This guide rounds up more than 140 free online chemistry courses, drawn from universities and institutions including MIT, Harvard, Yale, Rice, and Delft. They are organized by topic, from your first steps with atoms to graduate-level quantum and computational chemistry, so you can go straight to the area you care about.
The collection spans general chemistry, organic and biological chemistry, physical and analytical chemistry, inorganic and materials chemistry, environmental and medical chemistry, and computational methods. Courses are free to audit, and many are the same ones taught on campus.
Chemistry sits behind a lot of what is changing in the world, from turning air and electricity into fertilizer to speeding up photosynthesis. If you want to develop new treatments, design a better material, or just understand why bread rises, there is a course below to catalyze your learning. Pick a section and start.
- Chemistry 101: Your First Steps
- Chemical Structure & Bonding: Why Things Stick Together
- Chemical Reactions & Equilibria: Make It React
- Physical Chemistry: The Chemistry That Powers Your World
- Inorganic & Materials Chemistry: Build Tomorrow
- Organic & Biological Chemistry: From Your DNA to Your Medicine Cabinet
- Earth & Environmental Chemistry: Green Solutions You Can Study
- Medical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry: The Chemistry That Heals
- Computational & Theoretical Chemistry: Where AI Meets Molecules
Chemistry 101: Your First Steps
Chemistry 101: Your First Steps
Exploring Everyday Chemistry
University of York via FutureLearn
Reacciones Químicas y Cálculos Estequiométricos
Universitat Politècnica de València via edX
General Chemistry Laboratory Experiments
METUopencouseware via YouTube
General Chemistry II: Chemical Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Transition Metals
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Alkanes – Organic Chemistry (Nomenclature, Preparation, Properties and Reactions) #organicchemistry
Excellence Academy via YouTube
Pre-University Chemistry
Delft University of Technology via edX
Introduction to Thermodynamics
University of Hull via FutureLearn
Chemistry
Modern States via Independent
Water for life
The Open University via OpenLearn
Preparing for CLEP Chemistry: Part 2
Cooper Union via edX
General Chemistry
Professor Dave Explains via YouTube
Gases and Electrochemistry
MGH Institute of Health Professions via edX
The Organic Chemistry Course
via Udemy
Quantum Chemistry of Atoms and Molecules
NPTEL via YouTube
General Chemistry 1 Review Study Guide – IB, AP, & College Chem Final Exam
The Organic Chemistry Tutor via YouTube
Chemistry 101 – Part 4 Chemistry in Society
via Udemy
General Chemistry – Full University Course
via freeCodeCamp
General Chemistry Practice Problems
Professor Dave Explains via YouTube
General Chemistry
Chad’s Prep via YouTube
A Level Bridging Videos
Allery Chemistry via YouTube
Edexcel Year 1 Revision
Allery Chemistry via YouTube
Alkenes – Organic Chemistry (Nomenclature, Preparation, Properties and Reactions) #organicchemistry
Excellence Academy via YouTube
OCR B (Salters) Year 1 Revision
Allery Chemistry via YouTube
Chad’s General Chemistry Videos
Chad’s Prep via YouTube
OCR A Year 1 Revision
Allery Chemistry via YouTube
AP Chemistry Video Essentials
Bozeman Science via YouTube
Oxidation Reduction (Redox)
Tyler DeWitt via YouTube
General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application
Rice University via Coursera
Chemical Structure & Bonding: Why Things Stick Together
Organic Chemistry Lab Workshop
NPTEL via YouTube
La Química Orgánica: un mundo a tu alcance (Parte 2)
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid via edX
Organic Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Organic Chemistry
Professor Dave Explains via YouTube
Quantum Mechanics of Molecular Structures
University of Tokyo via edX++
Organic Chemistry by CrashCourse
CrashCourse via YouTube
Atomic Structure Class 11 IIT JEE Chemistry
Unacademy via YouTube
Organic Chemistry Practice Problems
Professor Dave Explains via YouTube
Coordination Chemistry
CEC via YouTube
Freshman Organic Chemistry II with Michael McBride
Yale University via YouTube
Organic Chemistry
Chad’s Prep via YouTube
VSEPR
Tyler DeWitt via YouTube
Chemical Reactions & Equilibria: Make It React
Introducción a la Estructura de la Materia
Universitat Politècnica de València via edX
Formulación y nomenclatura de compuestos químicos
Universitat Politècnica de València via edX
Biochemistry
The Organic Chemistry Tutor via YouTube
Discovering Science: Atmospheric Chemistry
University of Leeds via FutureLearn
Discovering chemistry
The Open University via OpenLearn
Biological Chemistry I
