Am i cheating on my homework?

Question

for my drug metabolism class, i'm supposed to identify major metabolites for an "unknown" compound. but, since i know a little about nomenclature, i was able to identify the compound and now i can look up the metabolism pathway on the internet. do you think that's cheating? (the pathway i came up with before i identified the compound is similar to the real pathway as published)

Answer 1

It depends.  Is this something you can research through texts and papers, or something you figure out analytically?  If the former, then no, you're not cheating, because you're looking it up (of course you can google anything and everything now adays), but if it is something you are supposed to "problem solve" analytically, then yes, go problem solve it instead! ;-)  Good luck!

Answer 2

I believe that part of learning is learning where to find accurate information when it is needed.  The answer to your question really depends on what your teacher wants you to get out of your homework.  If you are supposed to know everything and write the answers from memory, I would call that a test.  Try talking with your teacher if you are concerned.  Perhaps there is a way you are supposed to be able to find the answers without looking them up, hopefully your teacher can explain that to you.

Answer 3

no