CHEM 1614 General Chemistry I Syllabus 010 Summer 2026

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Credit Hours 4.00 Lecture Hours 4 Clinical/Lab Hours 3
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
40.0501
Course Meeting Time

Lecture: Mon/Wed 11-1:30 pm (R307)

Lab: Mon/Wed 2-4:30 pm (R311)

Course Description

The student will apply chemical concepts and principles to topics including atomic structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, thermochemistry, periodicity, chemical bonding, and states of matter. Quantitative applications are emphasized.

Prerequisites

CHEM 1534 with a grade of C or better or appropriate high school chemistry course with a grade of C or better and MATH 1424 with a grade of C or better or appropriate assessment score, or STEM pathway of transitional math

Course Alignment

IAI Number
P1-902L
CHM 911
IAI Title
Gen Education Chemistry (lab)
General Chemistry I
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Communication
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Responsibility
Explanation of Course Alignment

CHEM 1614 was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in the IAI agree to accept a collective “package” of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI and the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to itransfer.org and mycreditstransfer.org.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Amy Carruthers
Faculty Email
acarruthers@kcc.edu
Faculty Student Support Hours

Available by appointment before or after lecture/lab. Please reach out to me as soon as you need help. 

Faculty Information

acarruthers@kcc.edu - best way to contact me.

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate appropriate safety precautions while in the chemistry laboratory and when handling chemicals and equipment.
  2. Demonstrate skills in measurement and in clear communication of data and results.
  3. Apply the concepts of significant figures and unit conversions to measurements and calculations.
  4. Describe the modern model of the atom in terms of the subatomic structure of atoms, ions, and isotopes.
  5. Relate the names and formulas of elements, ions, and compounds.
  6. Describe various types of chemical reactions in terms of conservation of mass, bond rearrangement, balanced chemical reactions, and energy changes.
  7. Perform calculations relating moles, mass, and molarity that involve compounds, solutions, gases, and chemical reactions.
  8. Apply the concepts of heat and enthalpy to chemical and physical processes.
  9. Relate atomic spectra to electron transitions in atoms.
  10. Use the electronic structure of atoms and their positions in the Periodic Table to predict periodic trends in chemical and physical properties.
  11. Draw Lewis structures and use them to predict the molecular geometry and polarity of simple covalent molecules.
  12. Apply the gas laws to gases and mixtures of gases.
  13. Use predicted intermolecular forces between molecules to make statements about their properties.
  14. Describe types and properties of solids.
Topical Outline
  1. Introduction to Matter, Energy, & Measurement
    1. States of matter
    2. Classifying matter
    3. Physical and chemical changes
    4. Forms of energy
    5. SI units
    6. Measurement of properties
    7. Precision vs. accuracy
    8. Significant digits
    9. Unit conversions
    10. Dimensional analysis
  2. Atoms, Molecules & Ions
    1. Atomic theory
    2. Atomic structure and isotopes
    3. Atomic mass
    4. Periodic table
    5. Molecules
    6. Ions
    7. Ionic compounds
    8. Nomenclature of ionic, inorganic and simple organic compounds
  3. Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry
    1. Balancing chemical equations and reaction types
    2. Formula weight
    3. Percent composition
    4. Mole concept and conversions between chemical quantities
    5. Empirical/molecular formula
    6. Combustion analysis
    7. Stoichiometry
    8. Limiting reactants
  4. Reactions in Aqueous Solution
    1. Electrolytes
    2. Solubility rules
    3. Precipitation reactions
    4. Ionic and net ionic equations
    5. Acid/base neutralization reactions
    6. Redox reactions
    7. Oxidation numbers
    8. Activity series
    9. Molarity calculations
    10. Dilution equation
    11. Solution stoichiometry
    12. Titrations
  5. Thermochemistry
    1. 1st law
    2. Internal energy
    3. Heat and work
    4. Endo- and exothermic reactions
    5. Enthalpy of reaction
    6. Specific heat
    7. Calorimetry
    8. Hess's Law
    9. Enthalpy of formation
    10. Bond enthalpies
  6. Electronic Structure of Atoms
    1. Wave properties of light
    2. Quantization
    3. Photons
    4. Line spectra
    5. Bohr model
    6. Wave properties of matter
    7. Atomic orbitals: shapes, quantum #'s, energies, spin
    8. Filling orbitals
    9. Electron configuration of atoms and ions
  7. Periodic Properties of Elements
    1. Development of the periodic table
    2. Effective nuclear charge
    3. Sizes of atoms and ions
    4. Ionization energy
    5. Electron affinity
    6. Periodic trends
    7. Chemical properties by group
  8. Chemical Bonding
    1. Octet rule
    2. Ionic and covalent bonds
    3. Electronegativity
    4. Bond polarity
    5. Lewis structures of atoms, ions and molecules
    6. Resonance structures
    7. Exceptions to octet rule
    8. Bond strength and lengths
    9. Average bond enthalpies
  9. Molecular Geometry & Bonding Theories
    1. Molecular shapes and polarity
    2. Applying the VSEPR model
    3. Orbital overlap
    4. Hybrid atomic orbitals
    5. Sigma and pi bonds
    6. Delocalization
    7. Molecular orbitals
  10. Gases
    1. Pressure concept
    2. Gas law relationships (P, V, T, n)
    3. Ideal gas equation
    4. Gas density and molar mass
    5. Gas stoichiometry
    6. Gas mixtures
    7. Mole fraction and partial pressures
    8. Kinetic-molecular theory
    9. Effusion
    10. Diffusion
    11. Real gases
  11. Intermolecular Forces and Liquids
    1. Interparticle forces (ion/dipole, hydrogen bonding, dipole/dipole, dispersion)
    2. Properties of liquids
    3. Phase changes
    4. Heating curves
    5. Vapor pressure
    6. Phase diagrams
  12. Solids
    1. Properties and structures of different types of solids
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Available in KCC’s Hammes Bookstore

