Chemistry for Fun Part 1: (Foundations): all you need to get started
We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.
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We begin by considering the Periodic Table and discover how the Table directly reflects the structure of atoms. Understanding atomic structure enables us to better understand how and why chemical reactions take place. We consider some chemical reactions in detail, and also observe how we can depict these reactions using the notation used by chemists across the world.
1) Unlocking the Periodic Table – what the table tells us. 2) Atoms and elements – all the same but all different – why lead is not gold. 3) Combining and creating – why I can eat salt but not sodium. 4) How do I put these together? – different ways in which atoms can combine. 5) Understanding the notation – the alphabet of Chemistry and its sentences.
What will we cover?
1) The structure and contents of the Periodic Table 2) The structure of atoms, and how this structure enables atoms to join together. 3) The effects of combination upon the behaviour of elements. 4) Three types of bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic. 5) Understanding and using chemical notation.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
1) Explain how the structure of the Periodic Table reflects the structure of atoms. 2) Recognise the key components of atoms and how they participate in chemical reactions. 3) Identify how and why elements combine together, and how combination affects their properties. 4) Explain the three main types of chemical bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic. 5) Read and understand the notation used by chemists to depict chemicals and the interactions between them.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course does not require any background in chemistry. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already studied some chemistry.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs - please bring a notepad/pen/device if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases! (T2) HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids (T3).
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/chemistry-for-fun-part-1-foundations-all-you-need-to-get-started2482081Chemistry for Fun Part 1: (Foundations): all you need to get startedhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/h/chemistry-fun-hs318-1080.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Physics/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature22851211124116661228512111666We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.003031576Chemistry for Fun Part 1: (Foundations): all you need to get started129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/h/chemistry-fun-hs318-1080_3.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceOct 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS318129129Chemistry for Fun Part 1: (Foundations): all you need to get started10384129Gary Retallickchemistry-for-fun-part-1-foundations-all-you-need-to-get-started/hs318-2627We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.0000-Available|2026-10-28 00:00:00We begin by considering the Periodic Table and discover how the Table directly reflects the structure of atoms. Understanding atomic structure enables us to better understand how and why chemical reactions take place. We consider some chemical reactions in detail, and also observe how we can depict these reactions using the notation used by chemists across the world.<br><br>1) Unlocking the Periodic Table – what the table tells us.<br>2) Atoms and elements – all the same but all different – why lead is not gold.<br>3) Combining and creating – why I can eat salt but not sodium.<br>4) How do I put these together? – different ways in which atoms can combine.<br>5) Understanding the notation – the alphabet of Chemistry and its sentences.We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.1) The structure and contents of the Periodic Table<br>2) The structure of atoms, and how this structure enables atoms to join together.<br>3) The effects of combination upon the behaviour of elements.<br>4) Three types of bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic.<br>5) Understanding and using chemical notation.1) Explain how the structure of the Periodic Table reflects the structure of atoms.<br>2) Recognise the key components of atoms and how they participate in chemical reactions.<br>3) Identify how and why elements combine together, and how combination affects their properties.<br>4) Explain the three main types of chemical bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic.<br>5) Read and understand the notation used by chemists to depict chemicals and the interactions between them.This course does not require any background in chemistry. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already studied some chemistry.The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.No other costs - please bring a notepad/pen/device if you wish to take notes.HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases! (T2)<br>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids (T3).Science & naturePhysicsvirtual10312984HS318NONEWed28/10/26 - 25/11/2611:00 - 12:3011:0012:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetGary RetallickBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-10-28T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Business, marketing & technology129129Chemistry for Fun Part 1: (Foundations): all you need to get startedchemistry-for-fun-part-1-foundations-all-you-need-to-get-started/hs318-2627We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.0000-Available|2026-10-28 00:00:00We begin by considering the Periodic Table and discover how the Table directly reflects the structure of atoms. Understanding atomic structure enables us to better understand how and why chemical reactions take place. We consider some chemical reactions in detail, and also observe how we can depict these reactions using the notation used by chemists across the world.<br><br>1) Unlocking the Periodic Table – what the table tells us.<br>2) Atoms and elements – all the same but all different – why lead is not gold.<br>3) Combining and creating – why I can eat salt but not sodium.<br>4) How do I put these together? – different ways in which atoms can combine.<br>5) Understanding the notation – the alphabet of Chemistry and its sentences.We consider some basic concepts in Chemistry, the materials which we encounter, the reactions between them, and the notation used internationally to represent these, establishing the foundations needed to appreciate this fascinating area of science.1) The structure and contents of the Periodic Table<br>2) The structure of atoms, and how this structure enables atoms to join together.<br>3) The effects of combination upon the behaviour of elements.<br>4) Three types of bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic.<br>5) Understanding and using chemical notation.1) Explain how the structure of the Periodic Table reflects the structure of atoms.<br>2) Recognise the key components of atoms and how they participate in chemical reactions.<br>3) Identify how and why elements combine together, and how combination affects their properties.<br>4) Explain the three main types of chemical bonding – ionic, covalent and metallic.<br>5) Read and understand the notation used by chemists to depict chemicals and the interactions between them.This course does not require any background in chemistry. All the topics will be explained from first principles. At the same time, the topics covered will also be of interest to those who have already studied some chemistry.The topics will be presented by the tutor with the aid of various audio-visual presentations such as PowerPoints and short video clips. We will discuss questions as a class as they arise. The materials presented will be available on Google Classroom, but you may wish to make your own notes. There will be no requirement for any work outside of class, although the tutor will be happy to discuss any related topics which you have considered.No other costs - please bring a notepad/pen/device if you wish to take notes.HS327 Chemistry for Fun, Part 2: Inorganic: burning metals and choking gases! (T2)<br>HS331 Chemistry for Fun, Part 3, Organic: From Alkanes to Amino Acids (T3).Science & naturePhysicsconfigurable
