Product Design: Resistant Materials Technology is a closely targeted guide, which students can use systematically throughout their course. In contrast, Advanced Design and Technology is a detailed reference to be dipped into when greater depth of understanding is needed.

Product Design is aimed at students following the new Edexcel AS and A2 syllabuses. The course structure and assessment criteria are well explained in the introduction and there is useful advice on managing coursework, with an emphasis on students taking responsibility for their learning and progress.

Divided into two parts, the book provides a detailed breakdown of the content of the course units for the two Edexcel exams. In each unit students are told exactly what to expect and ho their work will be assessed; and task boxes, fact files and examples of exam questions also feature.

This book is almost a step-by-step guide to achieving success - a useful support for the new Edexcel courses.

The third edition of the well-known Advanced Design and Technology is aimed at students following a wide range of resistant materials-related courses from AS-level to International Baccalaureate and undergraduate study.

This very comprehensive reference book takes a design and technology approach to the full spectrum of engineering. The materials section has been expanded to include details of modern and “smart” materials and control systems has been revised to take into account developments in electronics and CADCAM.

I particularly welcome the chapter on design case studies, which includes examples of successful coursework attractivelypresented in colour. These pages help to bring the coursework to life and will inspire students to produce high quality projects.

Roz Reyburn is an education consultant for design and technology