Newest Open Textbooks

Physical Modeling in MATLAB

Contributor: Downey

Publisher: Green Tea Press

License: Free Documentation License (GNU)

Most books that use MATLAB are aimed at readers who know how to program. This book is for people who have never programmed before. As a result, the order of presentation is unusual. The book starts with scalar values and works up to vectors and matrices very gradually. This approach is good for beginning programmers, because it is hard to understand composite objects until you understand basic programming semantics. But there are problems:

(9 reviews)

The Little Book of Semaphores

Contributor: Downey

Publisher: Green Tea Press

License: CC BY-NC-SA

The Little Book of Semaphores is a free (in both senses of the word) textbook that introduces the principles of synchronization for concurrent programming.

(3 reviews)

Basics of Fluid Mechanics - ver. 0.5.2

Contributor: Bar-Meir

Publisher: Potto Project

License: Free Documentation License (GNU)

The topic of fluid mechanics is common to several disciplines: mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering. In fact, it is also related to disciplines like industrial engineering, and electrical engineering. While the emphasis is somewhat different in this book, the common material is presented and hopefully can be used by all. One can only admire the wonderful advances done by the previous geniuses who work in this field. In this book it is hoped to insert, what and when a certain model is suitable than other models.

(8 reviews)

Fundamentals of Compressible Flow Mechanics

Contributor: Bar-Meir

Publisher: Potto Project

License: Free Documentation License (GNU)

This book deals with an introduction to the flow of compressible substances (gases). The main difference between compressible flow and almost incompressible flow is not the fact that compressibility has to be considered. Rather, the difference is in two phenomena that do not exist in incompressible flow. The first phenomenon is the very sharp discontinuity (jump) in the flow in properties. The second phenomenon is the choking of the flow. Choking is when downstream variations don't effect the flow. Though choking occurs in certain pipe flows in astronomy, there also are situations of choking in general (external) flow.

(2 reviews)

Vector Calculus

Contributor: Corral

Publisher: Michael Corral

License: Free Documentation License (GNU)

This is a text on elementary multivariable calculus, designed for students who have completed courses in single-variable calculus. The traditional topics are covered: basic vector algebra; lines, planes and surfaces; vector-valued functions; functions of 2 or 3 variables; partial derivatives; optimization; multiple integrals; line and surface integrals.

(1 review)

Calculus for the Life Sciences: A Modeling Approach Volume 1

Contributors: Cornette and Ackerman

Publisher: A.T. Still University

License: CC BY-NC-ND

Our writing is based on three premises. First, life sciences students are motivated by and respond well to actual data related to real life sciences problems. Second, the ultimate goal of calculus in the life sciences primarily involves modeling living systems with difference and differential equations. Understanding the concepts of derivative and integral are crucial, but the ability to compute a large array of derivatives and integrals is of secondary importance. Third, the depth of calculus for life sciences students should be comparable to that of the traditional physics and engineering calculus course; else life sciences students will be short changed and their faculty will advise them to take the 'best' (engineering) course.

(1 review)

OpenIntro Statistics - Fourth Edition

Contributors: Diez, Barr, and Cetinkaya-Rundel

Publisher: OpenIntro

License: CC BY-SA

OpenIntro Statistics covers a first course in statistics, providing a rigorous introduction to applied

(19 reviews)

College Physics

Contributors: Urone, Hinrichs, and Dirks

Publisher: OpenStax

License: CC BY

This introductory, algebra-based, two-semester college physics book is grounded with real-world examples, illustrations, and explanations to help students grasp key, fundamental physics concepts. This online, fully editable and customizable title includes learning objectives, concept questions, links to labs and simulations, and ample practice opportunities to solve traditional physics application problems.

(47 reviews)

Introduction to Sociology - 3e

Contributors: Conerly, Holmes, and Tamang

Publisher: OpenStax

License: CC BY

Introduction to Sociology 3e aligns to the topics and objectives of many introductory sociology courses. It is arranged in a manner that provides foundational sociological theories and contexts, then progresses through various aspects of human and societal interactions. The new edition is focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences related to critical thinking about society and culture. The text includes comprehensive coverage of core concepts, discussions and data relevant to a diverse audience, and features that draw learners into the discipline in powerful and personal ways. Overall, Introduction to Sociology 3e aims to center the course and discipline as crucial elements for understanding relationships, society, and civic engagement; the authors seek to lay the foundation for students to apply what they learn throughout their lives and careers.

(61 reviews)

American Government and Politics in the Information Age

Publisher: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing

License: CC BY-NC-SA

This text is a comprehensive introduction to the vital subject of American government and politics. Governments decide who gets what, when, how (See Harold D. Lasswell, Politics: Who Gets What, When, How, [New York: McGraw-Hill, 1936]); they make policies and pass laws that are binding on all a society's members; they decide about taxation and spending, benefits and costs, even life and death.

(13 reviews)