Book Description

Essential Biology is a brief non-majors biology book that combines clear writing, real-world applications, vivid art, and powerful media to teach readers the important concepts of biology and give them an appreciation for how biology relates to their everyday lives. In the Second Edition, best-selling authors Neil Campbell and Jane Reece are joined by Eric Simon, who uses his experience teaching non-majors biology to keep the book both accessible and up to date. To help readers become informed citizens, the new edition features even more human applications and up-to-date information on important issues like DNA technology, cloning, and global warming. KEY TOPICS The book covers four major biological topics P cells, genetics, evolution/diversity, and ecology P and uses evolution as an overarching theme to tie all 20 chapters together.For college instructors, students, or anyone interested in biology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Depth and Accuracy
Campbell and Reece are best known as the authors of the hefty and excellent "Biology", now in it's 6th edition used by undegraduate biology majors and AP Biology students.

"Essential Biology" uses a different approach. The authors have packed a great deal into this amazingly small textbook. I recently reviewed a huge number of introductory biology texts for adoption in our school district. We use Campbell and Reece's Biology, 6th edition for our AP biology course but were looking for a textbook to use with our 9th grade honors biology students.

After a lengthy comparison of textbooks we picked "Essential Biology" based on several things. First we found the book to be accurate, readable, and concise. We felt that it would give the students a depth of understanding in the core biological principles so that they would be ready when they moved on to AP biology later in their high school career.

Instead of trying to "cover" everything under the biological sun, "Essential Biology" focuses on four core biological topics: cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. It's 20 chapters are broken up into these 4 units and does a wonderful job of pulling it all together.

Other textbooks certainly cover more material but with less depth. What is the use of having a huge textbook that the students either never finish or rush through with no real understanding? This is a textbook that the students can dig into and throughly understand during one course.

It is supported by CD-ROM's and on-line material. The website provides activities, on-line labs, quizes, and other practice. Students can print out results or e-mail them to their teachers.

I would recommend this text as one for use in a non-majors biology course or as an advanced high school biology introductory course. ... Read more

Book Description

Microbiology by Robert Bauman features an unparalleled, visually stunning art program that works with the text to engage as it teaches. Filled with interesting vignettes, coverage of hot topics, and cutting-edge research, Bauman's text brings the wonders of microbiology alive while providing a solid, comprehensive introduction to the field.A complete introduction to all general microbiology topics.For college instructors, students, people in the nursing/allied health field, or anyone interested in microbiology. ... Read more

Book Description

Would you like to bring guest lectures like researchers, physicians, or fellow instructors into you microbiology course? With this third edition of INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY you get the perspective of all of those three professionals. John Ingraham, a professor of microbiology at University of California at Davis, and Catherine Ingraham, his daughter and a practicing physician, utilize their experience within a case history approach complemented by a great technology package. Each chapter in INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY now consistently begins with a case history, which John Ingraham has found very motivatonal to students who are new to the study ofbasic science. Because Catherine Ingraham studied to become a physician by interviewing patients, determining causes and implementing solutions, she knows mastry comes from high interest human stories rather than clinical presentations. Many of the case histories found in this book are taken from Catherine's experience as a physician. This combination of experiences and talent brings a case-based quality to every lecture and homework session.This unique author team also provides up-to-the-minute currency. Coverage of new microbial "events" such as biological warfare, studied by John and its effects prepared for in Catherine's office, keeps students interested. The authors also highlight reemerging diseases, such as tuberculoses and smallpox.As with previous editions, this book takes a "body systems" organization. Students are exposed to the unknown, the world of the microbes, through the known, and the different parts of their own bodies. And, because art is so important, there is again a multimedia manager with this title, but with more exciting capabilities than ever before. Instructors receive powerful PowerPoint slides for all the illustrations, tables and figures from the text, plus several animations are at your fingertips. ... Read more

