Chemistry for Dummies

As an aside, it's true... you will almost never need this much chemistry unless you are a chemistry major. And this is just the baby stuff! I have queried nurses and they tell me they simply don't use it. Very frustrating, and a huge mental stumbling block for me, especially since schools in my area which are geared toward two year RN degrees don't require Biology I & II, which is far more applicable to nursing than chemistry.

Now I just have to figure out a good book to help me muddle through the next level of chemistry (required for a master's degree). .. General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis. Gack!!!!


Pretty good   February 28, 2004
18 out of 32 found this review helpful

This book does a good job of explaining basic chemical principles and application. While it might helpful to those who have weak background in chemistry and math yet are required to college-level chemistry courses, it was not written to be a textbook or study guide. Do not blame the book for what it does not intend to do. Many students today in this country cannot handle simple algebra that 7th grade students in many other countries have no difficuties with. Any books written above 8th grade reading level are difficult for even many college students to understand. It is unfair for them to blame this book for their failure in studying chemistry. It takes a lot more than a good book to be successful in any classes. This book, nor any others, is not a replacement of your positive attitude and hard work. Overall, this book is well written and easily understood.


Still a Chemistry Dummy   October 25, 2003
30 out of 68 found this review helpful

I bought this book to give myself, a self-proclaimed chemistry idiot, a head start and less of a handicap for when school begins in January (I'll be pre-med). BIG mistake.

The author makes a few good points, for example, in explaining the differences between various branches of chemistry, but seeing as how I'm not planning a career in chemistry per se, it was nice to know, but I really don't care. I just want a basic understanding to build off of and some exercises to practice before my classes start so I'll know what the h*ll I'm doing. Is that asking too much?

Dr. Moore writes this book from the POV of a science nerd recruiting other potential science nerds for the chemical career field, and assumes that the reader has more understanding than I seem to possess. I wanted Chemistry for Dummies. I got Chemistry for 10th Grade Science Nerds.

So, what, do I need Chemistry for Toddlers? Or am I doomed to just fail and not get into med school? Thanks for nothing, Dr. Moore. I appreciate the effort nonetheless.