Reviews (2)

Excellent Reference
For anyone in the pharmaceutical sciences, this book is a must. It is exhaustive and covers every aspect of physical pharmacy that you can think of. Along with Remington's The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, these two books are a must for anyone in hard-core pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical chemistry research.

...
This is probably the worst textbook I have ever had thedispleasure of being forced to own. The author expects the"student" to already have a degree to be able to read thetext. None of the formulas are explained in detail at all and someare just pulled out of the air. Others are explained only half givingvariables that are expected to be known - in a textbook! Also, thelayout and format of the book are horrible, it's in newsprint stylewith no color no illustrations to give better understanding of thedata contained in the book. There are a few graphs, but again,they're poorly explained. In my personal opinion, DO NOT PURCHASEthis book, it will not help you. You're better off trying to learnthe material on your own. ... Read more

Book Description

Technology today allows the collection of biological information at an unprecedented level of detail and in increasingly vast quantities. To reap real knowledge from the mountains of data produced, however, requires interdisciplinary skills-a background not only in biology but also in computer science and the tools and techniques of data analysis.To help meet the challenges of DNA research, Data Analysis Tools for DNA Microarrays builds the foundation in the statistics and data analysis tools needed by biologists and provides the overview of microarrays needed by computer scientists. It first presents the basics of microarray technology and more importantly, the specific problems the technology poses from the data analysis perspective. It then introduces the fundamentals of statistics and the details of the techniques most commonly used to analyze microarray data. The final chapter focuses on commercial applications with sections exploring various software packages from BioDiscovery, Insightful, SAS, and Spotfire. The book is richly illustrated with more than 230 figures in full color and comes with a CD-ROM containingfull-feature trial versions of software for image analysis (ImaGene, BioDiscovery Inc.) and data analysis (GeneSight, BioDiscovery Inc. and S-Plus Array Analyzer, Insightful Inc.).Written in simple language and illustrated in full color, Data Analysis Tools for DNA Microarrays lowers the communication barrier between life scientists and analytical scientists. It prepares those charged with analyzing microarray data to make informed choices about the techniques to use in a given situation and contribute to further advances in the field. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Far from superficial...
When entering the minefields of microarray data analysis, one has to understand and keep up with state-of-the-art technologies and interdisciplinary literatures. A background in molecular biology is clearly not enough to evaluate the pro and cons of the various statistical methods for selecting truly modulated candidate genes in a given experimental biological system. Choosing between the available analysis software's is not an easy task either. Draghici presents a complete visit of the microarray underworld by initiating the reader to all the facettes of this domain. From the fundamentals of slide production and target hybridization to image processing, statistical analysis, experimental design, data management and biological interpretation, all aspects treated herein are described with pertinent details. Draghici slowly, but successfully, tames the reticent molecular biologist to the arid world of statistics and even entertains the reader with anecdotes and humoristic citations.
Clearly written, with appropriate mathematical examples for each topic, this book even includes exercises at the end of some chapters, for the zealous student sleeping in all of us. It constitutes a very good didactic tool and the included CD's allow a good peek in some of the available image/data analysis software's on the market.
As a core facility manager and eternal student, I strongly recommend Draghici's book to life scientists and students who are struggling with statistical analysis and data mining techniques.

Brigitte Malette, Ph. D.
Project Leader, Microarray Platform
Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics
Concordia University
Montreal

Detailed and understandable
Draghici managed to write a manual on applying microarray (data) with a great feeling for explanation of hard issues. The book is relatively easy to read, very complete and covers most, if not all, analysis techniques that are currently around for microarrays.

Highly recommendable!

Good Overview of Microarray Technology
I have had the book for about a month now and I consult it quite frequently. Great coverage of Microarray Data Anlysis. It manages to be thourough without being dry or using excessive jargon. It's very readable and useful for both novices and experienced readers.

It's main strength lies in the use of excellent examples that show the main pitfalls encountered in analyzing microarray data. It has great coverage of statistics and their potential misuse and misunderstanding when they are applied to gene expression data sets. The experimental design section is especially helpful for researchers that are designing a project.

