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Author Archives: alan
Sleep is when connections are made
For years I have issued this advice to Chem 201 students before each exam, “Don’t stay up too late studying,” I say. “It doesn’t help. You need to get good sleep in order to make good long-term memories.” I have … finish reading Sleep is when connections are made
Posted in Study habits & Distractions
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Delete Peak = No-No in NMR
An NMR spectrum provides important data on what’s in the NMR sample. Students are taught to look for certain contaminants – TMS, CHCl3, H2O – as a matter of routine. As many know, however, removing the last traces of chromatography … finish reading Delete Peak = No-No in NMR
Posted in Labs
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Dogs Teaching Chemistry
Some of you may be planning a review of Chem 201 concepts before you take up the new challenges of Chem 202. Here are two short videos that review atomic structure and chemical bonding (note: this material is being taught … finish reading Dogs Teaching Chemistry
Posted in Post-lecture
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Exam 5 results
Two weeks ago I offered my perspectives on exam scores (Some data …, Dec 1, 2013). Since then another exam has been completed and I can provide you with the latest results: Exam 1 – 44 (80-100%), 17 (60-80%), 3 … finish reading Exam 5 results
Posted in Exams
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Top 6 Reflections. Vote for your favorites
Dec 31, 2013 Update. 20 students sent me their votes for the top Improvement and top Insight reflections. Here are the results for the top Improvement: familiarize ourselves with the material before class – 5 votes don’t skip the more … finish reading Top 6 Reflections. Vote for your favorites
Posted in Contests & Challenges, Study habits & Distractions
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Some data (and advice) on exams…
This will sound a bit odd, but we have barely reached the middle of the semester. Obviously, I’m not referring to the calendar — the final exam is just over two weeks away — but if you count exam points, … finish reading Some data (and advice) on exams…
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“Like ketchup on sushi”
Reed chemistry alum and medical school student, Hassan Ghani ’08, just sent me this story from yesterday’s NY Times, “How to get an A- in Organic Chemistry” by Barbara Moran. Like so many others, Ms. Moran has decided a mid-life … finish reading “Like ketchup on sushi”
Posted in Study habits & Distractions
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Some tips for Exam 3
As you prepare for Exam 3, make sure that you learn to quickly identify the roles that different molecules might play in a chemical reaction. The sooner you can decide that a molecule is probably an acid (or base, nucleophile, … finish reading Some tips for Exam 3
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NMR & IR slides from lab lecture
A few of you were unable to attend last night’s lab lecture. Here are slides from the lab lecture (bonus prize: GC data for a ‘standard’ mixture of isopentyl alcohol and isopentyl acetate): IR slides NMR slides GC standards
Posted in Labs
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Fall Break fun: complete Sapling survey, win prizes
Sapling sent this announcement to me today: Sapling Learning is committed to providing the most effective online homework and the best support in higher education. We need feedback from you and your students to make sure that we are aware … finish reading Fall Break fun: complete Sapling survey, win prizes
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