Understanding Essential Chemistry

Enables students to understand, apply, and retain key concepts in general chemistry

Understanding Essential Chemistry offers a unique and approachable supplement to standard general chemistry textbooks, designed specifically to aid students in mastering fundamental principles. Drawing on extensive classroom experience, chemistry professor Max Diem presents key concepts in an uninterrupted flow, allowing students to follow a clear and straightforward path to comprehension. With a logical, algebraic framework, the book is structured to build students’ confidence by breaking down complex topics into manageable pieces and encouraging critical thinking at every step.

Aimed at STEM majors, this book includes checkpoints with example problems and final answers to reinforce concepts and promote independent problem-solving skills. By methodically emphasizing basic understanding, this hands-on guide gives students the tools to grasp the core chemistry principles necessary for success in their courses, labs, and future studies. A must-have “survival guide” to boost student confidence in the subject, the text:

• Presents chemistry concepts in a streamlined, continuous format for easier comprehension and retention
• Encourages independent critical thinking with targeted example problems with provided solutions
• Supports any primary general chemistry textbook, making it adaptable for various curricula
• Allows students to assess their understanding at key points in the material
• Includes additional math tutorials in the Chapter for students needing a refresher in essential mathematical skills

This guide is an essential supplement for undergraduate first-year Chemistry courses for STEM majors, especially those in pre-medical, engineering, and science programs.

Max Diem, PhD, FSAS, was based in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University in Boston. He did his first degree at the University of Karlsruhe and then his PhD at the University of Toledo in OH. From 1978 to 2005, he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Professor of Chemistry at the City University of New York (Hunter College) before moving to Northeastern University. His research interests are centered on the development of physical / optical methods for medical diagnosis in tissue diagnostics.