A collection of some of the most coveted textbooks for each subject, summarized with tips on usage.
Chemistry
Zumdahl General Chemistry
In depth explanations of concepts at the atomic level and includes good formula derivations; one of the few good conceptual textbooks.
- Redo examples by hand
- Tackle conceptual problems first
- Keep a quick-reference of formulas/equations
Clayden Organic Chemistry
Concise and easy to understand explanations without losing any information or detail, and includes consistent diagrams.
- Hand-draw mechanisms
- Summarize each chapter’s reaction classes on one page
- Do end of chapter synthesis problems in sequence
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Dense and detailed, good for referencing concepts and principles you want to learn deeper.
- “Focus on” and “Molecular structure” sidebars can be good for flashcards
- Doesn’t need to be read in sequential order, use as needed
Biology
Campbell Biology
A touch on essentially all of biology. Well-written and accessible yet still in decent detail; widely used by anyone starting biology.
- Redraw key diagrams
- MasteringBiology online exercises can be used well with the text
Ravens Plant Biology
One of the best introductory plant biology textbooks and integrates everything into an evolutionary and ecological framework well. Explanations assume no knowledge but still go in depth, making detailed knowledge accessible.
Vanders Human Physiology
Not anatomy intensive, but goes over major themes of A&P. Contains good figures and practice problems; overall good introductory text.
- Work through the integrative case studies at chapter ends
- Clinical pathophysiology callouts show how normal mechanisms break down
- Build your own annotated system diagrams based on the text
Computer Science & Math
Knuth Art of Programming
Well-written and well researched with multiple volumes, including a wide range of exercises and problems.
Art of Problem Solving
Goes through introductory and olympiad-level problems with in-depth explanations.
- Use AoPS and Alcumus platform with the book to target weaknesses
- Time yourself on challenge sets
Physics
Coming soon. In the meantime, feel free to send us some of your favorite physics textbooks.