal fees, this is typical in any free online courses with certificates that you come across. 

Which is the Best Class to Learn Chemistry Online for Free?

The best place to learn chemistry online for free would be Alison followed by Coursera, FutureLearn, and Udemy. I put Alison first because the classes are not just free but the certificates are free as well. As for Coursera, FutureLearn, and Udemy, there are some free online chemistry courses but their certificates are not free, you will have to pay a fee to receive them. 

Free Online Chemistry Courses With Certificates

Below are the best free online chemistry courses with certificates that you can study anytime and anywhere at your own pace.

These courses come with certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Leeds, Indian Institute of Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and other top universities in the world.

Therefore, the top free online chemistry courses with certificates include:

  • Atmospheric Chemistry: Planets and Life Beyond Earth
  • Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms
  • Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
  • Introduction to Physical Chemistry
  • Advanced Chemistry
  • General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application
  • Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy
  • Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry
  • Big Bang and Origin of Chemical Elements
  • Basic Analytical Chemistry
  • Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness
  • Chemical Spill: Prevention and Response
  • Water Treatment and Purification
  • Diploma in Electrochemical Reactions in Corrosion
  • Advanced Diploma in Soft Matter

1. Atmospheric Chemistry: Planets and Life Beyond Earth

This free online chemistry course teaches about planetary atmospheres in the solar system. It also talks about the development of the atmosphere and how data collected from space travels are used to define the atmosphere of planets.

In addition, this course looks into the factors that support life, and the chances of life on other planets, and begins the search for planets that can support life.

Atmospheric Chemistry is a sure bet for high school and college students who wish to study chemistry at the university.

  • Free online and lasts for a period of 2 weeks (2 hours per week)
  • Pay $44 to get the certificate
  • Start Date: Self-paced

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2. Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms

This free online chemistry course with a certificate is designed specifically for students;

  • preparing for medical school
  • planning to become a research scientist
  • nursing the idea of pursuing a STEM program
  • preparing to become a research scientist

Professor Yaffe, a surgeon and a professor at MIT is the instructor for this course.  The course lays importance on:

  • Developing the students to articulate hypotheses, carry out thought experiments, interpret data, and design experiments.
  • Using data based on real scientific experiments and emphasizing the scientific process.
  • Conceiving real molecular structures with PyMOL so as to understand function and mechanism properly.
  • Appreciating the quantitative aspects of biochemistry and repeating this quantitation with MATLAB.
  • Translating topics in biochemistry to diseases and medicine.
  • Dispatching the real MIT firehose experience.
  • Fulfilling the science of learning in the course design.

The course is free but if you want the certificate then you will have to pay $150 which also comes with other unlimited features like unlimited access to the course.

Start date: Self-paced (12 weeks/3 to 6 hours per week)

Venue: Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX (online)

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3. Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratio

This free online chemistry course is designed for students who do not have a solid foundation in chemistry and there’s an option for the students to obtain a verified certificate at the end of the program.

The course explains the basic concepts in chemical reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, periodic trends, nomenclature, and solutions to chemical problems.

It also aims to prepare students for advanced studies in chemistry that will be useful in the fields of science, health, and other related professions.

As one of the best free online chemistry courses with certificates, this course contains several syllabuses including Introduction to Chemistry, Matter and Energy, Compounds, Chemical Composition & Reactions, Solutions & Solubility Rules, and Acid-base and Redox Reactions.

Upon completion of this online course, you will take and pass a final exam.

  • Start date: Flexible.
  • Duration: 3 weeks (6 hours per week or learn at your own pace)
  • Venue: Duke University via Coursera (online)

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4. Introduction to Physical Chemistry

Introduction to Physical Chemistry deals with the basic concepts of undergraduate physical chemistry such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics. It explains if reactions occur or not, the rate of the reactions, and the activities that take place on the sub-atomic scale.

Upon completion of the course, there is an option of a paid certificate. As one of the known free online chemistry courses with certificates, Introduction to Physical Chemistry is offered by Patrick O’Malley, Michael Anderson, and Jonathan Agger.

The course comprises many modules including:

  1. Thermodynamics I
  2. Thermodynamics II
  3. Virtual Lab 1: Thermodynamics
  4. Chemical Kinetics
  5. Chemical Kinetics II
  6. Virtual Lab 2: Kinetics
  7. Quantum Chemistry I
  8. Virtual Lab 3: Particle in a Box
  9. Quantum Chemistry II
  10. Virtual Lab 4: Hydrogen Emission Spectroscopy
  • Start date: All Year Round.
  • Duration: 3 weeks (6 hours per week or learn at your own pace)
  • Venue: University of Manchester via Coursera (online)

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5. Advanced Chemistry

This course covers all the topics that you will find in advanced high school chemistry classes and it corresponds to the standard topics as set by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

To enroll in this course, you must have a basic knowledge of chemistry such as nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, molarity, and thermochemistry.

This online chemistry course contains the following modules:

  1. Kinetics
  2. Chemical Equilibrium
  3. Acid-Base Equilibria
  4. Aqueous Equilibria
  5. Thermodynamics

Advanced Chemistry is administered online by Allison Soult and Kim Woodrum.

  • Start date: All Year Round
  • Duration: 3 weeks (5 hours per week or at your own pace)
  • Venue: University of Kentucky via Coursera (online)

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6. General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application

This online course that Rice University offers through Coursera covers all the topics in a full one-year General Chemistry course. It is offered to students using a free online textbook and Concept Development Studies in Chemistry through Rice’s Connexions project.

