extra reading for biologists & chemists

[GnomeDePlume]

DD is planning to take A levels in biology, chemistry, French & maths with a view to studying biology or chemistry at university. DD is changing schools for A levels so wont necessarily get a lot of guidance once GCSEs are over.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what DD could read across the summer to keep up her interest and enthusiasm in the sciences please?

subscribe to biological sciences review and chemistry review, they're excellent and not too expensive.
Philip Allan is the publisher and you can sort out subs etc online.
(Geeky quote of the year - DS2 tonight, "mum, chemistry review is so fascinating" followed by a long spiel about why.)

oooh thank you, that sounds like just the thing.!

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre.

Try biology magazine. Also reading books by authors such as Richard Dawkins
(selfish gene, blind watchmaker) and critically analysing them. Actually ANY even loosly biological book is useful if read with a critical eye. Agree 'bad 'science will help with general how science works understanding.

There is a lot of popular science books on Amazon, I'd high recommend the science of Discworld ones, but they are better if you are into Terry Pratchet. Also reading around Maths is a good idea. For something more structured CGP used to do a book for the gap between GCSE Chemistry an A'level.

New scientist is a good read - the cgp book is a good idea - as lots of people do find the gap quite big - and it can be a bit depressing
www.amazon.co.uk/Head-Start-Chemistry-Richard-Parsons/dp/1847621163

LOL Gnome, this thread is useful as my dd considering doing similar A level/degree path but suspect there are more chances of pigs flying than my gettng her to read any of these as i think she's envisaging a long dreamy summer of duvet days

I am furtively taking notes just in case, mind

Thanks all!

Sympathies Grunge, I am hoping to catch DD while she is still full of virtuous GCSE study and having just started A level courses. On the plus side she is always short of money so free books may be appreciated!

I've been looking at a book called Periodic Tales on Amazon Periodic Tales which might fit the bill. I'm a chemist who is a bit out of practice these days, so in the same boat in some ways.

That looks really interesting WhoKnows thank you, I have added it to my amazon basket.

I have got her the Head Start books for biology, chemistry and maths and also the Bad Science book. She has her sixth form interview next week so we will see what they have to add as well.