Book Description

Newly revised to accompany Microbiology: An Introduction, Seventh Edition by Tortora, Funke, and Case, this lab manual includes 57 experiments that demonstrate the broad spectrum of microbiology.Intended as a manual of basic microbiologic techniques, this popular lab manual features applications in diverse areas, including the biological sciences, the allied health sciences, agriculture, environmental science, nutrition, pharmacy, and various pre-professional programs. Experiments have been refined in this new edition to encourage readers to develop critical thinking skills as well as learn basic facts and technical skills. Material with direct application to clinical and commercial labs is included whenever possible, and increased emphasis is placed on lab safety.For college instructors and students. ... Read more

Book Description

For top grades and an excellent understanding of biology, this powerful study tool is the best tutor you can have. It's been updated to include the latest advances in the field. Features detailed illustrations of complex biologic systems and processes, and takes students by the hand from the smallest elements of life to the primates. Hundreds of problems with fully-explained solutions cut down on study time and make important points easy to remember. Additional problems with answers let students gauge their progress every step of the way. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fantastic Biology Reference!
This is a fantastic reference for everyone interested in biology from laymen to graduate students.

Despite being mercifully thin and portable (as compared to those massive textbooks), this book manages to cover all of the key topics in biology ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to ecology. Moreover, the treatment is sometimes surprisingly sophisticated; this is indeed a real science book, not pop science.

At the same time, the writing style is very simple and clear, and therefore easy to understand, yet also concise, so you don't have to waste your time reading a lot of fluff. The format of the book is also pedagogically very effective because it mixes standard narrative text with solved example problems, questions which are posed and then answered in essay format, and problems for the reader to solve.

Finally, the price of the book is so ridiculously low that you might even feel a little guilty that you are getting so much while paying so little!

IN SHORT, DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN BIOLOGY AT ALL.

Great for the student!
I am a biology student that is going to take my master's entrance exam in biology. I am using this book to help me review some of the important topics. This book is great. Not only does it offer good information, but also it has sample problems and answers to help quiz yourself. If you want to know everything about biology, get this book. It is also great as a handy reference guide.

It's like an American Express Card...
I am a chemistry/pre-medical student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University; therefore, biology is a very integral part of my curriculum. I didn't have a strong biology foundation before my matriculation to college. However, at the suggestion of my academic advisor, I purchased this book. Thus far, it has been on target with my biology textbook. It's almost as if the authors of my text collaborated with the authors of this installment of the Schaum's Outline Series. Without this book, I would be lost. It is a must-buy for any and all college students aspiring to pass biology with a healthy understanding of the course. ... Read more

Book Description

Bernard Rosner's FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOSTATISTICS is a practical introduction to the methods, techniques, and computation of statistics with human subjects. It prepares students for their future courses and careers by introducing the statistical methods most often used in medical literature. Rosner minimizes the amount of mathematical formulation (algebra-based) while still giving complete explanations of all the important concepts. As in previous editions, a major strength of this book is that every new concept is developed systematically through completely worked out examples from current medical research problems. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Comprehensive introduction to biostatistics
This book isn't for everyone, but if you want a wide ranging textbook with a little more mathematical detail than the other intro books, this is a great choice. Rosner explains concepts well and with many examples that help the reader to understand them. The flowcharts at the back of the book were written to help readers choose the right test for the right situation, and these are extremely valuable. The only problem with the book is that it is sometimes hard to sit down and read it without any preparation (e.g., lecture or prior knowledge).

well written introductory text
Bernard Rosner is a Harvard Professor of Biostatistics. He has written an introductory text for undergraduate and graduate medical school students. It covers the basics of probability and inference including categorical data. Other topics include regression, correlation and survival analysis. It is written for students with no math beyond high school algebra but common mathematical notation is freely used. It includes a diskette with data for examples. Many examples are given to illustrate the concepts and SAS ouput is used to illustrate the results and familiarize the students so that they can interpret statistical output. Many exercises are given at the end of each chapter. Several require use of the data sets on the diskette. I think the author has been careful to try to make the subject understandable to medical students. He also has used the lectures notes that were the basis of the text in courses he taught in the Harvard Medical School. So he knows his audience. A unique feature is the catergorizing of exercises by medical specialty.

