Analytical Chemistry 2.1

Reviewed by Susan Marine, Professor (full), Miami University on 8/2/18

Comprehensiveness rating: 5

This book conveys many important aspects of analytical chemistry that are often glossed over in other texts (e.g., method development and validation, QA/QC, detailed statistical analysis). The author chose not to include interpretation of IR and NMR because those topics are covered in detail in other courses (i.e., Organic Chemistry). Electrochemical methods are covered in greater detail than in other introductory analytical textbooks. Additional Resources are provided for all chapters, and 18 appendices provide required data and information.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate, error-free, and unbiased. Several inconsequential typographical errors exist.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Most of the text covers time-honored content; explanations are clear and will not change with time. References to Excel and R software are vague enough to remain current; exact keystroke instructions would be quickly out of date.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written clearly in understandable prose. Terms and abbreviations are defined. Examples are worked and explained in great detail, showing all mathematical steps, followed by practice exercises and detailed answers.

Consistency rating: 5

Several basic tools and techniques are provided in Chapter 2 and used throughout the textbook. The consistency aids understanding and facilitates problem solving. All chapters are written using the same format.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is divided into 15 chapters, each of which contains 8-10 major parts. Each part is further subdivided for ease of reading and finding material. The Table of Contents is detailed, very helpful, and links to the listed page. The pdf format with numbered pages helps access desired locations. The textbook contains more material than can be covered in one semester and is designed to be tailored by the instructor.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are arranged in the textbook in a logical, clear fashion. The text modularity allows the instructor to change the order if desired.

Interface rating: 4

Internet Explorer and Foxfire display the pdf text correctly; links work well; images are not distorted. That is not the case when Chrome was used: text ran off the page, text appeared overlapped, some links did not work, not all text appeared.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains a few typographical errors but no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The scientific text contains no cultural references and is not offensive in any way. There are no photographs or mention of people. Rating this topic is not applicable.

I look forward to using this textbook next semester.