Chemistry enables our eyes to detect the world around us; it determines whether something tastes sweet or sour; it helps genetic information pass accurately from one generation to the next. Ultimately, chemistry powers life itself. We don't need to dig very deep to answer the question: why do
biologists need chemistry?
Building on the success of the first three editions, Chemistry for the Biosciences introduces students to all the chemistry they need to understand the biological world. Renowned for its clear and straightforward explanations, the book uses everyday examples
and analogies throughout to help students get to grips with chemical concepts, and presents them in context of biological systems wherever possible so they can see how chemistry relates to their wider studies.
With topics drawn from organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry, students
will encounter a broad range of essential concepts. Chemistry for the Biosciences includes many learning features - both in print and online - to help students grasp these concepts as quickly and thoroughly as possible. From the self-check questions throughout each chapter to help consolidate
learning, to the Chemical Toolkits and Maths Tools that help students explore terminology, methods, and numerical skills that may be unfamiliar, the book is written to be a true course companion for students on biological and biomedical science degrees - one that will help them not only remember the
essentials, but really understand them, setting students up for success in their later studies.
Digital formats and resources
The fourth edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources.
- The ebook
offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks
- The extensive online resources feature:
For registered adopters:
Figures from the book in
electronic format, ready to download;
A test bank of questions, with feedback linked to the text.
Multiple-choice questions to aid exam preparation and revision;
Full solutions to self-check questions;
Data analysis and numerical practice worksheets;
Links to
YouTube video tutorials that provide fuller explanations of a range of numerical concepts.
1. Introduction: why biologists need chemistry
2. Atoms: the foundations of life
3. Compounds and chemical bonding: bringing atoms together
4. Molecular interactions: holding it all together
5. Moles, concentrations, and dilutions: making sense of chemical numbers
6.
Hydrocarbons: the framework of life
7. Functional groups: adding function to the framework of life
8. Molecular shape and structure: life in three dimensions
9. Isomerism: generating chemical variety
10. Biological macromolecules: the infrastructure of life
11. Metals in biology:
life beyond carbon
12. Chemical reactions, oxidation, and reduction: bringing molecules to life
13. Reaction mechanisms: the chemical changes that drive the chemistry of life
14. Energy: what makes reactions go?
15. Equilibria: how far do reactions go?
16. Kinetics: what affects
the speed of a reaction?
17. Acids, bases, and buffer solutions: life in an aqueous environment
18. Chemical analysis: characterizing chemical compounds
There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.
Jonathan Crowe is a publisher and science writer based in Oxford, UK. A biochemist by background, Jonathan has extensive experience of making science accessible to a broad audience both through his science writing and science editing. As well as writing Chemistry for the Biosciences, he is
also a visiting lecturer at City, University of London, and associate lecturer at Bath Spa University.
Tony Bradshaw is a Principal Lecturer in Biochemistry at Oxford Brookes University.