Rosner tries to fill an important need and does a good job. He avoids heavy mathematics without turning the text into a cookbook. This is now the fourth edition. So many improvements have been made. I gave it 4 stars. It probably deserves 4 and 1/2 stars.

....

Check the local library then buy it!
If you want a biostatistics text that is difficult to read, poorly laid out and impossible to understand I suggest you buy this book. I did and returned it quickly. A reference text that is better suited for the beginner and serious student would be the Dawson-Saunder, Trapp text Basic & Clinical Biostatistics, 1st or 2nd edition ... Read more

Book Description

Developmental Biology, Seventh Edition captures the richness, the intellectual excitement, and the wonder of contemporary developmental biology. It is written primarily for undergraduate biology majors but will be useful for introducing graduate students and medical students to developmental biology. In addition to exploring and synthesizing the organismal, cellular, and molecular aspects of animal development, the Seventh Edition expands its coverage of the medical, environmental, and evolutionary aspects of developmental biology.

FEATURES OF THE SEVENTH EDITION

A completely updated text integrates classical developmental biology with contemporary techniques, including the new material on vertebrate limb cell specification, microarrays, RNA interference, microtubular motors, floxed genes, vertebra formation, neural crest differentiation, neural crest specification, heart cell specification, herbicide-induced gonadal disruptions, pancreatic development, digit determination, tadpole deiodinases, insulin-like growth factors, developmental symbioses, and the developmental origins of feathers, jaws, and teeth during evolution.

A new chapter on medical implications of developmental biology • The news is full of developmental biology and its medical implications. Therapeutic cloning and cancer therapies, in vitro fertilization, congenital anomalies, and teratogenesis are major concerns not only of scientists but of all citizens. Chapter 21, "Medical Implications of Human Development," brings these topics together and discusses:

*the regulation of fertility
*the identification of genetic defects that affect development
*the identification of teratogenic compounds that affect development
*the identification of factors in the maternal environment which may influence the health of the fetus or the adult
*the realization that cancers can be disruptions of developmental regulation and might be cured through developmental processes
*the attempts to cure developmental diseases (including cancers) through detection, cloning, stem cell therapy, and genetic engineering
*the attempt to cure traumatic and degenerative disease through regeneration. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Outstanding in-depth intro to developmental biology
I think Scott Gilbert has done an absolutely stupendous job in writing this clearly written, beautifully illustrated and up-to-date exposition of developmental biology. The concluding chapter on evolutionary developmental biology is brief but very well done. The websites associated with the book and the CD provide much additional information. Definitely the premier textbook in this area. Don't tackle it without having taken at least a course in cell biology, and some exposure to biochemistry and genetics would be helpful as well. The last time I read a dev bio textbook was when I was in college 30 years ago; how things have changed!

tough but pleasurable
You definitly need some background in cellular and molecular biology and genetics to get a lot out of this book, but in that it represents the direction of developmental biology. This textbook is a worthwhile challenge, and if you have a knowledgable professor (as I do), you're sure to learn a lot (as I am).

Mostly about animal biology
This is very comprehensive introductory book in developmental biology starting from 18th century. Author very informed with the latest developments provides information on subjects based on latest developments. Illustrations are very nice, subjects cover all the phases of development, cell partitioning, gastrolization, transcriptional regulation,cell specification, cell to cell interaction, hormonal development and finale. author also has given a chapter on DNA and transcriptions. It is mostly about amphibians and insects and very limited on human. There are also up to date specilizied subjects introduced in frames for more curious minds. A book to be read over and over again as your knowledge in other fields increases.

