Chemistry without the bang (Physical Chemistry - Peter Atkins, Julio De Paula)

Member Name: captainraz

Product:	Physical Chemistry - Peter Atkins, Julio De Paula
Date:	26/07/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Makes you look clever by having it on your bookshelf

Disadvantages: Poor book for reference and study

As a chemistry undergraduate this is one of the core texts for my course. I spent in excess of £30 on this in my first year, and this was largely wasted money. I've picked it up to study with on less than ten occasions in two years.

On the few occasions I have actually tried to use the book as a study aid, I've found it stodgy and unintuitive. I've found information difficult to find, and the book often omits key parts of my lectures, despite being recommended as a core text time and time again. In addition to this, I find it difficult to process information the way it is laid out in the book, and I find the exercises provided even less useful. I've come away from a session using this book having learned next to nothing.

I find this book a poor reference source, and even poorer a study aid.

Summary: Use a library copy rather than forking out for it