Sciences · Foundational
Chemistry Instruction.
Chemistry is where the microscopic and macroscopic worlds meet. Well-taught chemistry turns memorization into a coherent story about atoms, energy, and change.
Vinai Sharma teaches chemistry as one integrated science — from atomic structure through stoichiometry, equilibria, and thermodynamics — with dimensional analysis at the center of every problem.
Book a Free ConsultationTutoring Plan · Rates · AvailabilityCourse Snapshot
Chemistry at a glance.
The essentials every student and family should understand before beginning coursework or tutoring.
- Course Level
- Grades 10 – 12 / College Introductory
- Duration
- Full academic year
- Prerequisites
- Algebra 1 fluency
- Standardized Alignment
- NY Chemistry Regents · AP Chemistry · MCAT
- Format
- One-on-one live online tutoring
- Coverage
- General chemistry, AP chemistry, MCAT chemistry
Section 01
Course Overview
Chemistry moves fluidly between the atomic and the observable. Every chemical phenomenon — a reaction, a phase change, a battery — has a molecular explanation.
The course begins with atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, and molecular geometry. Students then move into stoichiometry, states of matter, thermochemistry, kinetics, and equilibrium.
The final third covers acids and bases, electrochemistry, and a rigorous introduction to organic chemistry — the bridge to AP Chemistry, MCAT chemistry, and organic chemistry proper.
Section 02
Major Units
The core structure of the course — every student progresses through these units in a deliberate, connected sequence.
- Unit 01
Atomic Structure
Atoms, isotopes, electron configurations, and periodic trends.
- Unit 02
Bonding & Molecular Geometry
Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding; VSEPR; polarity.
- Unit 03
Stoichiometry
Moles, balancing equations, and reaction calculations.
- Unit 04
States of Matter
Gases, liquids, solids, and phase changes.
- Unit 05
Thermochemistry
Heat, enthalpy, and calorimetry.
- Unit 06
Chemical Kinetics
Reaction rates, rate laws, and reaction mechanisms.
- Unit 07
Chemical Equilibrium
Equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier's principle, and Q vs. K.
- Unit 08
Acids & Bases
pH, buffers, titrations, and acid-base equilibria.
- Unit 09
Electrochemistry
Oxidation, reduction, cell potentials, and electrolysis.
- Unit 10
Organic Chemistry Introduction
Functional groups, nomenclature, and basic mechanisms.
Section 03
Complete Topic & Subtopic Tree
Every topic covered in the full course, broken down into the specific subtopics Vinai Sharma teaches one-on-one.
Atomic & Molecular Structure
Atoms
- Subatomic particles
- Isotopes
- Mass spectrometry
- Electron configurations
Periodic Trends
- Atomic radius
- Ionization energy
- Electronegativity
- Electron affinity
Bonding
- Ionic
- Covalent
- Metallic
- Lewis structures
Molecular Geometry
- VSEPR
- Hybridization
- Polarity
- Intermolecular forces
Reactions & Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry
- Moles
- Balancing equations
- Limiting reactants
- Percent yield
Reaction Types
- Combination
- Decomposition
- Single & double displacement
- Combustion
Solutions
- Molarity
- Dilution
- Solubility rules
- Colligative properties
Gases
- Ideal gas law
- Partial pressures
- Kinetic theory
- Gas stoichiometry
Thermodynamics & Equilibrium
Thermochemistry
- Heat & work
- Enthalpy
- Hess's law
- Calorimetry
Kinetics
- Rate laws
- Integrated rate laws
- Activation energy
- Reaction mechanisms
Equilibrium
- Kc & Kp
- Reaction quotient Q
- Le Chatelier
- ICE tables
Free Energy
- Entropy
- Gibbs free energy
- Spontaneity
- Coupled reactions
Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry
Acid-Base Theory
- Arrhenius, Brønsted, Lewis
- Strong vs. weak
- pH & pOH
- Ka & Kb
Titrations & Buffers
- Titration curves
- Equivalence points
- Buffers
- Henderson-Hasselbalch
Redox
- Oxidation numbers
- Balancing redox
- Half-reactions
Electrochemistry
- Galvanic cells
- Standard potentials
- Electrolysis
- Nernst equation
Section 04
Skills Developed
The underlying skills every student builds in this course — the durable abilities that carry through to advanced coursework and standardized exams.
Conceptual Understanding
Learning why the science or mathematics works — not just which button to press.
Problem-Solving Fluency
Breaking multi-step problems into manageable, repeatable moves.
Precise Notation & Language
Writing arguments cleanly enough that another mathematician or scientist can follow them.
Quantitative Reasoning
Choosing the right structure and estimating whether an answer is plausible.
Independent Study Habits
Reading a textbook, working through examples, and self-checking without a teacher present.