Good overview of developmental biology
Well written and illustrated reference on animal development. This book covers basic principles of developmental biology, and then considers transcriptional regulation, control of development by RNA processing and translational regulation. Cell specification and cellular interactions are then considered. The last chapter considers developmental mechanisms in evolution.

Good, but single author can't handle all
This is a superb textbook which includes a wide scope of current developmental biology. The new version also embraces a modern interactive technology. It's really cool! The text is fluent and consistent because a single author wrote all the chapters. However, its drawback is that the author can't know all the things. This is contrast to other reputated textbooks such as Molecular Biology of the Cell, Principles of Neural Science, etc., written by multiple authors who have expertises in each chapter. Developmental biology has expanded and now covers evolution, plants, and even behavior. I think Dr. Scott Gilbert is a genius. But I can't believe he can handle all of these stuffs. It's time to ask some people to write each chapter. ... Read more

Book Description

Written with the non-major/allied health student in mind, the authors use common, everyday analogies to explain the many difficult microbiology concepts.Unlike any other allied health microbiology textbook on the market, the art program showcases beautiful illustrations with the use of bold, primary colors.A taxonomic approach is used for the study of pathogens. ... Read more

Book Description

Taking advantage of non-scientists' natural curiosity about how the human body works, Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues sparks readers' interest in science and encourages active learning. Writing specifically for the non-majors human biology course, author Michael D. Johnson seeks to make readers better consumers of health and science information. Instead of presenting facts to memorize, the magazine-style design and inspired narrative give readers a truly engaging learning tool.Extensive new material on DNA technology, genetic engineering, and environmental issues.For anyone interested in human biology. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

All Of The Biology Of The Human Body
This wonderful book gives the reader a comprehensive presentation of the biology of the workings of the human body. The book comes with a CD ROM inside the cover and a free registration number for the tutor center which offers the learner internet and telephone support.

Excellent overview of human biology
This is an excellent book for an overview of HUMAN biology. The book is written in terms that are fairly easy for even non-science students to understand, and highlights important points. There is a very helpful cd included with the book, and the book's website offers many quizzes, presentations, and more. Definitely worth the money. Great for the classroom. ... Read more

Book Description

Appropriate for the non-major/allied health student, this authoritative text carefully explains the fundamentals, providing a general overview of the principles followed by more detailed explanations.With its easy-to-read writing style, Microbiology: A Human Perspective offers modern coverage on such topics as genomics, biofilms, and quorum sensing.A body systems approach is used in the coverage of diseases. ... Read more

Book Description

A complete, clinically oriented overview of basic medical microbiology, this book provides a taxonomic approach to organism presentation, using a pathogen-oriented sequence that provides an understanding of the microbe in its setting regardless of the site of infection.Its comprehensive coverage is specifically designed to be accessible to students with limited backgrounds in science. ... Read more

Book Description

Regarded as the "Bible" of mammalian embryo manipulation techniques since the 1986 publication of the first edition of Manipulating the Mouse Embryo: A Laboratory Manual, the third edition of this essential laboratory resource has now been completely reorganized, rewritten, and updated by a new cast of authors. The result is a compilation of new, cutting–edge protocols that include embryonic stem cell production and genetic manipulation, mouse chimeras, mouse cloning, assisted reproduction strategies (including intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization), whole embryo culture systems, electroporation, embryo and gamete cryopreservation and rederivation, and gene expression, as well as more extensive background information on the use of these techniques. The "gold standard" techniques for applying recombinant DNA technology to investigations of mammalian embryonic development included in the first two editions of this book are also updated and recast, as is the summary of the current state of understanding of mouse development at the molecular level. This book is the premier authoritative and comprehensive source of technical and theoretical guidance for mouse developmental biologists and geneticists and is an essential resource for newcomers to these fields. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The New Testament?
A definitive summary of mouse development and simple, concise proven protocols. This is the best publication there is for this kind of work. It's much better than the 2nd, ed. I wish it had more of a troubleshooting focus, but I guess if you are in this line of work, you should be able to figure out problems yourself, or query the tg list.... I like how there are alternative strategies mentioned depending on how your lab is equiped (or not). ... Read more

