The Be chain of isotopes is investigated within the Semimicroscopic Algebra
ic Cluster Model (SACM). For that the SACM is extended to odd-mass p-shell
nuclei. We show that the main features of the Be isotopes can be well expla
ined. Though for the neutron halo nucleus Be-11 some problems remain, the s
hell model still can describe the rough structures of these nuclei. In Be-1
1 a shell inversion takes place reflecting the high deformation of the syst
em. The quadrupole-quadrupole interaction plays a dominant role in p-shell
nuclei.