Interesting because I'm interested in that subject
How useful was it?
Indispensable
Would you read it again?
Absolutely
Value for money
Excellent
Advantages:
Engaging, informative, un - assuming and clear .
Disadvantages:
None .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I recently embarked upon an Open University (OU) Degree. 'Discovering Science' is my first course. When the OU send out the materials, they enclose a list of set books for your course. 'The sciences good study guide' is the book recommended for my particular course.
The book is written by: Andrew Northedge, Jeff Thomas, Andrew Lane and Alice Peasgood. It is published by: The Open University.
The book is generally for anybody studying mathematics, sciences and technology (including engineering). However, it was written in the first instance for people studying either, S103 Discovering Science or S280 Science Matters: with the Open University. Its premise is to improve study skills, in those subjects.
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Chapter 1 - Getting started This chapter makes you think about how you study, when is the best times to study, what distracts you, where you will study, what you will need etc. It basically helps you make sure you are fully prepared and ready to commence studying.
Chapter 2 - Reading and making notes Tips and advice are provided regarding note taking, highlighting and book marking. It shows you how useful it can be in focusing your attention thus ensuring reading is effective.
Chapter 3 - Working with diagrams Here we are introduced to diagrams and the various types we are likely to encounter. We are advised on how to read the diagrams and how to extract information from them.
Chapter 4 - Learning and using mathematics This chapter suggests ways to improve our skills required for studying and using mathematics. It advises us how to tackle maths problems, i.e. breaking the problems down and thinking about what maths to use in order to solve the problem.
Chapter 5 - Working with numbers and symbols Symbols, number and units are introduced, showing us where we are likely to see them. Common units are explained and the relationships with measurements are explained i.e. centimetre (cm).
Chapter 6 - Different ways of studying This chapter looks at methods of study besides working from printed text. For example, watching TV, audiocassettes, practical work etc it talks us through the benefits and effectiveness for each.
Chapter 7 - Studying with a computer Various aspects of the computer are explored in relation to studying i.e. filing, Internet, calculating, word-processing and spell check (and it's limitations). It also goes through the negative aspects (crashing) and how to over come them (backing work up).
Chapter 8 - Observing and experimenting This chapter talks you through how to think scientifically. Developing your thinking and practical skills. It teaches you how to observe and experiment carefully and systematically. We are taught how to create and test hypotheses. It explains how to focus enquiries, how to overcome complications - and then how to interpret results and draw conclusions.
Chapter 9 - Writing and assignments A number of practical suggestions are outlined to help with a technical type of writing. Factual writing, reporting on experiments and observations, arguing points of view ... are all covered. We are given the basic ground rules for scientific writing and talked through scientific terminology. Managing assignments and what is expected of the assignment, are some of the elements explored. We are shown in depth how to construct an assignment from start to finish ... from structure, to editing, to getting it in on time.
Chapter 10 - Tackling examinations This chapter tells us why we have exams and demonstrates the type of questions we are likely to meet. It tackles common misconceptions and gives hints on where you can wrack up points, even if your answer is wrong (i.e. maths calculations).
Maths Help This section covers the most common difficulties that trip up students' beginning in mathematics, science and technology. Assuming only that you can add, subtract and multiply and divide whole numbers of up to three digits. The contents is, Calculations, Negative numbers, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Approximations and uncertainties, Powers and roots, Scientific notation, Formulas and algebra, Interpreting and drawing graphs, Perimeters areas and Volumes.
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The book is written in a chatty unassuming manner. It is in first person and engages the reader. Examples and illustrations are used in abundance to explain the text. We are given lots of activities to complete, to ensure we understand the material. Hints and key points are given in shaded green boxes. It is laid out extremely clearly, split into sections and under clear headings.
The book is available from most leading bookstores i.e. Borders, Waterstones etc. It is retailed at £13.99 and is easy to spot due to its vibrant yellow and green front cover (see picture).
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I find the book more of a reference book, rather than one to sit and work through. When something comes up in your course that you need further explanation on, this book is uber user friendly, making it very easy, just to flick through, find what you need and bob's your uncle.
In particular the Maths help section has been extremely useful. It has been my bible so far in this course, as the course assumes you have knowledge to a certain level (which I didn't ... I had never heard of scientific notation, let alone how to write it!) therefore this is an excellent recourse to refer to when unsure.
I found Scientific writing hard to grasp initially, this book offered great tips and advice. This was incredibly helpful when it came to the first assignment. I like the non-assuming approach; it manages to teach you the ins and outs from the basics to more complex issues ... without leaving you feeling stupid or patronized.
When something is complicated, I find the activities really help. They assist in collating your knowledge and putting it into practice. This makes the information easier to absorb and retain.
The dudes who wrote the book have based it on feedback from students of the OU; this shows as everything is covered, I have yet to have a question that hasn't been answered from this book.
The book achieves everything it claims to; it is invaluable for students of Science, Mathematics and technology. I believe any student would take some benefit from it. It is extremely informative, clear and user friendly ... I give it a big thumbs up!
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