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Exam Preparation. I expect each of you to take responsibility for your own learning both in class and while you're doing the homework. You'll soon realize that actively doing the problems during class and practicing them at home (in that order) are the best ways to figure out what I want you to know and get ready for my exams.

Read the book. Skim each chapter before I cover it, then you will have some idea of which questions to ask. You'll also be more aware of what I am skipping. After lecture, re-read the parts of the chapter that I talk about in class. Do the homework.

Learn now, during the class period. Don't put it off until you get home. You'll get best results if you listen carefully while you're in class. Try to act interested (it may be habit-forming). If you focus on learning only from the book, you'll probably be misdirecting your time and effort. Figure things out during class and you'll enjoy the semester more.

Take excellent notes. ...on everything I say and write in class. You're here to listen, ask questions, and learn actively. This is your chance. Scribble quickly now, then go home and neatly copy your notes while you look through the text. Add notes in your own words. Copying and paraphrasing your notes is one of the best ways to review and internalize the material we cover in class, which is directly related to what you'll see on the exams and quizzes.

Office Hours.
T/Th, 10:00-11:00 am at the tables outside the chemistry building or in the Library Cafe.
These meetings are not required. Other convenient opportunities to ask questions include email (anytime), and instant messenger (anytime that I'm online).

Ask questions! It is my job to answer them. Scientists are curious characters! People either know all of the answers or they ask. I usually assume people understand me. If you are so lost that you don't know what to ask, then ask me what to ask! Yes, try it. I have never heard an unnecessary question, and I am not one of those people who judges students negatively based on the questions that they ask. On the contrary, I admire those of you who are smart enough and brave enough to clarify things before you need to take an exam and before an assignment is due. Don't ever think that you don't deserve to ask a question, or that you're going to "drag the rest of the class down" if you ask a "simple" question during class. Those are the lamest excuses I know. The best time to ask questions is during class. The second best time is anytime via email. I've had email for more than 25 years now, and I've never been bothered by a message from someone I know. Those of you who ask questions eventually become the smartest people in the class. Those who neither know nor ask will find this course very difficult to pass. Okay, now read this paragraph again.

A Few Suggestions: An understanding of chemical concepts and calculations requires thought and practice. Don't expect to fully comprehend everything. And don't just give up when you don't "get it" immediately. Expect to study hard; strive to study effectively; figure out what I want you to know.

If you pay attention, follow directions, ask questions, and figure out what I'm going to ask you, then you'll do well. If you don't ask questions, have no interest in the course, don't pay attention during class, and don't bother doing the homework, then I can't be much help. Start now.