Exam Readiness
Sustained accuracy under timed conditions, on both school exams and standardized tests.
Section 05
Common Student Challenges
The patterns Vinai Sharma sees most often — and exactly how each is addressed during tutoring.
Section 06
Why Chemistry Matters
Why this course is one of the highest-leverage academic investments a family can make.
Foundation for the Life Sciences
Biochemistry, biology, and medicine all rest on general chemistry fundamentals.
Engineering Prerequisite
Chemical, materials, and environmental engineering all require strong general chemistry.
AP Chemistry Rigor
AP Chemistry is one of the more challenging AP exams; strong preparation is a college-admissions signal.
MCAT Content
General chemistry is a major content area on the MCAT's Chem/Phys section.
Regents Diploma
The NY Chemistry Regents is one of the required science exams for a Regents diploma.
Scientific Literacy
Understanding pH, chemical equilibria, and reactions is core scientific literacy — from climate discussion to medicine.
Section 07
Connections to Other STEM Subjects
How Chemistry connects to the rest of the Vinai Sharma curriculum — the courses it prepares students for, and the exams it supports.
Algebra 2
Logarithms (pH, pKa), exponentials, and rate-law manipulation come from Algebra 2.
Physics
Thermodynamics and kinetics have direct physics analogs.
Biology
Biochemistry — proteins, DNA, enzymes — is applied general chemistry.
Organic Chemistry
The introduction here is the direct on-ramp to full organic chemistry.
MCAT
Chemistry appears throughout both the Chem/Phys and Bio/Biochem sections of the MCAT.
Environmental Science
Acid rain, ocean chemistry, and combustion all depend on general chemistry concepts.
Science & Math Library
Comprehensive Chemistry Formula Sheet.
A single premium reference covering every formula, definition, and result the course expects — organized by unit, written by Vinai Sharma. The full sheet is being authored and will be published in the Science & Math Library.
Visit the Science & Math LibraryChemistry Formula & Reference Sheet
Every key formula, definition, theorem, and reference students need — organized by unit and cross-referenced to the topic tree above.
- Atomic Structure
- Bonding & Molecular Geometry
- Stoichiometry
- States of Matter
- Thermochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
Free Resources
A growing library of premium references.
Curated reference material for every Chemistry student. Full guides are being written by Vinai Sharma and will appear in the Science & Math Library as they are published.
Chemistry · Formula Sheet
Every essential chemistry formula, constant, and equation in one reference.
Chemistry · Stoichiometry Guide
The dimensional-analysis framework for every stoichiometry problem.
Chemistry · Equilibrium Guide
ICE tables, Q vs. K, and Le Chatelier's principle with worked examples.
Chemistry · Acid-Base Guide
Every titration and buffer scenario with the decision-tree approach.
Chemistry · Thermodynamics Guide
Enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, and spontaneity walkthroughs.
Chemistry · AP Chemistry Study Guide
A calibrated review plan for the AP Chemistry examination.
How Vinai Sharma Teaches
A six-step path from first call to full mastery.
Every student follows the same disciplined arc — from an honest starting point to sustained fluency in the material.
- Step 01
Initial Consultation
A no-pressure conversation about goals, timeline, and current coursework.
- Step 02
Diagnostic Assessment
A focused diagnostic identifies exactly where each unit of the course stands.
- Step 03
Personalized Learning Plan
A written plan mapped to the student's timeline, coursework, and academic goals.
- Step 04
Concept Mastery
Underlying concepts are rebuilt where needed — every skill stands on real understanding.
- Step 05
Guided Problem Solving
One-on-one whiteboard instruction on every difficult problem type in the course.
- Step 06
Assessment Preparation
Targeted preparation for school assessments, standardized exams, and course finals.
Study Plans
Four premium tutoring timelines.
Each plan is a starting framework. Every student's actual schedule is customized after the diagnostic assessment.
Intensive
Focused refinement for students already at a strong baseline heading into a major assessment.
Discuss This PlanStandard
Targeted work on the highest-impact units of the course plus consistent problem practice.
Discuss This PlanComprehensive
Full concept review, unit-by-unit mastery, and periodic assessment checkpoints.
Discuss This PlanMastery
The deepest preparation — foundations rebuilt, every unit mastered, ready for the next course in the sequence.
Discuss This PlanFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions families most often ask before beginning tutoring in this subject.
Ready to Begin
One-on-one chemistry instruction with Vinai Sharma.
Book a free consultation to discuss your student's current coursework, goals, and timeline. Every plan is built from an honest starting point.
Begin
Start with a focused strategy conversation.
The strategy session is the first step of working together — a focused academic planning and diagnostic conversation used to understand the student before any ongoing academic support begins.
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