Chemistry : Introducing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry

Chemistry is widely considered to be the central science: it encompasses concepts on which all other branches of science are developed. Yet, for many students entering college, gaining a firm grounding in chemistry is a real challenge. Chemistry3 responds to this challenge, providing students with a full understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry on which to build later studies.

Unique among the introductory chemistry texts currently available, Chemistry3 is written by a team of chemists to give equal coverage of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry coverage that is uniformly authoritative. The approach to organic chemistry is mechanistic, rather than the old fashioned 'functional group' approach, to help students achieve a fuller understanding of the underlying principles.

The expertise of the author team is completed by two specialists in chemistry education, who bring to the book a wealth of experience of teaching chemistry in a way that students enjoy and understand. The result is a text that builds on what students know already from school and tackles their misunderstandings and misconceptions, thereby providing a seamless transition from school to undergraduate study.

The authors achieve unrivalled accessibility through the provision of carefully worded explanations and reminders of students' existing knowledge; the introduction of concepts in a logical and progressive manner; and the use of annotated diagrams and step by step worked examples. Students are encouraged to engage with the text and appreciate the central role that chemistry plays in our lives through the unique use of real world context and photographs.

Chemistry3 tackles head on two issues pervading chemistry education: the students' mathematical skills, and their ability to see the subject as a single, unified discipline. Instead of avoiding math, Chemistry3 provides structured support, in the form of careful explanations, reminders of key mathematical concepts, step by step calculations in worked examples, and a Math Toolkit, to help students get to grips with the essential mathematical element of chemistry. Frequent cross references highlight the connections between each strand of chemistry and explain the relationship between the topics, so students can develop an understanding of the subject as a whole.

Dr. Andrew Burrows instructs in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath.

John Holman is Professor of Science Education and Director of the National Science Learning Center at the University of York.

Dr. Andrew Parsons instructs in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York.

Dr. Gwen Pilling, Formerly of the Science Education Group, instructs at the University of York.

Dr. Gareth Price instructs in the Department of Chemistry, University of Bath.