The graphics are excellent and the book is printed on good quality paper.

The book includes two CD's with demo versions of several commercial software packages.

Overall a great buy.

Data Analysis Tools for DNA Microarrays
A much needed book for the biologist interested in using DNA/protein microarrays. Examples are specific for microarrays. The material starts from ground zero and begins
with image analysis. All major methods for analysis are discussed.
Well worth the cost, quality graphics, includes software (have not used as yet).
A must read before discussing experimetnal design with your stats person. ... Read more

Book Description

The most successful first edition General Chemistry text published in the last decade, CHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULAR SCIENCE continues in this new edition to emphasize the traditional core concepts covered in the general chemistry course. Lauded for its focus on visualization for understanding in support of students' conceptual development and its dedicated emphasis on content mastery through a proven problem-solving methodology that actively engages students in the chemical thought process, this Second Edition offers a complete pedagogical solution. The text's student focus is extended through General ChemistryNow--the first assessment-centered Web-based learning tool for general chemistry. Developed in concert, the unparalleled integration of text and media provides students with a seamless learning system. Based on extensive user and reviewer feedback, the Second Edition has been significantly revised to meet the content and organizational needs of today's general chemistry classroom. CHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULAR SCIENCE is intended for mainstream general chemistry courses geared toward students who expect to pursue further study in science, engineering, or science-related disciplines. ... Read more

Book Description

PRINCIPLES OF MODERN CHEMISTRY has dominated the honors and high mainstream general chemistry courses and is considered the standard for the course. The fifth edition is a substantial revision that maintains the rigor of previous editions but reflects the exciting modern developments taking place in chemistry today. Authors David W. Oxtoby and H. P. Gillis provide a unique approach to learning chemical principles that emphasizes the total scientific processfrom observation to applicationplacing general chemistry into a complete perspective for serious-minded science and engineering students. Chemical principles are illustrated by the use of modern materials, comparable to equipment found in the scientific industry. Students are therefore exposed to chemistry and its applications beyond the classroom. This text is perfect for those instructors who are looking for a more advanced general chemistry textbook. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Pretty Good
I never actually used this book; I TAed for a class that used it. I ended up reading alot of it and thought that it was pretty good, but didn't cover all the math and derivations that were used in the course. Its a good book for basic general chemistry, but it does not explain the math very well. I also wouldn't reccommend it for students who have never taken chemistry at all because its probably too advanced. Take home message: its a more advanced general chem book, but fails miserably in explaining the math.

excellent
I have read the other reviews, but I think this is an excellent text for general chemistry (or introductory courses). The fundamentals are well-explained, and the core itself is easily comprehensible and detailed... a wonderful read.

Useful, if not on a quantum basis
Principles of Modern Chemistry's strength is that it is well illustrated with very useful graphs, and provided a good overview of basic chemistry throughout most of its contents. The narrative generally followed logically and clearly, if not always in-depth enough. However, when it came to quantum mechanics, the explanations were quite lacking and the structure was rather muddled. Around chapter 15, the book really ceased to be satisfactory, and it would be more efficient to simply skim the illustrations.

A better choice
In contrast to textbooks that spend an enormous ammount of paper on outlining the very principles vaguely, this book gets to the point. It is a much better choice that for instance Munowitz's "Principles of Chemistry" as it is better illustrated and gives betterexplained examples. It has some weaknesses, but it is a real Chemistry book, that might prove useful doing chemical problems. For a really interested person it is not a bad choice.

chem major from S. Hadley, MA
This book does a decent job of outlining the 'principles', but fails to draw concepts together in a way that would make the subject more understandable to beginning chemistry students. ... Read more

Book Description

The bible of gas chromatography - offering everything the professional and the novice need to know about running, maintaining, and interpreting the results from GC.

Analytical chemists, technicians, and scientists in allied disciplines have come to regard Modern Practice of Gas Chomatography as the standard reference in gas chromatography. In addition to serving as an invaluable reference for the experienced practitioner, this bestselling work provides the beginner with a solid understanding of gas chromatographic theory and basic techniques.

