alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

An essential buy, 09 Nov 2007
Before buying this book I attempted the online practice test (and failed!) after going through the book it highlighted areas I needed to work on. The book also provides example questions which are very similar to the test questions. I would not have passed first time without this book.

Extremely useful and accessible book., 23 Apr 2004
I've just passed all three of the QTS skills tests today, and I know Iwould not have been able to do the numeracy test without this little book. It has all you need to know, and is very accessible. The book explainsthe basics you will need to know, providing many examples and practicequestions. Highly recommended for any trainee teacher as the book willreinforce your existing skills and help you to gain new ones, giving youthe confidence to take, and pass, the QTS skills tests.

All you need to pass, 08 Jan 2004
A good no nonsense book. Simply follow the instructions and you should pass the tests. The practice questions are realistic and even similar to the real thing. Good luck with the teacher training.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are very representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

An essential buy, 09 Nov 2007
Before buying this book I attempted the online practice test (and failed!) after going through the book it highlighted areas I needed to work on. The book also provides example questions which are very similar to the test questions. I would not have passed first time without this book.

Extremely useful and accessible book., 23 Apr 2004
I've just passed all three of the QTS skills tests today, and I know Iwould not have been able to do the numeracy test without this little book. It has all you need to know, and is very accessible. The book explainsthe basics you will need to know, providing many examples and practicequestions. Highly recommended for any trainee teacher as the book willreinforce your existing skills and help you to gain new ones, giving youthe confidence to take, and pass, the QTS skills tests.

All you need to pass, 08 Jan 2004
A good no nonsense book. Simply follow the instructions and you should pass the tests. The practice questions are realistic and even similar to the real thing. Good luck with the teacher training.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are very representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

An essential buy, 09 Nov 2007
Before buying this book I attempted the online practice test (and failed!) after going through the book it highlighted areas I needed to work on. The book also provides example questions which are very similar to the test questions. I would not have passed first time without this book.

Extremely useful and accessible book., 23 Apr 2004
I've just passed all three of the QTS skills tests today, and I know Iwould not have been able to do the numeracy test without this little book. It has all you need to know, and is very accessible. The book explainsthe basics you will need to know, providing many examples and practicequestions. Highly recommended for any trainee teacher as the book willreinforce your existing skills and help you to gain new ones, giving youthe confidence to take, and pass, the QTS skills tests.

All you need to pass, 08 Jan 2004
A good no nonsense book. Simply follow the instructions and you should pass the tests. The practice questions are realistic and even similar to the real thing. Good luck with the teacher training.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are very representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

Superb chemistry book, 11 Apr 2008
Rescued me from chemistry confusion. A must-have title. I've recommended this book to all my classmates and they have all thanked me again and again. Most thanks must go to Jim Clark though, who wrote it. Brilliant.

Look no further, 24 Feb 2008
If you are going to buy one book for your Chemistry A-level, then without doubt get this one. All the calculations you will ever need are explained here in detail, with plenty of worked-through examples, questions and crucially, answers (a lot of textbooks have lots of exercises but no means to check them). The answers are also worked through, with pointers towards parts that are potentially problematic, so that you can see where you went wrong.

The layout and formatting of the book is extremely user-friendly, with helpful notes in the margin - but not overly friendly/personal such that relevant information is masked by waffle. Moreover, it is not only calculations; the book explains some of the key concepts and content as well (the chapter on redox equilibria is particularly excellent - everything in this complex topic became clear after reading the book).

Jim Clark's website, Chemguide, is also fantastic as well. I cannot praise the man enough!

Chemistry Student, 28 Sep 2007
This book has made my life easy, this book is worth it if you struggle to understand chemistry calculations.

I love Jim Clark, 08 May 2007
I purchased this book during my AS revision after struggling with the calculations, it is probably the only reason i passed my AS level. It covers all the necessary calculations in worked examples which are easy to follow as well as providing problems to practise on. I would recommend this book to anyone doing chemisrty A level, definately worth buying!! This book and chemguide have made chemistry a level alot more managable. THANKS JIM!!

Higher or advanced Higher Chemistry, 04 Apr 2007
If you are doing higher or advanced higher chemistry you do need this book. It is the best out there to help you! As a chemistry tutor I recommend this book to everyone that I see...... so much so that once they have the book I doubt I am needed as much..... especially for Unit 1&3 of Higher and Unit 2 of advanced higher...

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

An essential buy, 09 Nov 2007
Before buying this book I attempted the online practice test (and failed!) after going through the book it highlighted areas I needed to work on. The book also provides example questions which are very similar to the test questions. I would not have passed first time without this book.

