Essential A2 chemistry for OCR
Ted Lister and Jane Renshaw
Cambridge: Nelson Thornes 2004 | Pp144 | £13.50 | ISBN 0 748 78506 X
Reviewed by Sandra Clinton

This textbook has been written to meet the requirements of the OCR specification for A2 chemistry. Intended for use by A-level students, the book is divided into modules and chapters corresponding to the topic headings used by OCR. The 13 chapters each cover a different aspect of the A2 course with topics ranging from organic chemistry to periodic trends in the transition elements. A useful appendix explaining the essential maths for understanding chemistry is also provided.   

Each chapter starts with an introduction to the topic, followed by the detailed chemistry. Reference is made to the related topic at AS-level where relevant. Topics are generally contained within a double-paged spread, but this is extended where more detail is required. Colour diagrams of appropriate structures and photographs are used throughout the book, with extensive use in the chapter on transition elements. Information is presented in the bullet-point format so popular with students and hint boxes are used to help with difficult areas. Each chapter contains quick questions designed to encourage students to engage with the material presented. In addition, a longer set of examination questions from OCR is given at the end of each module. Answers are provided at the end of the book for the quick questions but not for the examination questions.   

The publisher’s website states that support CD-ROMs, which teachers can network and edit, will also be available for this series. These will contain worksheets, marking schemes, practical help and selected diagrams on whiteboards and OHPs. Priced at £13.50, this book is good value for money and is ideal for use by students studying the OCR specification both within lessons and independently.