Basic Chemistry

Basic Chemistry, Second Edition is a text for the preparatory chemistry course that gives students the problem-solving tools and techniques needed to be successful in future chemistry courses and in the work force. The book’s unique Guide to Problem-Solving strategy provides a visual, step-by-step plan that helps students solve a wide variety of problems. Sample and practice problems throughout each chapter allow students of various levels and learning styles to practice and master quantitative skills.

The second edition continues to make chemistry relevant and engaging to students with the clear, non-intimidating writing style characteristic of Karen Timberlake’s texts. Real-world applications cover modern, interesting topics in helping students connect chemical principles to events in their world, while interviews with engineers, doctors, veterinarians, and biochemists show students the importance of chemistry in future careers. In addition, new features such as Combining Ideas questions, Understanding the Concepts questions, and Concept Maps help students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material.

Basic Chemistry, Second Edition is supported by a comprehensive media package that offers powerful, easy-to-use presentation tools for instructors including art, Instructor Supplements, and a PowerPoint® library. At The Chemistry Place website, interactive tutorials (including an interactive math review), case studies, and quizzes provide additional practice and preparation for exams, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the material.

Karen Timberlake is professor emeritus of chemistry at Los Angeles Valley College, where she taught chemistry for allied health and preparatory chemistry for 36 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Washington and her Master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Professor Timberlake has been writing chemistry textbooks for 30 years. During that time, her name has become associated with the strategic use of pedagogical tools that promote student success in chemistry and the application of chemistry to real-life situations. More than one million students have learned chemistry using texts, laboratory manuals, and study guides written by Karen Timberlake. In addition to Basic Chemistry, she is also the author of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, Structures of Life, Second Edition and Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, Ninth Edition with the accompanying Study Guide with Solutions for Selected Problems, Laboratory Manual, and Essentials Laboratory Manual.

Professor Timberlake belongs to numerous science and educational organizations including the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). In 1987, she was the Western Regional Winner of Excellence in College Chemistry Teaching Award given by the Chemical Manufacturers Association. In 2004, she received the McGuffey Award in Physical Sciences by the Textbook Author Association, awarded for textbooks whose excellence has been demonstrated over time. In 2006, she also received the Texty “Textbook” Excellence Award from the Textbook Authors Association for the first edition of Basic Chemistry. She has participated in education grants for science teaching including the Los Angeles Collaborative for Teaching Excellence (LACTE) and a Title III grant at her college. She often speaks at conferences and educational meetings on the use of student-centered teaching methods in chemistry to promote the learning success of students.

Bill Timberlake is also a professor emeritus of chemistry and has contributed to writing this text. He taught preparatory and organic chemistry at Los Angeles Harbor College for 36 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and his Master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of California at Los Angeles. When the Professors Timberlake are not writing textbooks, they relax by hiking, traveling to Mexico and Europe, trying new restaurants, and playing lots of tennis. The Timberlakes’ son, John, and daughter-in-law, Cindy, are involved in preparing materials for English language learners. Their grandson, Daniel, and granddaughter, Emily, don’t know what they want to be yet.