Extremely useful and accessible book., 23 Apr 2004
I've just passed all three of the QTS skills tests today, and I know Iwould not have been able to do the numeracy test without this little book. It has all you need to know, and is very accessible. The book explainsthe basics you will need to know, providing many examples and practicequestions. Highly recommended for any trainee teacher as the book willreinforce your existing skills and help you to gain new ones, giving youthe confidence to take, and pass, the QTS skills tests.

All you need to pass, 08 Jan 2004
A good no nonsense book. Simply follow the instructions and you should pass the tests. The practice questions are realistic and even similar to the real thing. Good luck with the teacher training.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are very representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

Superb chemistry book, 11 Apr 2008
Rescued me from chemistry confusion. A must-have title. I've recommended this book to all my classmates and they have all thanked me again and again. Most thanks must go to Jim Clark though, who wrote it. Brilliant.

Look no further, 24 Feb 2008
If you are going to buy one book for your Chemistry A-level, then without doubt get this one. All the calculations you will ever need are explained here in detail, with plenty of worked-through examples, questions and crucially, answers (a lot of textbooks have lots of exercises but no means to check them). The answers are also worked through, with pointers towards parts that are potentially problematic, so that you can see where you went wrong.

The layout and formatting of the book is extremely user-friendly, with helpful notes in the margin - but not overly friendly/personal such that relevant information is masked by waffle. Moreover, it is not only calculations; the book explains some of the key concepts and content as well (the chapter on redox equilibria is particularly excellent - everything in this complex topic became clear after reading the book).

Jim Clark's website, Chemguide, is also fantastic as well. I cannot praise the man enough!

Chemistry Student, 28 Sep 2007
This book has made my life easy, this book is worth it if you struggle to understand chemistry calculations.

I love Jim Clark, 08 May 2007
I purchased this book during my AS revision after struggling with the calculations, it is probably the only reason i passed my AS level. It covers all the necessary calculations in worked examples which are easy to follow as well as providing problems to practise on. I would recommend this book to anyone doing chemisrty A level, definately worth buying!! This book and chemguide have made chemistry a level alot more managable. THANKS JIM!!

Higher or advanced Higher Chemistry, 04 Apr 2007
If you are doing higher or advanced higher chemistry you do need this book. It is the best out there to help you! As a chemistry tutor I recommend this book to everyone that I see...... so much so that once they have the book I doubt I am needed as much..... especially for Unit 1&3 of Higher and Unit 2 of advanced higher...

Yay for CGP, 10 Apr 2007
For when I don't understand a topic, the CGP book saves the day. Fantastic! Clear, consise points, partnered with clear and colourful diagrams. The book also has some amusing points in it to make you smile :)

Brilliant revision guide, 30 Jul 2006
I bought this guide in the months before my GCSE exam - in my opinion, this book is the only reason I passed! It covers so much information in such a short book, and in an easy-to-remember format. The pages are colourful and make revision easier to handle, and although the jokes aren't quite as funny as they are intended to be, they keep you involved in what you're reading. The summaries qnd questions at the end of each chapter are also very useful.

Recommended to anyone taking GCSE Maths!

Full of "jollyisms", 15 Jun 2006
This book attempts, and suceeds, in making maths fun!
It explains everything in brilliant detail and includes both calculator and non-calculator methods.

Would recommend for anyone who is studying GCSE Maths!

Excellent!, 31 Jul 2005
Buy this in the summer before you start learning GCSE maths, and you will ace the exams! Year 10 or 11!

Fab, 14 Jun 2005
Clear explanations with humour to add easy. End of module questions. An essential for GCSE Mathematics. I certainly wouldn't have done as well without it.

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is fantastic! Just what I needed to make me want to teach maths again. After being given many boring recommendations for maths teaching, it has reminded me that creativity in maths makes it fun. Lots of kinaesthetic games, and plenty of cool tricks using the interactive whiteboard for me to show off with next time I am observed teaching maths. I am definitely going to by the literacy version by the same author.

An essential buy, 09 Nov 2007
Before buying this book I attempted the online practice test (and failed!) after going through the book it highlighted areas I needed to work on. The book also provides example questions which are very similar to the test questions. I would not have passed first time without this book.

Extremely useful and accessible book., 23 Apr 2004
I've just passed all three of the QTS skills tests today, and I know Iwould not have been able to do the numeracy test without this little book. It has all you need to know, and is very accessible. The book explainsthe basics you will need to know, providing many examples and practicequestions. Highly recommended for any trainee teacher as the book willreinforce your existing skills and help you to gain new ones, giving youthe confidence to take, and pass, the QTS skills tests.

