Some of the problems require numerical work, in part to get you familiar with typical numbers in applications, and in part to get you connect the outcome with theory. Nothing more than a scientific calculator and graph paper is needed, but you will probably want to use Mathematica on the Physics NeXT cluster if you don't have access to other computers. Van Vleck has a number of computers set up with Maple if you prefer that. If you use a computer, hand in your program with the homework solutions. I generally expect you and your study partners to have made a legitimate attempt at the problems before coming for hints so your questions are focussed.
Most physics is done in collaborations.
Joint work on, and discussion of, the problem assignments will give you practice in working in a collaborative setting, something expected by most potential employers of physicists. I may assign some group problems during the semester.