Course Overview

Introduction

This document outlines the syllabus and essential information for CHEM 060: Introduction to General Chemistry at Los Angeles City College (LACC), Fall 2025. The course is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of general chemistry, including both lecture and laboratory components. It prepares students for further studies in chemistry and related sciences, and fulfills general education requirements for UC/CSU transfer.

Section Information

• Class Dates: 09/01/2025 – 12/21/2025

• Class Numbers: 25064 & 25365

• Components: Lecture (LEC) & Laboratory (LAB)

• Modality: In-person

• Meeting Days and Times: TuTh 8:00AM–9:25AM (LEC), TuTh 9:35AM–11:40AM (LAB)

• Location: SCI 111 (Lecture), SCI 305 (Lab)

• Units: 5

• Hours: 7

• Transferability: Transferable to UC/CSU

Instructor Information

• Professor: Kim Dinh

• Office Location: SCI 324H

• Email: dinhk1@laccd.edu

• Telephone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2162

• Preferred Method of Contact: Email

• Office Hours: Mon & Wed 2:10 pm – 5:15 pm in SCI 324H

• Professor: Yanwei Cai

• Office Location: SCI 324N

• Email: caiy1@laccd.edu

• Telephone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2694

• Preferred Method of Contact: Email or Canvas Inbox

Course Description

This course covers the nomenclature of elements and compounds, ionic and covalent bonding, atomic structure, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, problem solving, measurements, stoichiometry, states of matter and related energy concepts, gases, solutions, and introductory concepts in quantum theory, periodic properties, colligative properties, and acid-base chemistry. The course includes both lecture and laboratory components, emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills and laboratory techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Interpret, analyze, and solve qualitative and quantitative problems appropriate to the course content.

• Perform proper laboratory skills and techniques exhibited in an introductory chemistry laboratory.

Prerequisites, Corequisites, and Advisories

• Corequisites: None

• Advisories: Eligibility for transfer-level math/statistics. Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra or equivalent, or placement into transfer-level math/quantitative reasoning course.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry by N. Tro (Pearson, 7th edition or any edition)

• Scientific Calculator: Must have logarithm functions and scientific notation keys (e.g., TI-30XIIS)

• Laboratory Goggles or Face Shield: Required for all laboratory sessions

• Chemistry Laboratory Notebook: Must include a periodic table and other physical constants; 50 or 100 pages recommended

• Scanner or Scanner App: For submitting assignments (e.g., CamScanner)

• Microsoft Word and Excel: Free access for LACC students via Office 365

• Earphones with 3.5 mm jack: Required for audio in computer lab

• Chemistry Lab Manual: Provided by LACC faculty (downloadable from course site)

• Lecture Notes: Provided by instructor (downloadable from course site)

Grading and Evaluation Information

The course grade is weighted as follows:

• Attendance: 0%

• Extra Credit: 2%

• Lecture (60%):

  • Comprehensive final: 15%

  • Exams: 3 total, lowest is dropped, 30%

  • Lecture assignments: 15%

• Laboratory (40%):

  • Laboratory Workshops & Miscellaneous Assignments: 8%

  • Laboratory Experiments (32%):

    • Part I: All pre- and post-lab assignments for all experiments including Exp 17 (5%)

    • Part II: All experiment reports except for Exp 17, lowest dropped (25%)

Course Topics (from Course Description and Schedule)

• Nomenclature of Elements and Compounds

• Ionic and Covalent Bonding

• Atomic Structure

• Molecular Geometry

• Chemical Reactions

• Problem Solving and Measurements

• Stoichiometry

• States of Matter and Energy Concepts

• Gases and Gas Laws

• Solutions and Solution Chemistry

• Quantum Theory (Introductory)

• Periodic Properties

• Colligative Properties

• Acid-Base Concepts

Laboratory Policies and Safety

• Proper attire and safety equipment (goggles/face shield) are mandatory in the laboratory.

• Completion of all experiments and submission of reports is required to pass the course.

• Only one lab notebook is allowed during exams and finals.

• Lab manuals and notes are provided by the instructor and should be brought to every class.

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance is expected; missing more than 10% of class meetings may result in being dropped from the course.

• Students are responsible for all announcements and schedule changes posted on Canvas.

Academic Integrity and Conduct

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

• Students are expected to adhere to the LACC Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

Student Resources

• Accommodations are available for students with disabilities through the Office of Special Services (OSS).

• Free access to Microsoft Office 365 and campus computer labs is provided.

• Student support services include group study rooms, tutoring, and counseling.

Example Table: Required Materials and Where to Get Them

Additional Info

• Calculator apps and graphing calculators are not allowed during exams or finals.

• Students are encouraged to print out lecture notes and lab manuals for ease of use.

• Comprehensive final exam and three midterm exams are scheduled; the lowest midterm score is dropped.