Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

by John McMurry, Mary E. Castellion, David S. Ballantine

Rewritten throughout for enhanced clarity and readability – without sacrificing content – this best-seller offers a focus on problem-solving and engaging discussions of relevant applications. Effectively covers the essentials of allied health chemistry without excessive and unnecessary detail. Puts chemistry in the context of everyday life. Covers biochemistry thoroughly to allow for flexible treatment and places emphasis on its relevance to society. Updates and expands content throughout in topics such as DNA, genomics, chemical messengers, the new food pyramid, and the modern view of nucleic acid chemistry and protein synthesis. Revises illustrations throughout for increased effectiveness. Redesigned diagrams and bulleted lists for a clearer layout. A useful resource for anyone working in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, agriculture, home economics, aquaculture – or those who simply have a desire to learn more about the basic concepts of chemistry and biochemistry.

Genres: Textbooks

889 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Clara Winding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quite okay chemistry book- though quite a bit of irrelevant and reapeted information

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a chemistry textbook that I'd recommend. As other reviewers have commented, its organization of topics by chapter is unusual and sometimes confusing. The writing is often dense and unclear, in a way that much overly "academic" writing can be (but doesn't have to be, if the writer is skilled enough to explain complex topics in clear English). While the book covers all the basic chemistry concepts, and often helpfully ties them to topics in medical/health science, it rarely goes into much depth, especially when it comes to calculations. This is almost a mathematical formula-free introduction to chemistry, which isn't helpful for those who plan to take more difficult classes later. In contrast, the Tro "Chemistry: A Molecular Approach" textbook is much more in-depth and also provides many more examples of worked problems with helpful explanations.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a chemistry text book....

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly groupings in chapters. I don't understand the order in which they're teaching the material (which is mostly not new to me).