This new Fourth Edition incorporates the most recent developments in the field, including entirely new chapters on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS); optimization of separations and computer assistance; high speed or fast gas chromatography; mobile phase requirements: gas system requirements and sample preparation techniques; qualitative and quantitative analysis by GC; updated information on detectors; validation and QA/QC of chromatographic methods; and useful hints for good gas chromatography.

As in previous editions, contributing authors have been chosen for their expertise and active participation in their respective areas. Modern Practice of Gas Chromatography, Fourth Edition presents a well-rounded and comprehensive overview of the current state of this important technology, providing a practical reference that will greatly appeal to both experienced chomatographers and novices. ... Read more

Book Description

The standard-setting classic just got better! Completely revised and updated since the publication of the sixth edition, Environmental Chemistry, Seventh Edition contains eight new chapters, with significant emphasis on industrial ecology as it relates to the emerging area of "green" chemistry. It also discusses the concept of the anthrosphere as a distinct sphere of the environment.The new chapters in the Seventh Edition include:oThe Anthrosphere, Industrial Ecosystems, and oEnvironmental ChemistryoPrinciples of Industrial EcologyoIndustrial Ecology, Resources, and EnergyoIndustrial Ecology for Waste Minimization, Utilization, and TreatmentoChemical Analysis of Water and WastewateroChemical Analysis of Wastes and SolidsoAir and Gas AnalysisoChemical Analysis of Biological Materials oXenobioticsMany professionals in environmental chemistry today began their studies with this definitive textbook. Now this benchmark resource has even more to offer. It gives your students a basic understanding of the science and its applications. In addition to providing updated materials in this rapidly developing field, the Seventh Edition emphasizes the major concepts essential to the practice of environmental chemistry at the beginning of the new millennium. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good Reference Text; Poor Class Text
I used this text a few years ago when I was writing a paper on ethics of pesticide use, and it certainly details information well. However, the general tone is often anal and the writing style is extremely drab. Most ofthe diagrams included were generated using low-budget graphics software,andit shows.At 811 pages, this is an overly long book and not all thechapters (24 total) can be covered in a single Echem course. Also, there isno solutions manual and the problems Manahan gives are challening (asection of numerical solutions placed in the back of the text would havebeen nice...)This is a good reference text, butif you're looking for asemester-long or short-term text to use for an Echem course, use Baird'stext, not Manahan's.

Environmental Chemisty Review
This text is well written.The author give a understanding of Environmental Chemistry.The reader gets a good understanding ofbasic chemistry as well as a understanding of the effects of Chemistry on theenvironment.

Text is good in introduction of topics, poor for advanced
Text gives good introduction to concepts only and not good for advanced studies because not explain how to apply the concepts to real world problems.It lacks in calculations needed to sovle problems and has nosolution guide for the questions that are in the text. A lot of referencetexts will be needed to solve the problems. No periodic table found in thetext or conversion chart in the text which is very poor for a chemistrytext. But it is an excellent text for learning the concepts ofenvironmental chemistry.

An excellent introduction to modern topics in e-chem.
Manahan compiles many sources of information into one, easy to follow and compact reference.The only limitation of the text is the absence of sample calculations for solving the problems that come at the end of eachchapter.Reference to a solutions guide would be helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

This best-selling text owes its success to its conceptual approach to problem solving, high-quality end-of-chapter problems, and student-friendly writing style. A robust technology package accompanies the Sixth Edition and includes access to online tutoring and a dynamic online homework system.

Chemistry emphasizes the qualitative understanding of concepts before quantitative problems are considered, helping build student comprehension. Its integration of descriptive chemistry and chemical principles throughout makes the text both interesting and understandable. A strong emphasis on models and real-world applications prevails throughout the book. Coverage of models includes how they are constructed, how they are tested, and what students learn when they inevitably fail.

