Why does molecular shape matter—and how can symmetry help us understand it?

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we introduce the core ideas of structural inorganic chemistry, focusing on the principle that a molecule’s physical and chemical properties are governed by its three-dimensional arrangement of atoms. To make sense of this complexity, chemists rely on symmetry as a precise mathematical language for describing molecular structure.

The episode explains how molecules are classified into point groups based on their geometric features, and clarifies the critical distinction between symmetry operations, actions such as rotations or reflections that leave a molecule appearing unchanged, and symmetry elements, the point, axes or planes about which those operations occur.

We then explore character tables as powerful tools that allow chemists to predict molecular behavior, including orbital interactions, selection rules, and spectroscopic activity. These concepts form the backbone of how symmetry connects abstract geometry to real experimental observables.

Finally, the episode introduces the Born–Oppenheimer approximation and potential energy surfaces, laying the groundwork for understanding how molecular geometry evolves during vibrations, reactions, and other chemical processes.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode is based on lecture materials from Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, and is designed to help students move confidently from molecular shapes to symmetry-driven insight.

How do chemists actually see atoms?

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we look into the foundations of structural methods in inorganic chemistry, the tools and concepts scientists use to determine how atoms are arranged in molecules and materials. Starting from the early days of chemical intuition and hand-drawn structures, the episode traces the evolution of the field toward modern experimental and computational approaches.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture material from the Structural Methods in Inorganic Chemistry course, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and accessible audio experience, perfect for students, researchers, and anyone curious about how chemists uncover the invisible architecture of matter.

In this super-episode of The Chemistry Show, we zoom out and review the entire Inorganic Chemistry course in one structured audio recap. We start from the building blocks, atomic structure, effective nuclear charge, and periodic trends, and build up through bonding models, solids and lattices, acids and bases, redox chemistry, all the way to coordination compounds and crystal (ligand) field theory.

Think of this as your audio map of the course: perfect before you start revising, when you want to connect the dots, or when you need to remember how “atoms” and “crystal fields” are actually part of the same story.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture materials from the Inorganic Chemistry and Nanocatalysis courses, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and easy-to-follow audio experience. This is ideal for students, science lovers, or anyone who wants a big-picture view of how inorganic chemistry fits together.

37 people listened to Inorganic Chemistry more than any other podcast this year.Not true crime. Not comedy. A university course.

The Chemistry Show is officially back for Season 2.

We thought we were just uploading lecture notes for the Kumpula campus. The 2025 data proved us wrong. You turned this experimental project into a global classroom, listening longer than 83% of all audiences on Spotify and sharing episodes from Helsinki to Brazil.

In this Season 2 Trailer:We break down the "viral" success of the pilot and reveal the new syllabus for the year ahead.

Coming up in Season 2:

• 🧪 The Grand Inorganic Recap: A definitive audio guide to the fundamentals (BSCH1004 / KEK104).

• ⚛️ Deep Dives: Nanocatalysis, Green Hydrogen, and Surface Science—how atoms will save the planet.

• 🎓 Career Real Talk: Navigating the path from PhD to Professor, grant writing, and the "hidden curriculum" of academia.

The lecture hall has no walls. Welcome back to the lab.

Next Episode: The Grand Inorganic Recap: from Atoms to Crystal Fields

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we dive into the journey from researcher to entrepreneur. Our guest shares hard-earned lessons on turning academic work into a startup, navigating funding, IP, and the dual life of science and business. A must-listen for anyone curious about bridging the lab and the market. 🎧 Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM).

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we break down the process of writing a scientific manuscript—from the first word to the final reference. Whether you're preparing your first paper or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers a practical, step-by-step guide to crafting a clear, well-structured, and impactful article.

We cover all the essential components:
📝 How to write a concise, keyword-rich title
📄 Crafting a comprehensive abstract that captures the essence of your work
📚 Structuring your introduction to highlight motivation and significance
🔬 Presenting experimental details and results clearly and logically
🎯 Drawing strong conclusions
📎 Formatting references and figures effectively

You'll also hear tips on:
✔️ Writing in a logical sequence
✔️ Using your group’s past papers as style templates
✔️ Leveraging external resources to sharpen your scientific writing skills

Perfect for BSc, MSc, and PhD students preparing manuscripts in chemistry, materials science, and beyond. 🎧 Powered by AI (google NotebookLM)

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we unpack the key takeaways from Pedro Camargo’s presentation on the importance of scientific communication. We explore the communication challenges scientists face, from the pitfalls of jargon to the struggle of showing the societal relevance of complex research. Underfunding and lack of visibility are often symptoms of poor communication, and Pedro Camargo argues that this gap must be bridged if science is to have a greater impact. Learn practical strategies for becoming a more effective communicator, including how to tailor your message, use storytelling techniques, and present with clarity and confidence. This episode is a call to action for BSc, MSc, and PhD students to see themselves not just as researchers, but as advocates for science, equipped to make a difference through better engagement with the public, policymakers, and funders. Whether you're preparing your next presentation, writing a grant, or simply want your work to be understood by a broader audience—this episode will give you the tools and motivation to amplify your scientific voice.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture materials Inorganic Chemistry and Nanocatalysis courses, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and easy-to-follow audio experience, perfect for students, science lovers, or anyone curious about the hidden chemistry driving the world around us.

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we explore the Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) reaction, a cutting-edge process that converts methanol into light olefins like ethylene and propylene—vital building blocks for plastics, resins, and synthetic materials. Originally developed as an alternative to crude oil-based olefin production, the MTO process is now a key technology in the emerging methanol economy.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture materials Inorganic Chemistry and Nanocatalysis courses, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and easy-to-follow audio experience, perfect for students, science lovers, or anyone curious about the hidden chemistry driving the world around us.

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we focus on water splitting, a key process in the quest for green hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier. We break down the chemistry behind this reaction, exploring both electrocatalytic and photocatalytic approaches to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Join us as we discuss the role of nanocatalysts in improving reaction efficiency and stability, and how cutting-edge materials are shaping the future of hydrogen production. We’ll also explore the historical development, industrial applications, and key challenges in scaling up water-splitting technologies to achieve a carbon-free energy landscape.

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture materials Inorganic Chemistry and Nanocatalysis courses, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and easy-to-follow audio experience, perfect for students, science lovers, or anyone curious about the hidden chemistry driving the world around us.

In this episode of The Chemistry Show, we focus on CO₂ reduction to methanol, a promising approach for both emissions reduction and the production of valuable chemicals. We break down the fundamental chemistry behind this transformation, exploring key reaction mechanisms and the crucial role of nanocatalysis in enhancing efficiency and selectivity. Tune in to discover how chemistry is shaping the future of carbon capture and utilization!

Powered by AI (Google NotebookLM), this episode transforms lecture materials Inorganic Chemistry and Nanocatalysis courses, taught by Prof. Pedro Camargo at the University of Helsinki, into an engaging and easy-to-follow audio experience, perfect for students, science lovers, or anyone curious about the hidden chemistry driving the world around us.