Homework Format
For Chemical Engineering
Auburn University

The following information explains the official departmental format for homework used by the Chemical Engineering Department at Auburn University.

Departmental Format

 The following format is to be used in all chemical engineering courses. This format is applied consistently by all professors to avoid confusion. WORK WHICH DOES NOT ADHERE TO THESE STANDARDS MAY BE RETURNED UNGRADED OR CREDIT MAY BE DEDUCTED AT THE PROFESSOR'S DISCRETION. These same standards apply to examinations and quizzes as appropriate.

Paper

"Engineering paper" (National 42-182, 5 square or equivalent) MUST be used. Always use the unruled side of the paper ONLY, keeping holes on the left. In the case of large tables or figures, keep holes on top edge. Work only one problem per page. At the top of the page, indicate the course, student name, and problem number as well as the page sequencing information (see example).

Folding

Homework assignments should be turned in at the beginning of class unless the professor announces another procedure. Assignments should be stapled if they consist of more than one page. LOOSE PAPERS, PAPER CLIPS, DOG-EARS, ETC. ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Papers should be folded vertically with ruled side out.

Labeling

PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER ON THE BACK OF THE OUTSIDE PAGE OF ALL ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Last Name, First Name John Doe
  • Course/section CHE210-A
  • Assignment Probs: 2-5,7,8
  • Date: 12/31/99

    Each problem should be identified at the top of the page as shown in the example.

    Instruments

    All writing must be done in pencil and be easily readable (i.e., neatly printed or cursive letters of sufficient darkness). It is suggested a mechanical drafting pencil with grade 2B or softer lead be used. All straight lines are to drawn with a ruler. It is suggested a 6 inch clear plastic ruler be purchased. This is also an aid for reading tables and figures. A template of common drawing shapes (squares, circles, etc.) is also recommended. Circles and other curved shapes should be drawn with a template or compass or other instrument.

    FREEHAND CURVES AND FREEHAND STRAIGHT LINES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

    Answers

    Answers are to be clearly identified. There is only to be a single answer submitted for each part of each question. The answer should be underlined twice and an arrow used in the right margin to locate it easily.

    Abbreviations

    Use standard abbreviations. Use standard engineering notation. Do not invent abbreviations.

    Accuracy

    Avoid writing down excessive digits from calculations. Most data items should be written down to 4 significant decimal digits (i.e., molecular weights, constants, etc.). Final answers should reflect no greater than 0.1% accuracy (i.e., 3-4 significant decimal digits).

    Some examples are: 


    345.       1.070

    3.45       107.0

    0.0345     0.0001070

    Units

    Much credit is lost in failing to use units in calculations. This does not just include writing down the units but "using them" (i.e., canceling units to determine the final units). (See example)

    Example

    The following link shows an example homework problem using the format described above.


    • Comments or problems: Contact Dr. Timothy D. Placek
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