Clark and Mayer (2011) recommend on page 207 and following that complex lessons including multiple major aspects be presented to learners in a logical sequence of segments. This is especially important when designing instruction for learners who are novice in the subject-area. By presenting complex information in a logical sequence of parts, learners are less likely to become confused and frustrated.
Kahn Academy's course on the Chemistry of Life appears to present the first lesson by breaking down the content into three segments -- Periodic table, Atom, and Element.
Source: Kahn Academy - Chemistry of Life
However, the video presentation of the first lesson is not segmented, but rather proceeds upon a "fabric of instruction" that weaves together the concepts featured in the lesson. Assuming that the learners already have a basic understanding of these concepts, this is not a "bad" or incorrect design. However, I believe that if the intended audience was people for whom these concepts were not already somewhat familiar, a segmented approach to instruction would be more effective.
References
Clark, R. C. & Mayer, R.E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven Guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.
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