Book excerpt: BIOS Instant Notes Chemistry for Biologists, Third Edition, is the perfect text for undergraduates looking for a concise introduction to the subject, or a study guide to use before examinations. Each topic begins with a summary of essential facts-an ideal revision checklist-followed by a description of the subject that focuses on core information, with clear, simple diagrams that are easy for students to understand and recall in essays and exams. BIOS Instant Notes Chemistry for Biologists, Third Edition, is fully up-to-date and covers: The elements Chemical bonds and molecular shape Water- the biological solvent Carbon, the basis for life on Earth 3D-molecular structure of organic compounds Small inorganic molecules of biological importance Some metals in biology Molecular interactions Common reaction types of carbon based compounds Organic compounds by chemical class Aromatic compunds Chemical synthesis of biological molecules Important biological macromolecules by class Aqueous behaviour Elementary thermodynamics Kinetics Spectroscopy Units and calculations