All you need to pass, 08 Jan 2004
A good no nonsense book. Simply follow the instructions and you should pass the tests. The practice questions are realistic and even similar to the real thing. Good luck with the teacher training.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

Very helpful, 17 Dec 2003
This is a very helpful guide. The questions in it are very representitive of the ones you get in the real test, so you can really prepare yourself. The answers section is also good. Each answer has a 'key point' which shows you how to arrive at the answer if you got it wrong. This really does allow you to learn from your mistakes.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to brush up their skills for the test.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

Superb chemistry book, 11 Apr 2008
Rescued me from chemistry confusion. A must-have title. I've recommended this book to all my classmates and they have all thanked me again and again. Most thanks must go to Jim Clark though, who wrote it. Brilliant.

Look no further, 24 Feb 2008
If you are going to buy one book for your Chemistry A-level, then without doubt get this one. All the calculations you will ever need are explained here in detail, with plenty of worked-through examples, questions and crucially, answers (a lot of textbooks have lots of exercises but no means to check them). The answers are also worked through, with pointers towards parts that are potentially problematic, so that you can see where you went wrong.

The layout and formatting of the book is extremely user-friendly, with helpful notes in the margin - but not overly friendly/personal such that relevant information is masked by waffle. Moreover, it is not only calculations; the book explains some of the key concepts and content as well (the chapter on redox equilibria is particularly excellent - everything in this complex topic became clear after reading the book).

Jim Clark's website, Chemguide, is also fantastic as well. I cannot praise the man enough!

Chemistry Student, 28 Sep 2007
This book has made my life easy, this book is worth it if you struggle to understand chemistry calculations.

I love Jim Clark, 08 May 2007
I purchased this book during my AS revision after struggling with the calculations, it is probably the only reason i passed my AS level. It covers all the necessary calculations in worked examples which are easy to follow as well as providing problems to practise on. I would recommend this book to anyone doing chemisrty A level, definately worth buying!! This book and chemguide have made chemistry a level alot more managable. THANKS JIM!!

Higher or advanced Higher Chemistry, 04 Apr 2007
If you are doing higher or advanced higher chemistry you do need this book. It is the best out there to help you! As a chemistry tutor I recommend this book to everyone that I see...... so much so that once they have the book I doubt I am needed as much..... especially for Unit 1&3 of Higher and Unit 2 of advanced higher...

Yay for CGP, 10 Apr 2007
For when I don't understand a topic, the CGP book saves the day. Fantastic! Clear, consise points, partnered with clear and colourful diagrams. The book also has some amusing points in it to make you smile :)

Brilliant revision guide, 30 Jul 2006
I bought this guide in the months before my GCSE exam - in my opinion, this book is the only reason I passed! It covers so much information in such a short book, and in an easy-to-remember format. The pages are colourful and make revision easier to handle, and although the jokes aren't quite as funny as they are intended to be, they keep you involved in what you're reading. The summaries qnd questions at the end of each chapter are also very useful.

Recommended to anyone taking GCSE Maths!

Full of "jollyisms", 15 Jun 2006
This book attempts, and suceeds, in making maths fun!
It explains everything in brilliant detail and includes both calculator and non-calculator methods.

Would recommend for anyone who is studying GCSE Maths!

Excellent!, 31 Jul 2005
Buy this in the summer before you start learning GCSE maths, and you will ace the exams! Year 10 or 11!

Fab, 14 Jun 2005
Clear explanations with humour to add easy. End of module questions. An essential for GCSE Mathematics. I certainly wouldn't have done as well without it.

Thank you!, 20 May 2004
I've been getting really worried about my gcse maths revision, and I've been all set to fail, but this book is heaven sent!It's got explanations of everything you'll need, notes, questions, multiple choice options and answers. The only negative I can think of is that it isn't colourful like some, but when it comes to maths it's practice that makes perfect, and you get every chance to do that with this book!The proof will be in the pudding when I sit my exam in a few weeks, but I already feel confident that it's all gonna be....just fine! A definate must have on my revision shelf!

alphabet, 18 May 2008
This is the book to buy on teaching this subject. It is clearly written, beautifully laid out and provides self assessment exercises to work through in order to clarify what has just been read. There are more provided on the cd rom at the back of the book too. If you are teaching this subject for the first time, moving up or down years or simply want to refresh your knowledge and rekindle your enthusiasm then this is the book for you.