• A superior technology package offers both students and instructors a multitude of resources to facilitate learning and teaching.
• The text's art program has been extensively revised to include more molecular-level illustrations of core concepts that help students connect the macroscopic to the molecular level.
• Updated "Chemical Impact" boxes highlight the most relevant and practical applications of chemistry to students' everyday lives.
• Media icons in the text link students to related content on the General Chemistry Student CD-ROM and the web site. The CD-ROM includes animations and videos plus activities to help students understand concepts. The web site features problems for extra practice.
• End-of-chapter material includes new "Media Activities" that direct students to technology resources that can help them explore topics, learn concepts, and solve problems. These activities are conveniently repeated in the Technology Guide.
• Incorporation of microscale art increases the effectiveness of the end-of-chapter problems.

Book Description

Intended for the one- or two-term introductory biochemistry course taught at the junior/senior level, this beautifully and consistently illustrated text gives science majors the most current presentation of biochemistry available. Written by a chemist and a biologist, the book presents biochemistry from balanced perspectives. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Obnoxious Clown Man writes book!
This man likes to laugh at his own jokes! Do you want to be TAUGHT by a BOOK by a man that laughs at his own JOKES! He plays the banjo! There was a picture of him playing banjo, which happened to be the most interesting thing in the book, but he removed it, so be sure to get an old version.

Outstanding professor
I took the Comparative Biochemistry at UVa taught by Prof. Garrett and it was the best class I took at UVa. He had an amazing way of organizing lectures so that I kept wanting to learn more and more as the hour went by. I didn't even have to take a lot of notes, because he made things clear and it all sunk in. I was really inspired to do a good job on our research papers and really learned alot because of the types of things he taught us to think about. I was a terrible student, had awful grades especially in chemistry and biology but this class really stuck out. Oh, and I got an A too. Unlike alot of professors, he didn't have a loud or condescending tone. While I didn't pursue biochemistry any further, I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had because he was such a great professor and I enjoyed his class so much.

All in all, most suitable for a general audience
Undergraduate biochem at my school is taught by the biochem department (not surprising). However, as a result, we have all sorts of people taking the course from prospective chemists (me) to premeds and general bio sci majors. So the dept. uses this book and it's probably the best compromise out there. Voet and Voet would be perfect if the course was taught exclusively for chemists, Stryer if the course was loaded up with premeds (horrifying thought, I know :) ) But Garrett and Grisham have managed to write a rather well balanced text (one is in UVA's bio dept., the other UVA's chem dept) with plenty of both chemical insight and medical relevance. Based on (I'm sure) similar experiences they've had teaching biochem to a mixed audience, and knowing that most undergrad biochem courses tend to be taught to similar groups of students nationwide, this is the best book for a case like that. (However, I'm getting Voet and Voet as a reference for me personally one of these days.)

A Well Written Reference
This book provided invaluable reference information to me for a one year course in biochemistry. It was designed in a manner so that the class or student can learn topics in depth or get a broad overview of the subject. It also has lots of interesting historical perspectives and useful graphics. I am definately keeping this book for a reference as I continue my studies.

An excellent improvement from the first edition
I have Biochemistry texts by Garrett and Grisham in both editions. First,I found the 1st edition a very bad text since the fiugures and language presented in the text were extremely vague and unclear. However, the 2nd edition seems to be much better than the first version. The context is clear, organization great, pictures are perfect. The idea that authors combine two books in one (i.e biochemistry and Cell biology approach) is nice, making this book become one of the good texts to have on the shelf. I am sure that anyone who wants to learn more about biochemistry, this book can be a good tool. ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition of Introductory Raman Spectroscopy serves as a guide to newcomers who wish to become acquainted with this dynamic technique. Written by three acknowledged experts this title uses examples to illustrate the usefulness of the technique of Raman spectroscopy in such diverse areas as forensic science, biochemistry, medical, pharmaceutical prescription and illicit drugs. The technique also has many uses in industry.

Updated Applications chapter
ú Demonstrated the versatility and utility of Raman spectroscopy in problem solving in science
ú Serves as an excellent reference text for both beginners and more advanced students
ú Discusses new applications of Raman spectroscopy in industry and research ... Read more

Book Description

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known materials, and to elucidate the structural and chemical properties of molecules. Inorganic mass spectrometry focuses on the analysis of metals and elements rather than organic compounds. Applications of Inorganic Mass Spectrometry describes developments in mass spectrometric instrumentation, together with applications in metrology, nuclear science, cosmochemistry, geoscience, environmental science, and planetary science.

Divided into two parts, the first part of the book reviews the numerous technological advances that have occurred in mass spectrometry since 1947, a date regarded as the birth of modern mass spectrometry. The second part offers an up-to-date description of the many applications of inorganic mass spectrometry and includes a comprehensive set of references for each application.
It is doubtful that any other analytical instrument has had such a significant impact in so many fields of science as mass spectrometry. Applications of Inorganic Mass Spectrometry provides researchers, scientists, and engineers with an essential reference for this vital science. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not worth the time
This book was not helpful to me studying for Step 1. It contains too much unnecessary detail while it lacks clinically relevant information. 1st aid was sufficient + Lippincott for its nice charts.

An Excellent Source for Step 1
When I was preparing for step 1, I bought this book as an alternative to "Lippincott's Illustrated Biochemistry". I did not have enough time for that book and other books were too short. At first I was skeptical, but when I started reading the book, everything changed. I studied it in 5 days and I could not believe how well prepared I was. I had no problem during the test. This book gives you a very good understanding of biochemistry as a whole picture. It has some unnecessary chemistry details that you can skip. Also questions are not clinically oriented, so try to use another test book. The author of the book has done a terrific job in summarizing and choosing subjects that are important for test. It has good illustrations that help you visually remember material.

BRS Biochemistry
Dr. Marks' biochemistry board review series is quite informative. It gives a good foundation for those who have never had a biochemistry class and provides great review for those who have. It is a great supplemental text that helps to clarify and test the student's knowledge of the information. The book often helped to provide a guideline by which studying could be approached for the course. However, students should understand that the book is not meant to substitute their syllabi or their texts.

great review
This is a concise review of biochem for the boards. Dr. Marks explains things and is able to put them in an outline form so you are not reading endless text. The questions at the end of each section are really helpful.

Some words about Dawn Marks
I just want to say that I knew Dawn Marks. I was part of the last class she taught at Temple University School of Medicine. She died on Spet 6, 2000. She was one of the best teachers I've ever had. She worked tirelessly for her students... Giving organized review sessions, impromptu reviews for any student with a biochemistry problem, and overall a way of making us understand. This is echoed by Temple's performance each year on the USMLE in biochem. She will be missed by not only her family, friends, and students, but by medical students across the country. ... Read more

Book Description

This flexible lab manual-appropriate for use with a wide range of general chemistry books-offers a wealth of practical chemistry experiments. It includes pertinent information on rules and safety in the lab. Preparation of the new edition was guided by specific feedback from users. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

good text, forbidding price
The book is very good for reference, yet it is too expensive for graduate students. I would also suggest taking $$$off, relative to March's and C&S's good text, this one is really forbidding.

The Bible for Organic Laboratory
I took an undergraduate course on advanced organic laboratory method and Vogel was meant to be an incredible reference and life-saver. The overwhelming size of the book might seem somewhat frightening yet the useful information is worth the size and money.

Pavia's "Introduction to Organic Laboratory Techniques" might seem to be a water-down version of Vogel. Vogel is extremely well-written and detailed in laboratory tecniques such as chromatography, distillation, HPLC, crystallization, extraction, etc. A chapter is also devoted to discussion of solvents and reagents, which helps tremendously for separation experiments.

Vogel also discusses aliphatic, heterocyclic, and aromatic compounds and introduces spectroscopic methods. Vogel is recommended for advanced lab course that requires frequent modification of lab procedures and reference for chemists.

Time for a new edition
This book is really good but it's time for a new edition ! Compared to another excellent book (Jerry March) it is also too expensive. I would give 5 stars to a new and cheaper edition.

