Ever popular and engagingly written, this book gives students a complete course in 'chemical literacy'. It is especially suitable for those studying access/foundation courses at university – but it also meets the needs of students of other disciplines (namely Forensic Science, Engineering or Health Sciences) for whom chemistry is a subsidiary subject in their first year at university.

Providing accessible and expertly written coverage of core topics, it starts students from scratch and assumes only a minimal experience of mathematics and science. Pedagogically rich, a key feature of each unit is the exercises which consolidate topics before the reader proceeds further. The questions at the end of units are designed to extend and reinforce learning. Answers to all exercises and problems are provided at the back of the book.

Readers will benefit from a wide range of pedagogical features which highlight key points and provide opportunities to test knowledge and understanding. The book incorporates a wide range of full-colour diagrams, photographs and visuals which make for an engaging and memorable reading experience. Direct references to the companion website are also included at relevant points within the text.

The sixth edition will feature a more diverse range of leading figures in the field of Chemistry, including June Lindsay, Gertrude B. Elion, and Tu Youyou. The book also contains new units on Pollution, Drug Chemistry, and Climate Change and Decarbonization.