Book Description

Like its predecessors, this edition stresses intuitive understanding of principles rather than learning by mathematical proof. Provides broad coverage of statistical procedures used in all the health science disciplines. This version contains a greater emphasis on computer applications, and most of the statistical techniques include the MINITAB commands by which they can be applied. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very Good
I have used this and other texts by Daniel over the years and I find you can not go wrong with his works. He is a no nonsense author and a very good writer who uses plenty of examples. Get his nonparametric book also.

Solid introductory reference
The title is very appropriate - this text provides a solid foundation in biostats. I used it for an intro course in grad school, and working through the text was very worthwhile. Previously cloudy concepts are now more clear, and I have a great reference for future use. More in-depth biostats deserves a consultation with a statistician, not a longer text. I agree with other reviewers that there are occasional mistakes (which need to be fixed - this is not even the first edition), but overall I would still highly recommend it.

Decent introductory text; but shoddy construction
Well, if I still refer to this text after having taken Intro to Biostats almost 3 years ago, then this book can't be all that bad. For the money, however, the publisher could have at least made the book more durable. This book starts to fall apart after only about a month of use- I kid you not!

The worst
Now I know why some governments burn books. Use your copy for your next campfire.

Many Many mistakes.
Let's look at chapter 9. You will find the following mistakes. (1) Page 419. Figure 9.4.5 (d) r squared - 1, it should be r squared - 0. (2) Page 417 Formula (9.4.1) "-" should be "+" (3) Page 421 8. Statistical decision. Where did they get 8.25? (4) Page 403 Figure 9.2.1 intercept=0 Normally, it is not 0. Anyway, 0 is not totally wrong.

I hate this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Following the completion of the Human Genome Project the content and organization of the third edition of Human Molecular Genetics (HMG) has been thoroughly revised.

PART ONE (CHAPTERS 1-7) covers basic material on DNA structure and function, chromosomes, cells and development, pedigree analysis and the basic techniques used in the laboratory.

PART TWO (CHAPTERS 8-12) discusses the various genome sequencing projects and the insights they provide into the organization, expression, variation and evolution of our genome.

PART THREE (CHAPTERS 13-18) focuses on mapping, identifying and diagnosing the genetic causes of mendelian and complex diseases and cancer.

PART FOUR (CHAPTERS (19-21) looks at the wider horizons of functional genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, animal models and therapy.

There are new chapters on cells and development and on functional genomics.The sections on complex diseases have been completely rewritten and reorganized, as has the chapter on Genome Projects. Other changes include a new section on molecular phylogenetics (Chapter 12) and the introduction of ‘Ethics Boxes’ to discuss some of the implications of the new knowledge. Virtually every page has been revised and updated to take account of the stunning developments of the past four years since the publication of the last edition of Human Molecular Genetics. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The book to read for an in-depth background
This book is a very complete overview of molecular biology as applied to human genetics. As someone interested in bioinformatics and computational biology, I read it to get a background in the biology/genetics behind these fields. That being said, I was glad I made the choice of this book as the authors do a fine job of explaining the relevant concepts and biological processes in genetics. In the light of the recent draft of the human genome, this edition of the book is especially timely. That being said, there is a lot of material covered, and to digest all of the terms and processes outlined takes a fair amount of time. The discussion on functional genomics and the post-genome sequencing era was particularly interesting. More could be said on gene sequencing validation as it applies to gene therapies and drug discovery. The most fascinating chapter was the one on genetic manipulation of animals as this is where genetic engineering has had its successful proving ground. Even though this is a science text, a discussion on the ethics of human genetic engineering would be appropriate, given some of the current attitudes about it. My opinion is that these technologies should move ahead with diligence; humankind cannot afford not to do so.

