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 university, 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.
Uniquely amongst 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 Chemistry³ 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 the maths, Chemistry³ provides structured support, in the form of careful explanations, reminders of key mathematical concepts, step-by-step calculations in worked examples, and a Maths 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.
New to the third edition:
- The first chapter has been thoroughly revised to provide a clear and accessible bridge between A Level and university level study.
- 200 new figures have been created to better illustrate and communicate key concepts.
- An additional 50 end of chapter problems are now included with outline answers supplied online, all linked to relevant sections of the chapter.
- The online learning resources now include interactive multiple choice questions and solutions for students.
1: Fundamentals
2: Language of organic chemistry
3: Atomic structure and properties
4: Diamotic molecules
5: Polyatomic molecules
6: Solids
7: Acids and bases
8: Gases
9: Reaction kinetics
10: Molecular spectroscopy
11: Analytical chemistry
12: Molecular characterization
13: Energy and thermochemistry
14: Entropy and gibbs energy
15: Chemical equilibrium
16: Electrochemistry
17: Phase equilibrium and solutions
18: Isomerism and stereochemistry
19: Organic reaction mechanisms
20: Halogenoalkanes
21: Alkenes and alkynes
22: Benzene and other aromatic compounds
23: Aldehydes and ketones
24: Carboxylic acids and derivatives
25: Hydrogen
26: S-block chemistry
27: P-block chemistry
28: D-block chemistry
Maths Toolkit
Appendices
Reviews from the previous edition:
"On reading the background information provided for this text, I could immediately see the potential benefit of such a book for first year undergraduate students studying chemistry or related courses. I believe that with the increased coverage, combined with the attractive layout and writing style, this text will be very well accepted by the staff and students of Chemistry Departments, particularly in the UK."
– Mike Hird, University of Hull
"I was particularly impressed by the way in which the physical basis of key mathematical equations was presented and discussed in clear simple language. The authors adopt the approach taken by myself in my lectures, in which I attempt to convey to the students the sense that an equation is not only a jumble of arcane symbols but contains a clear meaning which can be subjected to a clear and concise explanation and interpretation."
– Mike Lyons, Trinity College, Dublin
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this chapter and found it exceptionally clear conceptually and historically. It did not leave any niggling unexplained facts, units or terms."
– Grace Morgan, University College Dublin
"Good, non-scary introduction to chemistry."
– Sarah Masters, University of Edinburgh
"Where it is superior, is in its ability to actually teach the students rather than just lecture to them."
– James Barker, University of Kingston
"It is such a great book and I am sure that my OUP rep is sick of me calling her and raving about it! Chapter 13 is stunning-it is so well written and it so easy to teach from. The authors have obviously been involved in chemistry education."
– Mark Ellison, Australian National University
"This is a book that shines out amongst so many other graduate texts in the field of chemistry. It does not try to encompass the whole of a degree course in a single text; rather it addresses the specific needs of the first year undergraduate. It does so in a refreshingly open and 'familiar way'."
– Reviews, The Higher Education Academy UK Physical Sciences Centre
"'This comprehensive textbook covers all of the material normally included in the first year of BSc and MChem chemistry courses at UK universities. It provides breadth of coverage of the whole of chemistry and combines this with depth of information on individual topics.'"
– Education in Chemistry, January 2010
"'It is an UTTERLY FANTASTIC textbook'"
– Jennifer Lawson, first year Chemistry student, Loughborough University
"This book would be ideal for introductory courses in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry"
– Chemistry World
"In view of its quality and advantageous price this book is especially recommended to its target audience, as well as everyone for whom an up-to-date introduction to chemistry is suitable."
– CLB Chemie in Labor und Biotechnik, April 2010
"A simple uncluttered layout, amply illustrated with contemporary "real world" examples, clearly demarcates diffe rent sections. The book positively blooms; it is beautifully illustrated and operates on many levels without feeling cluttered, juggling chemistry theory, equations and history in a manner that enriches rather than overloads the reading experience"
– Ewan Miller, second-year medicine Undergraduate, University of Aberdeen
"This textbook is excellent value for money. I would definitely recommend it for first year students and can see myself finding it useful for years to come."
– Annabelle Lacey, student, University of St Andrews
"This is the only textbook I will need to use for all of first year due to the well explained, detailed content."
– Kirsty Purchase, student, University of St Andrews