The course contains the following modules:

  1. Atomic Molecular Theory and Atomic Masses
  2. Structure of an Atom and the Electron Shell Model
  3. Electron Energies and Orbitals
  4. Bonding and Structures in Covalent Molecules
  5. Types of Bonding: Non-Metals, Metals, and Salts
  6. Energy Changes and Reaction Energies
  7. Ideal Gas Law and the Kinetic Molecular Theory
  8. Phase Transitions and Phase Equilibrium
  9. Chemical Kinetics
  10. Chemical Equilibrium
  11. Chemical Thermodynamics

As one of the best free online chemistry courses with certificates, it is taught by John Hutchinson.

  • Start date: All Year Round
  • Duration: 3 Weeks (7 hours per week or learn at your own pace)
  • Venue: Rice University via Coursera (online)

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7. Introduction to Molecular Spectroscopy

In this course, you will learn about the major spectroscopic methods that chemists and biochemists use to examine the molecular and electronic structure of atoms and molecules. These major spectroscopic methods include UV/Visible, infrared (IR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopies.

Furthermore, the course is administered using short interactive video sessions and quizzes to examine the understanding of the major spectroscopic methods. Students also have the opportunity to measure and examine spectra using a virtual spectroscopic laboratory.

The modules contained in this course include:

  1. Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy
  2. Infrared Spectroscopy
  3. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Upon completion of the course, students will take and pass a final assessment. This online course has a paid certificate available. It is taught by Patrick J O’Malley, D.Sc

  • Start date: All Year Round
  • Duration: 3 weeks (3 hours per week or learn at your own pace)
  • Venue: University of Manchester via Coursera (online)

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8. Introduction to Solid State Chemistry

This online course teaches the basic principles of chemical bonds by studying the properties of solids such as stiffness, electrical conductivity, thermal expansion, strength, and optical properties.

In this course, you will learn how professionals in chemistry use their expertise to forecast the properties of materials.

Additionally, the course explains the relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding, and atomic order, and the characterization of atomic arrangements in crystalline and amorphous solids (metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers). Students will also learn organic chemistry, solution chemistry, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry, biochemistry, chemical kinetics, diffusion, and phase diagrams.

Michael Cima teaches Introduction to Solid Chemistry which is one of the best free online chemistry courses with certificates. You have to pay $99 for the certificate but the course itself is free. 

  • Start date: Self-paced
  • Duration: 15 weeks (11-13 hours per week)
  • Venue: Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX (online)

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9. Big Bang and Origin of Chemical Elements

In this course, students will learn the nuclear structure of the atom, the creation of hydrogen in the big bang universe, and the fusion of hydrogen to develop heavier elements.

The modules contained in the course include Atomic Nucleus, Origin of Elements, Cosmic Background Radiation, and Expansion of the Universe.

  • Start date: All Year Round
  • Duration: 4 weeks (4-5 hours per week)
  • Venue: Seoul National University via edX (online)

Upon successful completion of the course, students pay a little sum of $49 to get their certificates. The course is taught by Hie-Joon Kim and Tony Cho.

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10. Basic Analytical Chemistry 

This course covers the basics of experimental and analytical methods and the role of chemistry in society. It teaches students the principles of analytical chemistry and shows the application of the principles in chemistry and its related fields including life sciences, environmental sciences, and geochemistry.

Before you complete this course, you will develop critical reasoning that can be applied to solve emerging problems in chemistry and related fields of study.

The modules contained in this course include:

  1. Basic Tools of Analytical Methods
  2. Chemical Equilibria for Quantitative Analysis
  3. Electrochemical Analysis and Spectrophotometry
  4. Spectrochemical Analysis and Analytical Separations

This course is taught by Takeaki Ozawa and Liang-da Chiu.

  • Start date: All Year Round
  • Duration: 6 weeks (3-4 hours per week or study at your own pace)
  • Venue: The University of Tokyo via edX (online)

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11. Hydrogen Sulfide Awareness

This is one of the free online chemistry courses on Alison that teaches basic precautions and promotes awareness of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas. You will learn how to work safely in an environment rich in hydrogen sulfide and gain a better understanding of the gas’ exposure limits, health effects, detection methods, suitable personal protective equipment, and emergency response measures.

When you complete this course, you will gain skills in health and safety, chemistry, first aid, health, industrial engineering, and pollution. The free certification you receive will show all of these skills to anyone who cares to know.

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12. Chemical Spill: Prevention and Response

Chemical spills are common but with the right education, you can learn how to prepare for when it happens. In this free online chemistry course, Chemical Spill: Prevention and Response, you will learn the health and safety measures to take when chemical spills occur. Such skills can enhance your resume or CV especially if you are looking to work in a manufacturing firm.

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13. Water Treatment and Purification

This is a practical course that takes learners through conducting chemical analysis of major and minor ions. The course also explores water purity and how to maintain this purity. It is an interesting course that will help you learn more about the water you drink daily and the chemical elements present in it.

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14. Diploma in Electrochemical Reactions in Corrosion

You must have seen metals corrode, haven’t you? Did you know there is a chemical explanation behind it? You will learn all about the cause of corrosion in this free online course and develop your understanding of electrochemical reactions. There is a free certificate at the end of the course.

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15. Advanced Diploma in Soft Matter

What is soft matter? If there is soft matter does that mean that is hard matter too? Enroll in this course to learn what soft matter is and have other questions you may have concerning matter answered. The course is 100% free and also comes with a free certificate.

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Conclusion

Through chemistry, experts in the field study the properties of natural and man-made chemicals, discover natural chemicals, and develop new chemicals. This is why chemistry is called the central science because all scientists study chemicals at some point.

The world has been enhanced due to several advancements in the field of chemistry. The enhancements are evident in the manufacture of new drugs for diseases and new sources of energy that enable new activities.

These free online chemistry courses with certificates offered online by renowned institutions and professionals will give you the hands-on experience to succeed in the field of chemistry.

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