The purpose of doing homework is to achieve mastery of the subject. Exams are used to demonstrate mastery. Here, the student is confusing familiarity with mastery. You may understand how a bicycle works without being able to ride it. Mastery requires that you are able to use it to get somewhere.
Mastery requires the practice which homework provides to the learning process.
You will most likely NOT do chemistry homework problems after you successfully complete this course. A knowledge of chemistry is often required for an understanding of those aspects of your chosen field which depend upon chemistry. Mastery is required to be able to carry this knowledge to another discipline. I do not need to see your practice work. It will be obvious from your performance on exams whether or not you practice.