CHEM 1534 Introductory Chemistry Syllabus 010 Fall 2026

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Credit Hours 4.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
40.0501
Course Meeting Time
Lecture: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM, R307
Lab: Tuesdays from 10:30-12:10 PM, R311
Course Description

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of general chemistry for students with no previous background in chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding and nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, acid-base chemistry, and chemical equilibrium. AAS: Physical science (laboratory science) elective.

Prerequisites

MATH 1103 or MATH 1414 with a grade of C or better or appropriate assessment score

Course Alignment

IAI Number
P1-902L
IAI Title
Gen Education Chemistry (lab)
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

Faculty Contact Information

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

Available by appointment. 

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. Perform calculations involving the metric system, dimensional analysis, and significant digits
  3. Describe the atomic structure and electronic structure of atoms and ions
  4. Describe the organizational pattern of the periodic table of elements
  5. Describe and provide examples of the different states of matter, elements, compounds, solutions, and mixtures
  6. Relate names and formulas (and vice versa) for ionic compounds and simple covalent compounds
  7. Use the mole concept to relate chemical quantities.
  8. Perform chemical calculations involving density, specific heat, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution concentrations, and pH
  9. Classify, complete, and balance chemical reactions including: combination, decomposition, replacement, combustion, oxidation-reduction, and neutralization
  10. Describe the nature of the chemical bonding and intermolecular forces in ionic compounds and simple covalent compounds
  11. Describe the chemical behavior of acids and bases
  12. Describe how changing conditions affect chemical equilibrium
Topical Outline
  1. Scientific Method
  2. Classification and Changes of Matter
  3. Measurements and Significant Figures
  4. Scientific Notation
  5. SI units
  6. Metric System
  7. Conversions
  8. Density
  9. Temperature
  10. Energy
  11. Heat
  12. Specific heat
  13. Atomic Theory
  14. Atomic Structure
  15. Isotopes
  16. Atomic Mass
  17. Periodic Table and Trends
  18. Ions
  19. Radiation
  20. Properties of Waves
  21. Bohr Model
  22. Quantum Numbers and orbitals
  23. Electron Configuration
  24. Octet Rule
  25. Ionic and Covalent Bonds
  26. Lewis Structures
  27. VSEPR Theory
  28. Bond and Molecular Polarity
  29. Nomenclature
  30. Intermolecular Force and States of Matter
  31. Classifying chemical reactions
  32. Balancing Equations
  33. Combination, Decomposition,  Displacement, Precipitation, Neutralization and Redox Reaction
  34. Mole Concept
  35. Stoichiometry
  36. Limiting Reactants
  37. Theoretical and Percent Yield
  38. Gases and Gas Laws
  39. Solution Concentration, Molarity, percent composition
  40. Solution Stoichiometry
  41. Equilibrium
  42. Le Châtelier’s Principle
  43. Electrolytic Solutions
  44. Acids
  45. Bases
  46. pH Calculations
  47. Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
  48. Buffers
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

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

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.