  • Modified MasteringChemistry access code with e-copy of textbook for Chemistry: The Central Science, 15th ed., by Brown, et al, published by Pearson (both code and e-text are also used in CHEM 1624)
  • Lab manual: Laboratory Experiments for Chemistry: The Central Science, 14th ed., by Brown, et al (also used in CHEM 1624)
  • scientific calculator or graphing calculator
  • safety goggles (not safety glasses!)
  • All of these materials will also be used in CHEM 1624; no new materials will need to be purchased for CHEM 1624 if you take it next semester (fall 2026).
  • Technology Requirement
  • This course will use Canvas and MasteringChemistry extensively; we will use an e-Text. Students will need to have access to a computer and internet. If you do not have the technology required for this course, please let your instructor know. KCC may be able to help with wifi and laptops.

In compliance with US copyright laws, no photocopies, hand-written or typed copies of any pages will be accepted in substitution of the actual consumable worksheets for any course requiring a published laboratory manual

Methods of Evaluation

Overall grade components:

10%- Participation, attendance, in-class quizzes, and homework

20%- Lab Experiments and activities

50%- Unit exams

20%- Final Exam (cumulative over lab and lecture)

Grading scale:

A - 90+%

B- 80-90%

C- 65-80%

D- 55-65%

F- <55%

Tips for success:

  • ATTEND every class.
  • ASK questions when you don't understand or when you need more information.
  • STUDY regularly and don't procrastinate.
  • READ and USE the textbook and other supplemental MasteringChemistry materials.
  • TAKE the homework and labs seriously because they are intended to prepare you for the exams.
  • STAY organized. There are a lot of assignments and due dates to stay on top off- homework, Pre-lab Questions, Reports, quizzes, exams, reading assignments. 
  • REACH OUT if you need help or feel overwhelmed. Sooner rather than later. 
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

Attendance and absences:

  • Attendance in both lecture and lab is required. Attendance will be taken each day and, in some cases, may count for credit.
  • Attendance at the first lab is mandatory as it includes safety training. A student may not participate in lab if they have not had safety training. If a student misses the first lab, they must contact their instructor to make up the safety training before the second lab. If a student has not completed safety training before the second lab, the student must either drop the course or be institutionally withdrawn. 
  • Having 3 or more lab absences could result in failure of the course. 
  • Please inform the instructor of any planned absence from lecture or lab. Some unavoidable absences may be excused at the instructor's discretion. 

Homework: 

  • Homework assignments and their due dates will be in MasteringChemistry. 
  • Late homework assignments will be penalized 10% per day late, but never more than 50%.

Quizzes and in-class work:

  • Quizzes/in-class work may be announced or unannounced.
  • These assignments cannot be made up if missed.