I would highly recommend this book to those who have the time to read through it, as it offers the necessary concepts needed to understand this fascinating area.

This is a good book in studying human genetics
This is a good book in studying genetics referring human molecular genetics. I can examine myself with it.Whwn you finish reading Molecular biology of the CELL, you can understand genetics. So, this book and the book,Human Molecular genetics, are very helpful in studying genetics.

An excellent text! For undergrad and grad students.
Very comprehensive reading. It sure gives the reader a thorough explanation of the concept. Each chapter provides clear, yet detailed illustrations. Further explanations are given on several key concepts by including "highlights" for a particular topic. Although this book tackles more general knowledge on human genetics, it sure is highly recommended to students or professionals starting to learn Human Genetics.

Excellent for the working student!
Being a graduate student in human genetics I was looking long and hard for a comprehensive text on how and why experiment are done in the lab, and the scientific basis for these experiments. This book is the closest one I have seen that accomplishes all these goals. It is a little light on the theoretical side of genetics (e.g. Mendelian etc); however, there are many other texts out there that can substitute for this flaw, but only a few that do what this one does. I recommend this book for students who are familiar with genetics but need to understand the practical side to it.

a good book, but...
This book is enough simple. Chapters regarding the POSITIONAL CLONING, the HYBRIDIZATION, the IMPRINTING and the GENETICAL MAPPAGE are really clear and they represent a big aid for students in the comprehension of these procedures which could be very difficult. But... chapters about GENETICAL DISEAES are too much treated than chapters regarding FORMAL GENETICS, moreover FISICAL MAPPAGE chapter is too detailled in pratical explanation, while the real mappege's concept is not focalized.To conclude a good book, but ... cheers ALESSIO & FEDERICO ... Read more

Book Description

This versatile laboratory manual can be used with any undergraduate microbiology text and course. Known for its brief laboratory activities, minimal equipment requirements, and competitive price, the manual includes a variety of experiments selected to assist in the teaching of basic principles and techniques. Each of the 77 experiments includes an overview, a purpose, an in-depth discussion of the principle involved, easy-to-follow procedures, and lab reports with review and critical thinking questions. Comprehensive introductory material and laboratory safety instructions are provided.For college instructors and students. ... Read more

Book Description

The fourth edition of Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique offers the most complete training manual of its kind on the fundamental principles and techniques of animal cell culture. Within this volume, indispensable updates reflecting the latest progress in media, specialized techniques, biotechnology, DNA transfer, and tumor culture have been made. This edition has five new chapters expanding on serum-free media, scale-up and biofermentors, molecular techniques, immortalization, and troubleshooting.
The advantages of tissue culture go beyond control of the physiochemical environment and physiological conditions as shown in the comprehensive coverage of tissue culture topics, both organ culture and cell culture, provided in this manual. A wide range of essential information from basic to specialized procedures is presented, highlighting advantages and limitations, and illustrating the properties of different types of culture.
This crucial reference for cell culture techniques includes:
* New Atlas of Cells section in full-color presentation
* Extended coverage of molecular techniques, scale-up, and serum-free medium
* New chapter on problem solving
* Photographs of cell lines, contaminations, and equipment
* Clear and concise tables and charts
* Educated recommendations on safety issues, ethical consent, and ownership
Biomedical researchers in cell biology, cytology, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, toxicology, and cancer biology will find Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique, Fourth Edition to be an invaluable reference. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Still excellent at 3 years old...
Even though this book was published in 2001, it is still an irreplaceable source of info in my lab. The pictures and tables are wonderful. The only drawback is that is lacks info on a few cell lines (THP1, for example).

A SUPERB Manual of Basic Cell CultureTechnique
I purchased this book a year ago to use in a clinical virology laboratory. Although many of the recipes used in my field are essentially set, this book allowed for broad learning in the skill of cell culture. I learned many principles of cell culture that were poorly explained or not mentioned in clinical literature and books.

