Making the Transition to University Chemistry

By M. J. Clugston and Malcolm Stewart
Review by Lucy (Chemistry)

This book is essential for any student thinking of taking chemistry at university. It was recommended to me by Malcolm Stewart on an Open Day at Oxford, so I begged my family to buy one for my birthday. The book slowly eases the reader into the change that comes with university chemistry by starting with what you already know and slowly and comprehensively building on this. This is assisted by simple but thorough diagrams throughout so that tricky concepts can be understood visually, rather than extensive lines of text, like so many chemistry textbooks I am reading now.

Personally, I found the book extremely useful to read when preparing for interviews as many of the ideas that are covered are new topics you have never seen before. Like with tutorials, the book aims to stretch you beyond what you already know, with sections aimed at highlighting the most interesting topics you will cover in your degree (even if it isn’t at Oxford).

Starting a course at university can feel like you are just thrown into the deep end, and you are constantly drowning in deadlines. Having read this book meant that I already had a grasp of some of the key concepts that were covered in the first few lectures. As the course gets harder, having this book under your belt means you can refer to it and understand where some of the trickier concepts come from. It’s worth mentioning that you don’t need to read it comprehensively from cover to cover, you can dip in and out, focusing on any areas you may be particularly struggling with.

Making the Transition to University Chemistry by M. J. Clugston and Malcolm Stewart
ISBN-10 0198757158
ISBN-13 978-0198757153

Try checking the availability of this book at your school or local library or explore second hand bookshops and websites. You may also wish to purchase from either Amazon or Blackwell’s.

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