Exams:

  • Exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and free-response questions (where you will be asked to show your work). 
  • Students may use one (1) 3 in x 5 in handwritten notecard (front and back) as an aid on each exam. The notecard must be turned in with the exam.
  • Students may use their own periodic table (purchased from the bookstore) or an instructor approved periodic table. No additional writing is permitted on the periodic table.
  • Students must bring their own calculator to the exams. Calculator sharing between students is not allowed. Cell phones or other electronic devices cannot be used as calculators. 
  • On exam days, students must arrive on time and ready to take the exam. No additional time will be given to late-comers.
  • Once the exam has been given, students will not be allowed to leave for any reason until their exam is turned in.
  • Cell phones are to be silenced and put away. If a student's cell phone disrupts an exam, the student may receive a zero. 
  • If a student is found to be cheating on an exam, they will receive a zero on the exam and possibly an F in the course.
  • If a student is found using their cell phone during an exam, it will be considered cheating, and the student will receive a zero on the exam and possibly an F in the course. 

Missed exams, quizzes, and labs:

  • There will be no makeup quizzes. If a student misses a quiz, they will receive a zero. At the end of the semester, students' lowest quiz score will be dropped from their final grade. 
  • There will be no makeup labs. If a student misses a lab, they cannot turn in their Pre-lab Questions or Report Sheet and will receive zeros. At the end of the semester, students' lowest two (2) Pre-lab and Report sheet scores will be dropped from their final grade.
  • There will be no makeup exams. At the end of the semester, students' lowest exam score will be dropped from their final grade. 
  • If a student misses more than one (1) exam, they will receive a zero. In some situations, the professor may allow for a makeup exam to be taken if the student can provide verified documentation of their absence within 24 hours of the missed exam. If a student knows they will be missing an exam ahead of time, the professor may allow for a makeup exam at their discretion. The makeup exam may not be the same exam given during class. 
  • Missing a third exam will result in a zero with no exceptions.

Final exam:

  • The final exam will be cumulative over lecture and lab material and will be multiple choice.
  • The final exam date is listed in the course calendar. 
  • The final exam cannot be taken early or late. In unusual situations, the professor will consider alternatives at their discretion.
  • Failure to take the final exam will result in failure of the course.

Laboratory policies:

  • Having 3 or more lab absences will result in failure of the course. It is the student's responsibility to know how many labs they have missed.
  • Students must arrive to lab and be ready to begin at the scheduled start time. Students are expected to have read the lab procedures and to have complete assigned Pre-lab Questions before coming to lab. Pre-lab Questions are due at the start of lab and will not be accepted late for any reason.
  • Students that arrive after the pre-lab lecture has begun will not be permitted to participate in lab that day and will receive a zero on that day's assignments. This will count as a lab absence.
  • Students that do not have proper apparel and/or goggles will not be permitted to participate in lab that day. This will count as a lab absence. Proper apparel and goggles are required for lab regardless of the scheduled activity for that day. The professor does not have loaner goggles to share.
  • To receive full credit for a lab activity, students must stay for the entire lab period, unless they are dismissed early by the instructor. A student will only be permitted to leave early if they have finished their assignments and had it approved by their professor. If a student leaves before being dismissed, they will forfeit the points for the lab activity, and this will count as a lab absence. 
  • If a student does not complete the lab activity in the allotted time, the student could lose points on that day's lab activity. 
  • Makeup experiments are not an option.
  • It is highly suggested to attend every lab and only reserve lab absences for unavoidable situations; do not use lab absences as you would vacation days. 

Lab safety:

  • Attendance at the first lab is mandatory as described above. 
  • Students are expected to comply with the KCC Laboratory Safety Rules at all times. These rules will be discussed during the first lab and each student will sign an acknowledgement of receipt and understanding. Students who do not comply will be asked to leave lab and will receive no credit for that day's work. 

Other policies:

  • All work must be submitted by the last regular day of class.
  • Electronic devices, laptops, cellphones, etc. are allowed during class for class-related use and only at appropriate times. 
  • Audio/video recording of lecture is not permitted unless pre-approved by the professor.
  • Cell phones must be silent or off during lab and lecture except when pre-approved by the professor. Cell phone usage for non-class related activities (texting, etc.) is not allowed during class.
  • Know how to access Canvas and your KCC email account. It is important that you have access to the internet for email, MasteringChemistry, and Canvas. 
Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Student behavior:

  • Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times. Students who engage in academic dishonesty may fail that exam, activity, or lab with a grade of zero in addition to facing disciplinary action by the college. Students found cheating may also receive an F for their course grade depending on the severity of the offense. If a student is found to be cheating for a second time, they will automatically receive an F for the course. If you are not sure if an action is considered to be academically dishonest, please discuss with your professor prior to submitting the assignment. 
  • Use of AI for course work should only be used as a resource or tool to enhance your learning. It should not be used as a substitute for your own original and critical thinking, which would be an example of academic dishonesty. 
  • Students that repeatedly disrupt the class will be asked to leave and will receive a zero on that day's assignments. 
    • Any behaviors that are disruptive, disturbing, or concerning will be reported to the Dean of Student Services.
  • Student behavior is expected to be professional. Students are expected to be respectful towards one another, their instructor, and the classroom environment/materials. 
Course Calendar

Course Schedule- subject to change as needed. Exams will not be earlier than the dates listed. Assignment due dates can be found in the course calendar. 

DateLecture TopicsLab/ Activities
6/1/26

Chapter 1-

Introduction- Syllabus

Chemistry and states of matter

Energy

Units of measurement

Significant figures

Dimensional analysis

Lab policies and expectations

Safety training and rules

Safety quiz- group activity

Lab Drawer Check

6/3/26

Chapter 2-

Atoms and Atomic Theory

The Periodic Table

Molecules, ions, and compounds

Nomenclature

Organic compounds

#1 Basic Lab Techniques

Parts- A, B, E

 

#2 Identification of Substances by Physical Properties

Parts- A, B, E

 

 

6/8/26

Chapter 3- 

Chemical Equations and reactions

Formula weights

Moles and conversions

Empirical formulas

Balancing Equations

Limiting reactants

Reaction yield

Lab #3 Separation of components of a mixture

 

 

6/10/26

EXAM 1 (Ch.1-3) 11-12:30

Chapter 4-

Aqueous Solutions

Precipitation

Acids and Bases

Lab #7 Chemicals in Everyday Life 

Part A-F

 

6/15/26

Chapter 4- 

Oxidation-Reduction reactions

Concentrations

Stoichiometry

 

Chapter 5- 

Energy and work

1st Law of Thermodynamics

Enthalpy

Calorimetry and specific heat

Hess's Law

 

Lab #21 Reactions in aqueous solutions

Part A 1-5, 8-16

 

6/17/26

Chapter 6-

Light and photons

Bohr Model

Matter

Atomic orbitals

Electron configurations and the Periodic Table

#15 Activity Series

Parts A, B, C

6/22/26

EXAM 2 (Ch. 4-6) 11-12:30

Chapter 7-

Development of the Periodic Table

Sizes of atoms and ions

Ionization energy

Electron affinity

#33 Molarity, Dilutions, and Preparation of Solutions

Parts A-E, H

6/24/26

Chapter 7- 

Periodic trends

Chemical properties by group

 

Chapter 8-

Octet Rule

Ionic and covalent bonding

Polarity and electronegativity

#20 Titration of Acids and Bases

Part A

6/29/26

Chapter 8-

Lewis structures

Resonance structures

Exceptions to the Octet Rule

 

Chapter 9-

Molecular shapes and VESPR Theory

Covalent bonding and orbitals

# 28 Heat and Neutralization

Part B and C

7/1/26

Chapter 9-

Multiple bonds

Molecular Orbital Theory

#12 Atomic Spectra and Atomic Structure

POGIL: Electron Energy and Light

Electron Configurations

7/6/26

EXAM 3 (Ch. 7-9) 11-12:30

Chapter 10-

Physical Characteristics of gases

Gas Laws and the Ideal-Gas Equation

#11 Molecular Geometries: Lewis Structures and the VSEPR Model
7/8/26

Chapter 10-

Gas Mixtures and Partial Pressures

Kinetic-Molecular Theory

Real Gas Behavior

#40 Molecular Geometry: Experience with Models
7/13/26

Chapter 11-

Comparison of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Properties of Liquids

Phase Changes

Vapor Pressure

Phase Diagrams

Liquid Crystals

#13 Behavior of Gases: Molar Mass of a Vapor

Part B

7/15/26

Chapter 12-

Classification of Solids

Metallic Solids and Bonding

Ionic Solids

Molecular and Covalent-Network Solids

Polymers

Nanomaterials

#38 Enthalpy of Vaporization and Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
7/20/26EXAM 4 (Ch. 10-12) 11-12:30Review activities for final
7/22/26Review activities for final

FINAL EXAM 2-4 pm

(Comprehensive- lecture and lab)

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright. 
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.