Written for students taking either the University of Cambridge Advanced Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate examinations, this guidebook covers essential topics and concepts under both stipulated chemistry syllabi. The book is written in such a way as to guide the reader through the understanding and applications of essential chemical concepts using the problem-solving approach. The authors have also retained the popular discourse feature from their previous two books — Understanding Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry and Understanding Advanced Organic and Analytical Chemistry — to help the learners better understand and see for themselves, how the concepts should be applied during solving problems. Based on the Socratic Method, questions are implanted throughout the book to help facilitate the reader's development in forming logical conclusions of the concepts and the way they are being applied to explain the problems. In addition, the authors have also included important summaries and concept maps to help the learners to recall, remember, reinforce, and apply the fundamental chemical concepts in a simple way.
Contents:
- Structure and Bonding
- Isomerism in Organic Compounds
- Organic Reactions and Mechanisms
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Arenes
- Halogen Derivatives
- Alcohols and Phenol
- Carbonyl Compounds
- Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives
- Amines
- Amino Acids
- Polymers
- Summary of Important Organic Reactions
Readership: Chemistry students taking O and A levels exam or IB exam or preparing for Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad.
Key Features:
- Existing A-levels textbooks and guidebooks generally introduce concepts in a matter-of-fact manner. As for us, we strive to add a pedagogical edge. Coupled with our years of teaching experiences, we have a sound awareness of common students' misconceptions which are relayed through the questions and thus help to reinforce concepts learnt
- Topics are explored through an explanatory and inquiry-based approached. They are interrelated, easy to understand and succinct explanations/examples are given especially on areas students tend to have problems in. Topics address the whys and hows behind key concepts to be mastered, in an effort to make Chemistry concepts understandable and intuitive for students. The focus is on conceptual learning so as to equip students with the knowledge for critical learning and problem solving