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Chemistry by CrashCourse
CrashCourse via YouTube
Principles of Chemical Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Thermodynamics & Kinetics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
CHE-510 ADVANCED CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING – PROF.DR. DENİZ ÜNER
METUopencouseware via YouTube
Biochemistry
Professor Dave Explains via YouTube
Entropy and Equilibria
Harvard University via edX
Introduction to Computational Materials Design
Osaka University via edX
Coordination Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Chemistry – Guided Memorization Nomenclature
via Udemy
Mass Transfer: Diffusion & Convection
via Udemy
Electrochemistry
Tyler DeWitt via YouTube
Principles Of Organic Synthesis
NPTEL via YouTube
Physical Chemistry: The Chemistry That Powers Your World
Quantum Mechanics
Georgetown University via edX
Reacciones rédox en la industria y la naturaleza
Universitat Politècnica de València via edX
Reacciones de oxidación-reducción: conceptos básicos
Universitat Politècnica de València via edX
Physical Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Principles and Applications of NMR Spectroscopy
NPTEL via YouTube
Graphene Science and Technology
Chalmers University of Technology via edX
Identifying Food Fraud
University of East Anglia via FutureLearn
Engineering Chemistry 1
NPTEL via YouTube
Small-Molecule Spectroscopy and Dynamics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Electrochemistry Class 12 IIT JEE Chemistry
Unacademy via YouTube
Basic Analytical Chemistry
University of Tokyo via edX
Electrochemistry
Harvard University via edX
Battery Technology
Delft University of Technology via edX
Energy to Electrochemistry Final Exam
Harvard University via edX
Battery Energy: Fundamentals for a Sustainable, Greener Future
Deakin University via FutureLearn
Trial Lessons: Battery Materials and Technology
University of Bayreuth via edX
Biophysical chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Synchrotrons and X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (part 2)
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via edX
GREEN HYDROGEN : THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE
via Udemy
Introductory Quantum Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Chemistry I:Introduction To Quantum Chemistry And Molecular Spectroscopy
NPTEL via YouTube
Chimie : ouvrez les portes de l’enseignement supérieur !
Université de Liège via France Université Numerique
Li-ion batteries devices for sustainable energy storage
Politecnico di Milano via Polimi OPEN KNOWLEDGE
Physical chemistry
Academic Lesson via YouTube
NEET: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Class 11 NEET
Unacademy via YouTube
CHEM 350 – Quantum Chemistry
METUopencouseware via YouTube
Organic Photochemistry and Pericyclic Reactions
NPTEL via YouTube
Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy
NPTEL via YouTube
Inorganic & Materials Chemistry: Build Tomorrow
Bioinorganic Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Introduction to Solid State Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Introduction to Solid State Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Introduction of Organometallic Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Water quality and the biogeochemical engine
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via edX
Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Cellular Polymers: Structure, Properties, Processing, Applications
University of Bayreuth via edX
Introduction to polymers
The Open University via OpenLearn
Functional Polymeric Materials
Osaka University via edX
Comprendre les Nanosciences
Université Paris-Saclay via France Université Numerique
Organic and Biomaterials Chemistry Part 1: An Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MITx Online
Introduction to Organometallic Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
Coordination Compounds Class 12 IIT JEE Chemistry
Unacademy via YouTube
Pharmaceutical Crystal Engineering for Design, Development and Scale-up for Pharmaceutical Solids
NPTEL-NOC IITM via YouTube
Polymers: concepts, properties, uses and sustainability| IIT Madras
NPTEL-NOC IITM via YouTube
Organometallic Chemistry BSc S5 Kerala University
Dr. Prinson P Samuel via YouTube
Curso cero de Químicas para Ciencias (Permanente)
UNED Abierta via UNED Abierta
Organic & Biological Chemistry: From Your DNA to Your Medicine Cabinet
Organic Chemistry in Biology and Drug Development
NPTEL via YouTube
Principles of Biochemistry
Harvard University via edX
Introductory Biology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Birth of a drug
The Open University via OpenLearn