MUST READ
Vogel's Handbook is a must for all practising organic and analytical chemists. Ask me - I have misplaced the one and only copy of the South African Police Service's Forensic Science Laboratory. I thought about reordering a replacement copy, untill I saw the price! In our money the cost is equivalent to one month's rent of a bachelors flat. Considering my alternatives I opted for rather writing a winning review of the publication, thus immediately take $100 of the retail price. Clever ain't it? Please inform me when I can collect my $100. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews of the Second Edition

"In this book, Andy Baxevanis and Francis Ouellette . . . have undertaken the difficult task of organizing the knowledge in this field in a logical progression and presenting it in a digestible form. And they have done an excellent job. This fine text will make a major impact on biological research and, in turn, on progress in biomedicine. We are all in their debt."
--Eric Lander, from the Foreword to the Second Edition

"The editors and the chapter authors of this book are to be applauded for providing biologists with lucid and comprehensive descriptions of essential topics in bioinformatics. This book is easy to read, highly informative, and certainly timely. It is most highly recommended for students and for established investigators alike, for anyone who needs to know how to access and use the information derived in and from genomic sequencing projects."
--Trends in Genetics

"It is an excellent general bioinformatics text and reference, perhaps even the best currently available . . . Congratulations to the authors, editors, and publisher for producing a weighty, authoritative, readable, and attractive book."
--Briefings in Bioinformatics

"This book, written by the top scientists in the field of bioinformatics, is the perfect choice for every molecular biology laboratory."
--The Quarterly Review of Biology

This fully revised version of a world-renowned bestseller provides readers with a practical guide covering the full scope of key concepts in bioinformatics, from databases to predictive and comparative algorithms. Using relevant biological examples, the book provides background on and strategies for using many of the most powerful and commonly used computational approaches for biological discovery. This Third Edition reinforces key concepts that have stood the test of time while making the reader aware of new and important developments in this fast-moving field. With a new full-color and enlarged page design, Bioinformatics, Third Edition offers the most readable, up-to-date, and thorough introduction to the field for biologists.

This new edition features:

• New chapters on genomic databases, predictive methods using RNA sequences, sequence polymorphisms, protein structure prediction, intermolecular interactions, and proteomic approaches for protein identification
• Detailed worked examples illustrating the strategic use of the concepts presented in each chapter, along with a collection of expanded,more rigorous problem sets suitable for classroom use
• Special topic boxes and appendices highlighting experimental strategies and advanced concepts
• Annotated reference lists, comprehensive lists of relevant Web resources, and an extensive glossary of commonly used terms in bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics

Reviews (13)

Great book, easy to follow, expert authors
Five stars, a great place for people like me (trained as a biochemist) to start in a field that I know is going to be more and more important as to how I do my work in the future. I've been able to use basic things like BLAST more effectively, and finally understand that there are other ways to look at sequence besides BLAST and how to apply those tools to my own sequences. I really like the Entrez chapter, since Entrez does so much more than I ever realized it could do! I haven't ventured into the advanced territory yet (like microarrays), but at least I understand what I'm hearing in seminars now and what all those red and green spots actually represent.

I read the review by "a reader in Cambridge, MA", and don't understand what their beef is with this title. The authors have tried (and have succeeded) in pointing the readers to the best PUBLIC DOMAIN software out there, augmenting documentation that's generally lacking. Have you ever tried finding good docs on the NCBI Web site? Well, these two editors got them for you. UNIX-centric? I can't speak for the first edition, but check out the second edition and see that there's tons of Netscape screen dumps demonstrating the tools and making things as easy as possible for the reader. I originally bought this because of the reviews published in Science and Cell and a slew of other journals, all favorable, so the "reader in Cambridge" seems out of step with all of the published journal reviews of the book. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I just wanted to point this out for a sense of balance here, especially since my own experience was so different.

Somewhat more than an out-of-date catalog of tools
The book is a collection of chapters by different authors addressing software tools for various problems: database search, multiple sequence alignment, gene prediction, protein structure prediction, etc. A big flaw is that all of the authors assume a different level of prior background and have rather different emphases.

