Chemical Forums
Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Education and Careers => Topic started by: saippo on August 18, 2016, 10:41:38 AM
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For some reason, my professor is using an ancient organic chemistry textbook where the solutions manual seem to be non-existent (apparently even the prof doesn't own it). The thing is, I like the subject and I've been doing online problems but I want to have a go at the problems in my textbook since they seem to be a lot more difficult.
I asked my prof and he said that if the answer makes sense then it's the answer. However, as a noob how can I really trust my intuition? Part of the thing that I like about solving difficult questions is the satisfaction and I feel kinda unsure about spending possible hours on a problem without ever really knowing whether it's right or not. However, I suppose this is some researcher's reality.
I'd love to find a group of people at my school who are interested in solving these problems together but my school is very bio-oriented and there aren't a lot of people who are interested in smelling the flowers called chemistry. I also don't want to approach the professor or the TA every time I have a question (which is usually like 10 per problem lol)
Tips?
I'll keep looking and I'll probably try out some of these mystery problems later today.
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Most old textbooks gave answers (not solutions) at least to a half of problems.
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For some reason, my professor is using an ancient organic chemistry textbook where the solutions manual seem to be non-existent (apparently even the prof doesn't own it). The thing is, I like the subject and I've been doing online problems but I want to have a go at the problems in my textbook since they seem to be a lot more difficult.
I asked my prof and he said that if the answer makes sense then it's the answer. However, as a noob how can I really trust my intuition? Part of the thing that I like about solving difficult questions is the satisfaction and I feel kinda unsure about spending possible hours on a problem without ever really knowing whether it's right or not. However, I suppose this is some researcher's reality.
I'd love to find a group of people at my school who are interested in solving these problems together but my school is very bio-oriented and there aren't a lot of people who are interested in smelling the flowers called chemistry. I also don't want to approach the professor or the TA every time I have a question (which is usually like 10 per problem lol)
Tips?
I'll keep looking and I'll probably try out some of these mystery problems later today.
I like your attitude of challenging difficult subjects. It is of course normal you would like to see if you get it right or wrong
What do you think using a newer and good textbook? I think in terms of learning, it does not matter if you change to another textbook. The exam questions won't be just copied from your old textbook
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Tips?
Post questions and your answers here (at the organic chemistry forum). Most regulars will be ready to discuss them and point you in directions you would never think about.
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If you don't want to bother your professor, you may think about some tutor or mentor. Have you tried to find any?