La Química Orgánica: un mundo a tu alcance
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid via edX
Reagents in Organic Synthesis
NPTEL via YouTube
DNA and Atoms: The Secret of Life
Seoul National University via edX
Proteins: Biology’s Workforce
Rice University via edX
Biological Chemistry II
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Biochemistry
Shomu’s Biology via YouTube
Organic Chemistry [PLAY Chemistry]
PLAY Chemistry via YouTube
Understanding Biological Energy
Royal Holloway, University of London via FutureLearn
Literature Case Studies in Drug Discovery
Davidson College via edX
Lead Discovery & Optimization for Efficacy, PK, & Safety
Davidson College via edX
Basic Steps in Magnetic Resonance
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via edX
Organic Compounds
MGH Institute of Health Professions via edX
Introductory Organic Chemistry I
NPTEL via YouTube
General Organic Chemistry Class 11 IIT JEE
Unacademy via YouTube
Chemistry – Heterocyclic Chemistry
NPTEL via YouTube
CHEMISTRY: Organic Chemistry
FuseSchool – Global Education via YouTube
Earth & Environmental Chemistry: Green Solutions You Can Study
Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science
NPTEL via YouTube
Water quality and the biogeochemical engine
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via edX
Medical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry: The Chemistry That Heals
Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry
University of Leeds via FutureLearn
Drug development process: combating pain
The Open University via OpenLearn
Python for Bioinformatics – Drug Discovery Using Machine Learning and Data Analysis
via freeCodeCamp
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Development
NPTEL-NOC IITM via YouTube
Innovate & Regulate: Drug Research, Costs, Clinical Trials & Approval
Davidson College via edX
Clinical Drug Development of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Taipei Medical University via FutureLearn
新药发现和药物靶点 | Drug Discovery and its Target
Peking University via edX
Consumer and Environmental Safety: Food Packaging and Kitchenware
EIT Food via edX
Introduction to Drug Discovery
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via edX
Making Biologic Medicines for Patients: The Principles of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods
NPTEL-NOC IITM via YouTube
Ensemble réduisons la présence de métaux toxiques dans notre assiette (archivé ouvert)
via France Université Numerique
Computational & Theoretical Chemistry: Where AI Meets Molecules
Quantum Computing for Natural Sciences (with IBM Quantum)
via openHPI
Computational Chemistry and Classical Molecular Dynamics
NPTEL via YouTube
Quantum Chemitry III MSc Chemistry Kerala University
Dr. Prinson P Samuel via YouTube
Quantum Chemistry II MSc Chemistry Kerala University
Dr. Prinson P Samuel via YouTube
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Questions Learners Ask
Are there free online chemistry courses?
Yes. There are hundreds of free online chemistry courses from universities and platforms including MIT OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, Swayam, and YouTube. Class Central lists more than 140 free courses, covering every level from introductory chemistry to graduate topics.
What is the best way to learn chemistry for free?
Start with a structured introductory course such as MIT’s Principles of Chemical Science, then move into the branch you need, whether that is organic, physical, or biochemistry. Video courses on YouTube work well for quick review, while university courses on edX and Coursera give you a fuller, graded path. The sections group courses this way so you can build in order.
Can I get a free online chemistry course with a certificate?
Many chemistry courses are free to take, but a verified certificate costs extra. If a certificate is your main goal, check the course page for its exact certificate option before enrolling.
Where can I learn organic chemistry for free?
Free options range from full university lectures, including Yale’s organic chemistry series, to focused explainer channels such as The Organic Chemistry Tutor. For a curated shortlist, see the Organic and Biological Chemistry section and Class Central’s separate guide to the best organic chemistry courses.
Do I need any background to start learning chemistry online?
No. Several courses are built for complete beginners, including Pre-University Chemistry from Delft and introductory series that start with atoms, elements, and basic reactions. Begin with the Chemistry 101 section, then move up as you get comfortable.
The post Your Formula for Chemistry: 140+ Free Online Courses [2026] appeared first on The Report by Class Central.