Reddit mentions of Ceramic Science for the Potter

Molecular structure gets changed in glaze firing, called vitrification. Bisque firing burns out organic matter and clay undergoes quartz inversion: bisque isn't needed, but is very convenient for glazing and is less fragile than bone dry greenware.

There are many many different types of firings and clay composition. I will try to refer you to some literature tomorrow if I remember.

some really fantastic resources:

http://www.amazon.com/Potters-Book-Bernard-Leach/dp/057110973X
http://www.amazon.com/Clay-Glazes-Potter-Daniel-Rhodes/dp/0873418638
http://www.amazon.com/Ceramic-Science-Potter-W-Lawrence/dp/0801971551

Rhode's book is the one I had in college; very comprehensive and informative.
Leach's book covers a lifetime of observations from perhaps the most influential potter of the Western world
Lawrence's book starts to get into the really interesting side of technical ceramics: exploring topics of firing chemistry and chemical tailoring.