I'd have to agree with the other reviewer that Chapters 1 & 17, which constitute 10% of the book, are wasted paper. No one in 2001 (when the book was published), let alone 2004, needs Chapter 1's lengthy explanation of what e-mail and web browsers are. And the perl program at the anticlimax of Chapter 17 was ... anticlimactic.

The book is to a great extent a catalog of available software tools. With the exception of the chapters on multiple alignment and phylogeny, the emphasis is on not on how the tools work but how to operate them -- to the of saying "at this URL there is a web page where you can either paste in your sequence or upload a file". The idea of invoking a program through a Unix command line is more than once presented as a truly daunting prospect. The authors generally do a good job of emphasizing that the programs are the beginning of analysis and not the end; the results must always be viewed somewhat skeptically with an expert eye.

If you're coming at the book as a biologist, you will probably find it to be a useful catalog of software, though undoubtedly dated by now. If you're coming at it from the informatics side, you're going to need some background... a book like Dwyer's, Setubal and Meidanis's, or Mount's will get you up to speed on the algorithm aspects of the field with simplified versions of many of the big problems. Then you can look at this book to find good pointers to the ways the real-world versions have been addressed.

The book was published three years ago and, being to a large extent an index of the work of others, is necessarily no longer up to date in a fast-moving field. It needs a revision and, in the meantime, it would make more sense to snag a used copy than to pay full price for a new book.

A survey tor tool users
Like any survey, it seems to touch the major features only. And, as others have pointed out, the tools change but the book doesn't.

I think this is a good, brief introduction to the wide variety of bioinformatic tools and databases on the internet. It describes the major features of each, and the kinds of results that each tool is good for. After that, the serious user will go to the sources of each tool or database, to learn more about the specifics as of the moment. No book can hope to keep up with the weekly enhancements at the major repositories.

I emphasize that this is for tools users, not tool makers. It addresses the working scientists who already know their subjects and their needs. This skips over the algorithms in favor of higher level descriptions, and skips over many of the biological reasons for the tools described. Better-informed tool users get better answers from the tools, true. At some point, though, the biologists want to skip the theory, skip the introduction to subjects in which they're experts, and get on with their science. I don't think this book was ever meant for people - and I'm one - who want full details of the algorithms.

I agree, the book treats its many subjects in a shallow way. I think that is by intent, since the book's real goal is breadth and its target is a reader who knows the basic science. It's a bit off the center of my interests, but I've found it helpful.

Bioinformatic for the beginner...
I guess that everybody interrested by this kind of book knows already a little about bioinformatic and wants to improve his bioinformatician skill. So forget about this book:
This is really a well-documented introduction to all the methods currently used by every biologist or biology student, such as Blast, Clustal, multiple alignement or use of web-interface for submiting sequence.
So get it if you need a clear introduction to the field, but if you already know a little bit about bioinfo, immediately choose a more detailed book.

Poorly organized overpriced book
Although the book is presented as an introduction to the topic, its organization assumes that the reader has already been working in the area. Two of the chapters (1 and 17) are a waste of space. The first chapter presents a (useless) introduction to internet, while chapter 17 attempts (and fails to do so) to explain Perl in the context of bioinformatics. For the same money you can find far better books in the market. The good thing is that I only borrowed the book :) ... Read more

Book Description

Biomarkers are compounds found in crude oil with structures inherited from once-living organisms. They persist in oil spills, refinery products and archaeological artifacts, and can be used to identify the origin, geological age and environmental conditions prevalent during their formation and alteration. These two volumes will be an invaluable resource for geologists, petroleum geochemists, biogeochemists, environmental and forensic scientists, natural product chemists and archaeologists.The first of two volumes of The Biomarker Guide discusses the origins of biomarkers and introduces basic chemical principles relevant to their study. It goes on to discuss analytical techniques, and the applications of biomarkers in environmental and archaeological problems. ... Read more