A lifesaver, 13 Apr 2008
This book is a must for trainee teachers lacking confidence with their maths knowledge and teaching. The author empathises with the trepidation of maths, and offers clear and simple explanations. The chapters are clearly divided for when you need that quick knowledge top-up when lesson planning, and the self-test questions are a great confidence boost! The book also offers techniques that complement the new NNS teaching strategies (e.g. partitioning, multiplication grids etc).

Superb!, 24 Nov 2006
After teaching primary maths for 14 years, and being the KS2 maths subject leader for 13 of those, I have no hesitation in rating this easily the best book I have ever read on the subject. Forget all those expensive courses, and trying to negotiate the endless tweaking of the NNS, save money by using this book to deliver a series of INSETs. Unbeatable value!

Simply Fabulous!!, 04 Oct 2006
When I was told at the start of my teacher training course that I would need to buy this maths text book, I let out a big groan. I remembered all of those maths textbooks from when I was actually AT school and remembered how utterly boring they were. But since working through this book and completeing the end of chapter self-assessment questions, my confidence in maths has soared! A must have for teachers-to-be, especially those who are a bit shakey on their maths knowledge!

Good for parents!, 11 Sep 2006
I was lent this book by my son's teacher because I wanted a better understanding of what he was being taught in maths in order to help him at home. I really enjoyed reading it, revising things I'd forgetten and understanding the current approachs to teaching arithmetic in particular.
It has helped me to practice maths with my children and has also made me more personally appreciative and confident in the subject.

Colour me unimpressed!, 10 Nov 2008
I've learned a large number of languages, toolkits and SDKs over the years and been part of the review process of a fairly well known book as well, so believe me when I say this is not a great quality book!

If you read the back cover and even the prerequisites, you might think this book is for you. The prerequisites page only mentions the following with regards to knowledge required: "Familiarity with Objective-C". No mention is made of familiarity with writing software for OS X, but by page 23 we're seeing statements like "These essential frameworks enable you to build your iPhone applications using the same fundamental classes and calls you are familiar with from the Macintosh". This is followed on 24 by a comment about Info.plist - "It works the same way Info.plist files work on the Mac." Even as early as page 7 we're seeing things like "As with the Macintosh..." This book does not stand well on its own and that will make it less accessible to some people.

Then we get to the missing stuff - in the very first project, we're instructed to "Drag the three image files from the Chapter One Project folder provided with this book..." Provided where? There's no CD in the back, and I've not found anything in Chapter 1 so far that tells me where this resource is supposed to be included.

The first code listing spans almost two full pages as a single block of text. While the code is commented, there is no in-line breakdown of what each section is and you'll find yourself flipping back to previous pages to tie what you read there back to the code being displayed. Once this two page block of code is over, you don't see it again during this chapter - there is no further discussion of the code so you have to take it on faith for now and learn about it later. That's fine for a 10 line "hello world" app, but not really acceptable for an introduction to a language / framework like Cocoa.

All in all, first impressions are not good. This is not a book to rival the kind of book we've become used to with the Aaron Hillegass definitive reference for starting OS X programming. It will serve more experienced Apple developers well, but will be frustrating for new users.

Good book, but lacking in places, 10 Nov 2008
I found this book useful, but it definitely lacks in places. I am using it as a resource for finding out little tricks or tips on how another programmer lays out their work. It's a useful resource, however it won't teach you the SDK from a beginner to an expert - grab Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X for that!

Useful samples, not for beginners however, 05 Nov 2008
I thought this book was well written but be aware it does throw you into the deep end pretty much immediately. I would recommend this book mainly to developers who are already familiar with the basics of building iPhone applications as there really isn't much of a beginners introduction here.


The book we've all been waiting for!, 29 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book, and contains a whole host of fantastic examples that shed a lot of like on developing using the iPhone SDK. Clearly written, great examples, and covering all topics needed to create a great application. This book will take some beating.

Of course, there is much more possible with the SDK than is covered in the book but this book will give you all the knowledge you need to push forward on your own.

More suitable for upper juniors..., 23 Jun 2007
I bought this title as I already had the Literacy version which I loved. I wasn't as happy with the numeracy version, I felt it was not as easy to dip in to & hence why it got 4 stars instead of 5. Saying that it is till a good, fun numeracy book with plenty of creative ideas. In my opinion many of the ideas are more suitable for children in year 5 & 6, but the priciples can be applied to any year group. Worth the money though if you just want to 'pep' up your numeracy lessons.

Liven up maths!, 08 Feb 2006
This