Preface
THISbook is designed to provide a course in ‘chemical literacy’ for those
studying access and foundation courses at university or college and for
non- specialists on courses such as Forensic Science, Engineering or Health
Sciences, for whom chemistry is a subsidiary subject in their first year at uni-
versity. Much of the material will be suitable also for other chemistry students,
particularly those without strong mathematical or chemistry backgrounds.
This book starts ‘from scratch’, assuming only a minimal experience of
mathematics and science. A key feature of each unit are the exercises which
consolidate topics before the student proceeds further. The questions at the
end of units are designed to extend and reinforce learning. To help students
working mainly alone, the answers to all exercises and problems are provided
at the back of the book.
The third edition has been revised and reformatted, and contains a new
chapter on Forensic Chemistry. The website which accompanies the third edi-
tion may be found at http://www.palgrave.com/foundations/lewis. The website con-
tains appendices and case studies which expand upon the material in the book.
Although this is a book for students, we hope that it will help and not hinder
the teacher’s task of coping with large groups, often with widely ranging ability
and with differing subject interests. Accordingly, we welcome suggestions for
improvements to the book and website from students and teachers alike.E.W.E.
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