Biochemical Techniques: Theory and Practice

Rating:
Summary: Best utilized by instructors, frustrating for students.
Review: Biochemical Techniques : Theory and Practice by John F. Robyt, Bernard J. White Although this book centers around solid biochemical techniques, it never seems to adequately describe the theory behind the techniques. This problem is compounded by an incomplete index. Many of the techniques discussed in this book are extremely dated. As a biochemical graduate student, I was extremely frustrated with the usefulness of the material covered in this book. The book does describe in good detail several "classic" experimental protocols, and as a result I feel the book would be best utilized by a instructor to design laboratory sections for undergraduate biochemistry classes.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for the beginner
Review: This book is best for undergraduates or for those learning an unfamiliar technique; advanced practitioners will be disappointed. I rely heavily on this book for a thorough understanding of the basics, which are frequently glossed over (or omitted completely) by other authors. I purchased this book as an optional text when I enrolled in undergraduate Biochemistry, and it remains the first book I reach for when I must review the theory behind a technique.