This book is well laid out, the chapters well written, and the information is comprehensive. Subjects include (besides the usual stuff of cell culture) chapters covering equipment materials, safety, contamination, scale up, a reagent appendix, and supplier's listing.

This book is an excellent choice for the serious beginner. The expert will certainly find this book of value because even experts are only expert at what they do routinely and there is so much to know. This would be a great training source for research or clinical laboratories who perform cell culture.

A must have book for the people doing the cell related work
This book gives us comprehesive review on new techniques in cell cultures. It is a good guidance to the people who is doing the cell-based techniques.

Wonderful reference book
This book is a superb reference book. It is useful for a beginning or an experienced tissue culture practitioner. ... Read more

Book Description

Bioinformatics – the process of searching biological databases, comparing sequences, examining protein structures, and researching biological questions with a computer – is one of the marvels of modern technology that can save you months of lab work. And the most amazing part is that, if you know how, you can use highly sophisticated programs over the Internet without paying a dime and sometimes, without installing anything new on your own computer. All you need to know is how to use these technological miracles.

That's where Bioinformatics For Dummies comes in. If you want to know what bioinformatics is all about and how to use it without wading through pages of computer gibberish or taking a course full of theory, this book has the answers in plain English. You'll find out how to

• Use Internet resources
• Understand bioinformatics jargon
• Research biological databases
• Locate the sequences you need
• Perform specific tasks, step by step

Written by two experts who helped develop the science, Bioinformatics For Dummies is all about getting things done. If you're just getting your feet wet, start at the beginning with a quick review of those necessary parts of microbiology and an overview of the tools available. If you already know what you want to do, you can go directly to a chapter that shows you how. Get the lowdown on

• Researching and analyzing DNA and protein sequences
• Gathering information from all published sources
• Searching databases for similar sequences and acquiring information about gene functions through sequence comparisons
• Producing and editing multiple sequence comparisons for presentation
• Predicting protein structures and RNA structures
• Doing phylogenetic analysis

With an Internet connection and Bioinformatics For Dummies, you'll discover how to peruse databases that contain virtually everything known about human biology. It's like having access to the world's largest lab, right from your desk. This book is your lab assistant – one that never takes a day off, never argues when you ask it for help, and won't demand a benefits package. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Bioinformatics for Dummies by J.M. Claverie & C. Notredame
"Bioinformatics for Dummies" is an excellent resource. It is clear, easy to read, well organized and illustrated. I was particularly pleased by the colloquial tone of the writing: in addition to being informative, it was fun to read!

As a scientist who spends at least half of my time BLASTing, I also read it for accuracy and found it to almost error-free (any errors were in the figures). Additionally, most of the web pages were up-to-date, although as time passes the links will decay and web pages will change their look. In addition, the book contained enough in-depth content to teach me several new tricks of the trade.

Further, I believe the book had sufficient background material to educate the novice. To test this, I gave the manual to a material science chemist and he was able to understand the material, at least until he decided it was more than he wanted to know and quit reading.

This is a useful text for those who want to know more than an operational definition of bioinformatics and a must for the library of all bioinformatics users.

Walking amongst Dummys
I'm glad I bought this book and I will continue to refer to it. The remit of the Dummies series is to provide a guide to its subject matter without any great fuss. The text focuses on practical techniques without unnecessary diversion into the detail of molecular biology or computer science. In this respect it would have been a difficult book to author, readers having come from one discipline or the other. I agree with previous reviewers that this is well worth reading before doing a bioinformatics course or degree. Bioinformatics is a new field, and this book has delivered a useful introduction to it without recourse to expensive textbooks full of unreadable filler.

