Matthew Johll’s Investigating Chemistry (now in it’s Third Edition) introduces nonmajors to the fundamentals of chemical properties and processes through a series of case studies from the world of forensic science. This new text offers the same case-driven approach but branches out to a wider range of subject areas, teaching chemistry through real-life stories drawn not only from forensic science, but from cooking, athletics, genetics, green chemistry, and more.
Like Johll’s other textbook, Exploring Chemistry covers the standard topics for the nonmajors course in the typical order, but each chapter unfolds in the context of a single case study that helps students connect what they are learning to real-life situations. For example, students work through the often-difficult topics of molecular structure, gas laws, and organic chemistry by learning about the development of powerful new chemotherapy drugs, new technologies for screening airline passengers, and the creation of biodegradable biopolymers.