Author Archives: alan

Chem 201 – Olde Reede version

Posted on August 25, 2021 by alan

I have retired from the Reed College faculty, effective Sept 1, 2021. This Chem 201 site hosts materials that I created for the classes I taught between Fall 2008-2019. If you are looking for a current version of the Chem … finish reading Chem 201 – Olde Reede version

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Quiz Scores from Quizzes #1-3

Posted on November 9, 2019 by alan

This is a report on scores for the first three in-class and take-home quizzes. As I’m sure you realize (and as I have been warning since the beginning of the semester), the material covered by quiz #3 was substantially more … finish reading Quiz Scores from Quizzes #1-3

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Halloween Spirits

Posted on November 1, 2019 by alan

Who says Reedies are all study and no fun? Halloween was celebrated up and down Eliot Hall yesterday. Nearly everyone in class found their way over to the President’s Office to grab treats (mostly cookies, but also yummy hot cider, … finish reading Halloween Spirits

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Near Misses – How Your Phone Can Undermine You

Posted on November 1, 2019 by alan

I heard this story on NPR’s Morning Edition (6 Sept 2019) and I knew I had to share it with my students. You can read listen to the story (2:52) or read a full transcript at The Distracting Draw of … finish reading Near Misses – How Your Phone Can Undermine You

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How to Access Financial Assistance

Posted on September 10, 2019 by alan

As you learned in Hum 110, the ancients were well-acquainted with the ever-changing fortunes of humanity. One day we are raised up, the next day we trip and fall, and who knows what the future will bring? Perhaps the future … finish reading How to Access Financial Assistance

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Day 0, 2019 – the things you need to do BEFORE your first class

Posted on September 2, 2019 by alan

Welcome back to Reed. We have an exciting organic chemistry curriculum planned for the 2019-20 editions of Chem 201 and 202, and we will get off to a flying start so here goes… Reed’s first week of classes is short … finish reading Day 0, 2019 – the things you need to do BEFORE your first class

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Preparing for Chem 201 – Summer Study Suggestions

Posted on July 8, 2019 by alan

Several students have asked me in the last few years, “What can I do this summer to get ready for Chem 201 next fall?” A perfectly reasonable question, and one that deserves an instructive response. But I hesitate to answer. … finish reading Preparing for Chem 201 – Summer Study Suggestions

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Summer Suggestion #1. Review key topics from Chem 101/102

Posted on July 4, 2019 by alan

The first 5 or 6 weeks of Chem 201 races through a lot of material you covered in Chem 101/102. In particular, we discuss, how molecules are held together (101/102 – atomic structure, electrons, bonds, orbitals) how to draw and … finish reading Summer Suggestion #1. Review key topics from Chem 101/102

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Summer Suggestion #3 – Study Organic Chemistry

Posted on July 2, 2019 by alan

Organic chemistry is, despite what you may have heard, pretty much the same everywhere, whether MIT or Portland Community College. The courses that science majors and pre-meds take are 2 semesters (3 quarters) long and rely on a commercially produced … finish reading Summer Suggestion #3 – Study Organic Chemistry

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Ring Flipping Apps & YouTube Videos

Posted on September 29, 2018 by alan

Understanding what molecules look like, how they move, what relationships exist between atoms, are all challenging mental tasks. Here are two tools that might help.

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