A great resource for teachers too!
I have used databases before (mostly NCBI, TIGR and SWISS PROT) and yet, this book (presumably for dummies) has shown me so much more(which say a lot about me)! It is accurate and gives good step by step guide to how to perform many tasks - from how to find a gene to using the analysis tools and to exploring some of the newer features of these databases - and the areas like you have never looked into before.
It is a well-researched book and the authors are clearly knowledgeable in this area.

Even though I have been for a 4-day bioinformatics course (6 months ago), which I thought was pretty good, this book still had so much to offer. Using this book, I was easily able to substitute the proteins of my interest into their examples and generated meaningful hits.

The book also covers deeper and more advanced features of BLAST, discusses sequence alignments using several types of algorithm and even has a section on 3D structures. Towards the end of book - it features a section on working with mRNA and building phylogenetics trees - which again are excellent resources for teachers involved in teaching beginners molecular biology.

I am a teacher teaching at a Pre-unversity level. The way the book is structured also lends its material to be modified into lesson materials for training students.

It is really a great book! Worth every dollar I spent on it!

Get this book first, before enrolling in an expensive course
This book will get you up and running on Bioinformatics in no time. I wish I got this book before I enrolled in a $$$$$ Bioinformatics course. I got more knowledge and information from this book $$$$$ than the course! And I am just in chapter 5 of the book and I'm more than half way through that $$$$$ course.

Great book-- Technical without the Computer-ese
I got this book a week ago because one of my profs offered to buy it for a volunteer who was willing to check it out and then make a recommendation on it to the rest of the class. I'm glad I volunteered, and I'm encouraging my classmates to get their hands on a copy. This book wasn't boring. It was completely hands on, and it addressed the topic from the perspective of a biologist, not a technophile-- which was exactly what I needed. It helped me reconcile my love for pure science with my increasing anxiety about needing to be so darn computer proficient to have any kind of job I can apply my degree to these days. I'm glad I got a hold of it early in the semester. I think it's going to really impact my grade in the class-- Oh, and my understanding of bioinformatics! ... Read more

Book Description

Now fully updated and revised, the new Fourth Edition of Cell and Molecular Biology not only offers you and your students all of the latest research, it also gives students the tools they need to understand the science behind cell biology and ultimately succeed in your course. This text is ideal for sophomore/junior-level courses in cell biology offered out of biology or molecular and cell biology departments.
Cell and Molecular Biology provides an alternative for faculty looking for a text that concentrates on core concepts without sacrificing coverage of experimental evidence. Karp explores core concepts in considerable depth, and presents experimental detail when it helps to explain and reinforce the concept being explained. This edition also continues to offer an exceedingly clear presentation and excellent art program, both of which have received high praise in prior editions. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Concise story of cell biology
Another introductory book in the biology of the cell. I would say that the book is divided into mainly two sections, Cell structure and DANA, DANA replications etc. Second part takes almost two thirds of the book. I would prefer to read other Gene books when it comes to that point but for the cell structure, it is not bad. Some colored pictures, computer animations makes it easy to visualize things. Sections called "experimental pathways" scattered throughout the text takes you into current issues related to the subject. They are also quite sophisticated issues rather than practical problems. I think this book requires considerable guidance when read alone. I could not call this book as self sufficient or easy to read one compared to books by Alberts or Baltimore.

He's got it all here in a nutshell
All biology, biochemistry, and premed students will find this text an indispensible source of information for anything there is to know about cells. This is one text that can't possibly be read and fully understood overnight; just take a little bit at a time at any convenient moment and it will all come together in your mind before you know it!

THIS BOOK IS GREAT BUT NEEDS SOME IMPROVEMENT
I think that this book is simply great ,but it needs some improvement such as mentioning more about the diseases in the((HUMAN PERSPECTIVE))part.In addition,it should have more of the realastic figures about diseases.

Basil Numan((MEDICINE STUDENT 1ST YEAR)).

Biología molecular y celular de Geral Karp
I want to know about this book in spanish, it is posible, price and cost of send me.

Thanks you very much ... Read more