Homework
Homework is offered mainly as a diagnostic tool. It helps you and your instructor figure out how you are doing.
Equally, and possibly more, important for your progress is problem-solving practice. Homework assignments are too brief to provide adequate practice. For practice, you should do as many textbook problems as your time allows.
Can you get outside help for your homework? Sure. There is nothing wrong with receiving outside help. Feel free to talk with classmates, a tutor, or your instructor.
If you come to an instructor for help, chances are good that he will put you "on the spot" by asking to see the best answer you have come up with so far (thoughtful classmates and/or tutors should do the same). The reason for doing this is to see what direction you are already going in before trying to point you in a new one. So, no matter who you decide to consult with, always try to do a problem yourself before seeking help.
A tip: if you find that more than a quarter of the (homework and practice) problems require outside help before you can make any useful headway, that should ring an alarm bell. Come discuss your situation with an instructor.
You need to own your work. While it's perfectly fine to work on homework with other students, etc., once you think you have a final answer in hand, take ownership of it. That means writing it up yourself without referring to your book, your notes, or suggestions from classmates. Owning your work is essential preparation for exams.
Instructor comments. The large amount of homework that needs to be looked at each week forces us to limit written comments. Such comments will generally be few in number and brief. That said, instructors are always happy to go over assignments with you in person and provide more detailed oral comments. Note: the instructors may ask advanced chemistry students to assist them in reading homework assignments, but all assignments will be checked by an instructor before being returned to you.
HW #1 - out F Sept 4, due Th noon Sept 10 - covers Ch 1, answers
HW #2 - out F Sept 11, due Th noon Sept 17 - covers Ch 2, answers
HW NC1 - out F Sept 18, not collected - covers Ch 3, answers
HW #3 - out F Sept 25, due Th noon Oct 1 - covers Ch 4, answers
HW #4 - out F Oct 2, due Th noon Oct 8 - covers Ch 5, answers
HW NC2 - out F Oct 9, not collected - covers Ch 6, answers
HW #5 - out F Oct 30, due Th noon Nov 5 - covers Ch 7-8, answers
HW #6 - out M Nov 9, due M noon Nov 16 - covers Ch 8-9, answers
HW #7 - out F Nov 20, due W noon Nov 25 - covers Ch 10 & 12 (IR only), answers
HW #8 - out F Dec 4, due W noon Dec 9 - covers Ch 11, 13 (1H NMR only), 14, answers
Equally, and possibly more, important for your progress is problem-solving practice. Homework assignments are too brief to provide adequate practice. For practice, you should do as many textbook problems as your time allows.
Can you get outside help for your homework? Sure. There is nothing wrong with receiving outside help. Feel free to talk with classmates, a tutor, or your instructor.
If you come to an instructor for help, chances are good that he will put you "on the spot" by asking to see the best answer you have come up with so far (thoughtful classmates and/or tutors should do the same). The reason for doing this is to see what direction you are already going in before trying to point you in a new one. So, no matter who you decide to consult with, always try to do a problem yourself before seeking help.
A tip: if you find that more than a quarter of the (homework and practice) problems require outside help before you can make any useful headway, that should ring an alarm bell. Come discuss your situation with an instructor.
You need to own your work. While it's perfectly fine to work on homework with other students, etc., once you think you have a final answer in hand, take ownership of it. That means writing it up yourself without referring to your book, your notes, or suggestions from classmates. Owning your work is essential preparation for exams.
Instructor comments. The large amount of homework that needs to be looked at each week forces us to limit written comments. Such comments will generally be few in number and brief. That said, instructors are always happy to go over assignments with you in person and provide more detailed oral comments. Note: the instructors may ask advanced chemistry students to assist them in reading homework assignments, but all assignments will be checked by an instructor before being returned to you.
HW #1 - out F Sept 4, due Th noon Sept 10 - covers Ch 1, answers
HW #2 - out F Sept 11, due Th noon Sept 17 - covers Ch 2, answers
HW NC1 - out F Sept 18, not collected - covers Ch 3, answers
HW #3 - out F Sept 25, due Th noon Oct 1 - covers Ch 4, answers
HW #4 - out F Oct 2, due Th noon Oct 8 - covers Ch 5, answers
HW NC2 - out F Oct 9, not collected - covers Ch 6, answers
HW #5 - out F Oct 30, due Th noon Nov 5 - covers Ch 7-8, answers
HW #6 - out M Nov 9, due M noon Nov 16 - covers Ch 8-9, answers
HW #7 - out F Nov 20, due W noon Nov 25 - covers Ch 10 & 12 (IR only), answers
HW #8 - out F Dec 4, due W noon Dec 9 - covers Ch 11, 13 (1H NMR only), 14, answers