Book Description

Proteins of Iron Metabolism presents a clear picture of the structure and function of the main proteins involved in iron metabolism. The book gives you a detailed description of the structure and function of each protein, and discusses the structure and regulation of the corresponding genes in parallel. It supplies an analysis of the differential expression and regulation of these proteins.Numerous figures offer an integrated view of iron metabolism at the level of various tissues. The book delineates the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism and shows how these mechanisms adapt to the differential and peculiar iron need of different cell types. Each chapter contains extensive bibliographical information providing a wide reference to the literature. The comprehensive coverage of the advances in understanding the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism, especially at the molecular level, found in this book will give you insight into the regulation of iron metabolism. Proteins of Iron Metabolism fills the need for a clearly written, comprehensive review of the latest research, putting every thing you need in one easy-to-use resource. ... Read more

Book Description

This laboratory manual contains 42 experiments for the standard course sequence of topics. The author has taken care to make each experiment workable while encouraging readers to use critical thinking. Experiment format provides clear instructions and evaluation. Each lab begins with a set of goals, a discussion of the topics, and examples of calculations.Experiments relate to basic concepts of chemistry and health and are designed to illustrate chemical principles, often using common materials that are familiar to readers.For anyone interested in general, organic, or biological chemistry. ... Read more

Book Description

The third edition of General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts continues the tradition of presenting only the material that is essential for a one-year general chemistry course.As before, the text includes all the core topics that are necessary for a solid foundation in general chemistry without sacrificing depth, clarity, or rigor. The third edition features new Spartan molecular models, animations correlated to the text, the addition of molecular orbital theory and more.General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts is 200 to 300 pages shorter than traditional two-semester textbooks and is much less expensive. Dr. Chang's concise-but-thorough approach will appeal to efficiency-minded instructors and will please value-conscious students. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Horrible book, that is my personal view
This is the book that was assigned to my general chemistry class. Personally I think this is one of the most horrible books ever written, not just chemistry but on any subject. Even though the book says "General Chemistry" there is NO general overview of chemistry whatsoever in the chapters. The only thing that even comes close is the one page "A Note to the Student" thing that says chemistry is percieved as difficult. If the subject is difficult then it is the authors job to make it as simple as possible, which he clearly doesn't. Every chapter I have read gets way too detailed right off the bat. The equations that are given rarely have an explanation of where they came from; they take on a view of, "Here is the equation, now memorize it." They don't try to explain the relationship of the specific subject of chemistry on hand. Also, I think the chapters are out of order. I think some chapters should come before others. Lastly, the book has WAY too much information to be called a general chemistry book. I have been swamped with more information from chemistry than all of my other classes combined. I AM NOT EXAGERATING! Less than half way through the book they try to teach quantum mechanics/physics. It is just a poorly planned book for the coarse. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!!!

Another Amazing Chang Text
This text serves its purpose perfectly. It is very well-written and succint. Prof. Chang realizes that there is more to chemistry than solving problems...he does a fantastic job of presenting the essential concepts and then solving many sample problems. There's no way that a chemistry book can show an example of every type of problem; that expectation is unreasonable. This text seeks to teach students chemistry with the examples falling into place.

Another case of "too much for too little".
This is a difficult book. Not as difficult as my Phys book, but difficult nonetheless. Perhaps that is the way with chemistry, but it was Chang's job to write a book that could be understood and comprehended. He failed. I resigned myself early in the semester to draw the depth of my chem knowledge from a supplements ("Chemistry", by McMurry and Fay and "Schaum's 3000 solved problems in chemistry"). This trully reminded me of physics in a way I had never before expected of a chemistry class - finding answers to problems out of thin air. The material is overly light and does NOTHING to sort through the jibber jabber in a clear and comprehensive way. Note to Mr. Chang: Sometimes it is not enough to be witty and write well; Sometimes students actually want to learn how to DO THE PROBLEMS YOU THEN ASSIGN TO US AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER! This book is written for people who have another book (or person) to fall back on for a REAL explanation. Raymond (if I may call you that), you should come down to the trenches and see the devastation in your book's wake. ... Read more