2

I am currently taking a math class and saw that a professor from a different university had some ideas/open questions for final course research projects on his page. I began working on one of these project ideas but I ran into a problem that I couldn't overcome (basically a certain type of equation doesn't seem to exist for the object proposed in his question).

I asked my math professor about it but they weren't sure. Would it be inappropriate to email the professor from a different university about it and ask them if this is the correct direction to work in for the problem? It would just be a one time email, not like expecting him to answer all my questions, but I understand how he could take it as such.

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

I would say go ahead. Just make sure that you ask your question clearly: describe the approaches you tried and what you have stumbled upon. Professors are usually delighted to see the interest in their subject, and moreover, such questions from students help to improve their courses. The professor might not necessarily reply to your email due to lack of time, but you lose nothing by trying.

Improve this answer
1
  • Agree. Main thing is to keep your e-mail very concise: "I'm working on the X project from your website, encountered Y problem and got stuck, wondering if you could point me in the right direction. Happy to send you a more detailed write-up of my work if you're interested. Cheers, --Name."
    – cag51 ♦
    Commented May 1, 2019 at 2:03
4

I wouldn’t say it’s inappropriate (that mostly depends on the Professor) but I would not expect an answer. Professors teach classes at their home university and are not obligated to attend to students outside their class. If you found a mistake, or are contributing to the class in some way that’s another story.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .