Book Description

The Sixth Edition of BIOLOGY by Neil Campbell and Jane Reece builds upon the earlier versions' dual goals to both help readers develop a conceptual appreciation of life within the context of integrating themes, and to inspire readers to develop more positive and realistic impressions of science as a human activity. <P>The authors have thoroughly updated each of the book's eight units to reflect the existing progress in our understanding of life at its many levels, from molecules to ecosystems. Examples of updated content include the Human Genome Project, the revolution in systematics, HIV as a research model in evolutionary biology, the role of cell-signaling pathways in plant responses, new frontiers in neurobiology, and experimental approaches that are advancing ecology. To assure accurate representation of each field of biology, a team of stellar specialists has worked with the authors in updating every unit. <P>An innovative design breakthrough ensures that the art is as current as the content. Guided Tour diagrams explicitly guide readers through the more challenging figures, succinctly explaining key structures, functions, and steps of processes within the figure, reducing the need to look back and forth between legend and art. It's as if an instructor were looking over the reader's shoulder and clarifying each part of a figure! Guided Tour commentary is set in blue, making it easy to differentiate these explanations from ordinary labels and keeping the figure itself clear and uncluttered. For college instructors and students. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

a well laid out, informative book
I used this book this past summer in order to place out of College Bio I and II through a CLEP exam. Through independent study from this book and its companion CD I was able to place out in the 97th Percentile.

There is a reason why this book is still continued to be used today in classrooms as it is on its sixth edition. The authors use of layout in the book is well thought out and organized. His vast use of pictures, graphs, and tables streamline with the text of the book. In addition, the companion CD and web site provide the reader with an even greater study guide-- using interactive flash programs and video to further explain biological processes.

Further, in addition to the basic Biology taught in classrooms, this book goes one step further and explains some advancing fields in the Biology Profession. For example, chapter 20 covers the use of computers in analyzing biological data and gives prime examples from the current Human Genome Project. Further, every section of this book covers an interview with a specific individual in that profession. Such, if one is not aware of what exact field one wish's to pursue, interviews that cover some of the daily activities of these individuals are provided.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is seriously interested in Biology.

If possible I'd give it a 4.5
This is a nice book, though a bit tough for the unknowledgable person. This is supposed to be a general biology book, used by people without any prior knowledge of biology too, but I somehow don't know if they'll find it too easy. But other than that one drawback, i think that the rest of us will appreciate this book for what it's worth. It's nicely written, with a lot of illustrations and explainations. There are also many references to websites and stuff, so it's additionally useful. Depending on the book bought, there are some nice extras too. My version had a nice and very useful CD-ROM, with a lot of pictures and animations, and practice tests and etc. It also came with a free one year subsciption to an online biology website that was one of the best I've ever seen. Otherwise the subscription costs a lot. The text book by itself was good too, and I really had no need to read any outside material, I found it perfectly good. Everything considered, I really liked this book.

Not bad...could be better
Biology, by Campbell and Reece is very informative. However the book (6th Ed.) does not grab the interest of the student. As a college student, I have used Campbell's Biology publication in both Advanced Placement Biology in High School as well as Biology 1 in College. The text is very boring and does not use language which may interest the reader. Understandably, it uses strong science vocabulary, however, it tends to be a sure cure for Insomnia.

Now this, is a textbook
I loved this textbook. Imagine that, the words "love" and "textbook" in the same sentence. This is my first college Biology text so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I feel I did very well in my class not only because I love biology, but because this textbook explained everything in such an interesting and lucid way. The pictures and diagrams are wonderful and incredibly helpful. To give a random example, the chapters on cell mitosis and meiosis. This can be a potentially difficult subject if you're expected to memorize the various stages, and what the chromosomes are doing and when, but this book gives very helpful and colorful diagrams and light micrographs of each stage. The authors really understand the importance of visual learning in conjunction with reading.

Speaking of the authors, I was pleasantly surprised that the writing had a hint of personality, and didn't have the dreaded "textbook dry" monotone. It didn't feel as if robots wrote the book, as in some textbooks. I noticed they reinforced important core concepts throughout to drum it into the students head, like the the connection between "form and function", or how the size and shape of, for example an enzyme, is really it's most important characteristic.

I bought this book new and it came with a cd-rom, that for me, put my grades over the top. I'm not sure I would have done as well without this cd. In it are all sorts of quizzes and tests, a complete on-line version of the book, various links to helpful internet sites, and which I used the most, animations and voice commentary of each chapter. Many people are visual learners, and sometimes they get a much deeper understand of something when they see it in action.

I will not be selling this textbook back to the college after I'm done with it, this is a keeper. I have no complaints about it.

Very good Bio. Book
I am an unusually harsh critic of most textbooks. However, I must say that I am pleased to give this book 5 stars. As an introductory book, it is simply superb. It even covers some subjects far past the introductory level. Some may say that this "completeness" is something of a hindrance; however, I disagree. If the student carefully and actively reads, he should find no problem cutting the fat out, while retaining important intro material. Then, once the student has the basic information cold, the book makes a superb reference for a segway into intermediate or advanced topics. The books organization is very carefully planned and the integration of old material into new material is particularly deft for such a long text book. The section on plant physiology and form is particularly good and molecular biology is stressed throughout most chapters after an early introduction. My only complaint is that the problem sets at the end of each chapter are somewhat short, but this is not a serious problem. The binding and paper quality is pretty good as far as modern text books are concerned. All in all, a very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Created to spark readers' sense of wonder about life in its many forms, Biology: Concepts and Connections invites readers into the world of biology. While encouraging readers to explore interactive media activities, the book facilitates mastery of concepts and core biological material through unique modules that combine exceptional art, text that "walks" readers through the illustrations, and compelling real-world connections. These modules help readers break down the reading into manageable sections.Special modules cover interesting topics like health, economics, and the environment to show readers how biology is relevant to them.For anyone interested in introductory biology. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

It's alive!
I love this Biology book. I first studied biology nearly twenty-five years ago with a huge and lovely biology book written by an author whose name unfortunately escapes me. I loved that book, and have always judged future biology texts against that one; this one measures up well against my memory of that text.

The fourth edition of 'Biology: Concepts & Connections' is an excellent, thorough introduction to the science of biology. It is used at the community college where I tutor (biology and other sciences) for general education and nursing students. The book is divided into seven major sections: The Life of a Cell; Cellular Reproduction and Genetics; Concepts of Evolution; Biological Diversity; Animals; Plants; and finally, general Ecology.

After an interesting introduction, which talks about discovery-based science in addition to theoretical/hypothesis science with interesting examples (the Australian Flying Fox, flies that mimic spiders), the first unit on the Life of the Cell looks at basic structure and chemistry of cells. Even though this text deals with chemistry, a chemistry background is not required. Care is taken from the outset to relate the biology tasks to 'everyday life', things that people know and care about - there is a look at athletic performance with slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles, light in the lives of plants, and even look at the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The unit on Cellular Reproduction and Genetics introduces a hot topic in general conversation today, including discussions of medicine and law in addition to the basic theory, with some of the latest information included. The units on Concepts of Evolution and Biological Diversity include new features such as discussion on mitochondrial DNA comparison and the use of molecular clocks to date divergence in evolutionary paths. Topics such as increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics are discussed, and the interesting evolutionary situation of Australia, separated from the major landmasses of the rest of the world, shows an interesting side-show on biological diversity.

The unit on Animals will be the most interesting for many, and the diversity here includes discussions from geckos to bears to human traits shared with and different from other animals. Particularly for our nursing students, the sections on respiration (anaerobic and aerobic), broken bones, immune systems, blood-cell diseases and the like really drive home the need for a basic understanding of biology.

The units on Plants and Ecology draw in the larger mass of living things sharing our planet, work to show how the environment operates from the standpoint of individual plants to entire ecosystems. Interesting current topics such as organic farming, population ecology, endangered species and global warming drive home the importance of biology.

The book is very colourful, both in text copy and in pictures. Headers reinforce the broader topics while modules give key concepts within each broad topic. Diagrams are arranged with numbered steps to help understanding, and there are frequent references to website and CD-ROM additions. Key questions are asked at each conceptual point. The 'behind the scenes' information helps reinforce the concepts both with the hot topics involved in biological issues today, as well as the personalities driving the science in key areas. Each chapter has a summary of key points, concept questions and multiple-choice questions for test preparation. There are well over 100 'Connection' Modules and 'Talking about Science' Modules. Each of the 38 chapters has an interesting, inviting essay as introduction. There are probably 200 CD-ROM and website activities to engage the students, everything from the cloning of genes in bacteria to steroid hormone action to the Honeybee waggle dance.

This is a very good book, with lots of information - it is also a flexible book, and certain portions can be omitted in a syllabus without diminishing the overall text. I find myself constantly glancing through the chapters and reading the interesting essays and connection modules between my tutoring appointments. That's the mark of a good textbook.

Just a comment about others
I would just like to mention that none of the reviews here are talking about the 4th edition, which came out in 2002. While a new edition isn't a completely different book, according to the publisher, there are some significant changes that have been made to the book.
I used the 2nd eidition in my Freshman year of High School and I really like how the book was made, laid out, and how the information was presented.

Good Comprehensive Book
I used this book during my freshman year in college. It was an excellent book with top-notch descriptions, well-placed layouts, and easy to understand content. The topics range from biochemistry to genetics to histology and all sorts of tangents into zoology, anatomy, and pharmacology. I have kept this book for 4 years and now that I will be starting medical school, I am taking the book with me. Many others in classes ahead of me have said that this book helps to clarify some of the complex topics that are presented in 1st year medical school. I firmly believe that and recommend this book to anyone with an interested in biology, medicine, and related fields.

Too much for introductory, NON-MAJOR students
It is overall a fairly good book, but contains much to much detail for the typical non-major collegfe student. I am a teacher for the Intro Biology class ar a well known university, and I was admittedly called in at the last minute to teach this course, so I couldn't choose the text. This one I would not have chosen, as it has too much info for students who have never taken a biology class in their lives before. I find I have to "dumb down" a lot of the material, which is unfortunate, because it really is a well written and well thought out textbook.

A Great Biology Textbook at the Molecular Level
As a high school student, I used this book in my molecular biology class. Its explanations are brief and clear as well as they are comprehensive. In addition, it contains lots of pictures for its concepts and connections. It's a great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Cecie Starr and Ralph Taggart are among the most successful authors in introductory, biological science instruction because of their lively approach, engaging writing style, current coverage of the breadth of biology's topics, and their unique illustrations. In this Tenth Edition of Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, the authors use the important connections among molecular structure, biological function, and evolution to encourage student understanding instead of memorization. For example, Chapter 1 includes a preview of life's unity and diversity with an evolutionary perspective. Similar sections in Chapters 3, 5,and6, on the structure and function of enzymes and other molecules, prepare students for chapters on cell structure and metabolism, genetics, evolution, anatomy, and physiology. This background prepares students to understand the power of comparative molecular studies in clarifying evolutionary relationships.Connections essays (28 in all) focus on this new integration of molecular structure, function, and evolution. The first essay (1.4) answers an important question: How can life display both unity and diversity? It shows how the theory of evolution by natural selection connects the two. Other essays consider evolutionary interplays between infectious agents and their hosts; cloning and genetically engineered mammals, the evolution of life over the past 3.8 billion years, and archaeopteryx and the ancestry of whales (to show that interpreting the past scientifically requires an intellectual shift). Improvements in the media package meet the high standards instructors have come to expect. There is a new version of the complimentary Interactive Concepts in Biology Student CD-ROM with nearly 800 interactions to clarify and reinforce key concepts. For instructors, there is a Multimedia Manager with art and graphics from the text already in PowerPoint format, as well as CNN Today video clips (294 in all), now available digitally. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life
This book is far too wordy and repetitive and could have been half as thick. It weights over 4 pounds and is very heavy to carry around.

Very often the point of a sentence is lost in the verbiage. Some basic explanations are repeated several times, whilst many more important things are left unexplained.

Many of the pictures appear to have been chosen because they are 'cool' rather than relevant to the text and just sidetrack the reader.

Some of the examples are incredibly stupid. One, at p. 18, under the heading, "Critical Thinking", 2., gives the story of a turkey that learned to equate footsteps with the provision of food. One one day the footsteps led to the turkey having its head chopped off. The text explains that the turkey learned the hard way. In fact the turkey learned nothing, as by then it was dead.

The glossary is inadequate and misses out too many new and important terms.

The answers given to the quizzes do not always agree with the text, for example, Chapter 2 Self Quiz Question 1 asks what charge is carried by an electron. The correct answer, as given at page 24, is "Negative," but the answer list in Appendix III gives it incorrectly as "Positive." Many instructors lift questions and answers from the book for on-line exams. Does the student then give the incorrect answer as per Appendix III to get the point or the correct answer, knowing that it will very likely be graded as "wrong"? Another example is in the quiz to Chapter 5, question 2.

Looking at the list of credits, it lookas if too many people have had a hand in the book and as a result it has been spoilt.

I would not recommend this book.

Basic
Extremely basic with inconsistant layout. Entire sections will be printed with a blue background, for example, that look more like a special topics box then text. In several cases the text reuses its stock photos in several unrelated sections. The text illustrates points that clearly do not need illustration (Do you know what water looks like? There is a photo of it if you need it. ) and ignores others (the beta and alpha linkages of glucose) after dicussing them. Good for high school student concepts but unacceptably uncomprehensive for college.

Homeschoolers Take Note!
This is a fantastic text for homeschooling. Each concept is introduced, discussed, and wrapped up in a 2-page spread. This is *not* the dry bio text you remember from high school. It is fascinating enough that I find myself stealing it from my daughter's room. Perfect for a science-loving homeschooler who is hungry for advanced texts at an earlier age because the setup is conducive to parental participation and discussion. However, be advised it is written from an evolutionary point of view if you are inclined to avoid this emphais. And of course there's that really cool picture of the monkey fighting the cheetah ;)

A great introductory biology textbook
This is a really wonderful textbook to have read before coming to university. The background I gained was of great help during my first year of college bio where we use the textbook LIFE. I would suggest getting the study guide, as it is a great complement to the text. The intros to the chapters were a little overly dramatic, but everything else was fantastic

I hate biology class....but this book is cool!!!
Evertime i go to class the teacher asks me questions i don't know and makes look stupid..we are using this book but his questions seem not to come from here!!!!I agree with the other dude though that the pictures are cool though...this one shows a bobcat eating a rabbit its cool..also shows pictures of deformities like some kid with rotten tooth disease..sometimes when i am really bored in class and lost i just look at all the gross pictures ... Read more

Book Description

Authoritative, thorough, and engaging, Life: The Science of Biology achieves an optimal balance of scholarship and teachability, never losing sight of either the science or the student. The first introductory text to present biological concepts through the research that revealed them, Life covers the full range of topics with an integrated experimental focus that flows naturally from the narrative. This approach helps to bring the drama of classic and cutting-edge research to the classroom—but always in the context of reinforcing core ideas and the innovative scientific thinking behind them. Students will experience biology not just as a litany of facts or a highlight reel of experiments, but as a rich, coherent discipline.

The new edition builds on Life's enduring strengths by doing what this acclaimed text has always done: combine a contemporary view of the discipline with innovative teaching and learning features. New chapters and essays, an enhanced art program, and standard-setting media and supplements combine to make this edition the finest yet. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Thorough, clearly written text for college-level biology.
First, just to let you know what perspective I am reviewing this from, I am a college student, and this text was used in my 200-level introductory biology course. Since I am a student, and not a professor or expert of any sort, I am evaluating the book based on how helpful it was to me in learning the material. For input from biology professors, you'll have to take a look at some of the other reviews here.

"Life: The Science of Biology" has definitely been one of the better biology textbooks I've used. The text is well written, with clear explanations and plenty of real-life examples to help you tie small details into the bigger picture. But beware: The information here is incredibly in-depth, so if you're only looking for a basic overview of biology, you may actually want a slightly simpler book, otherwise you may get lost in all the details. It was perfect for my 200-level class, and gave me all the information I needed, but I don't think it would be the ideal text for an introductory biology course. One other reviewer here mentioned that she used this text to teach her AP biology students. I took AP biology in high school (and got a 5 on the exam) and can guarantee you that this text contains far, far more than you would ever need to know to get a perfect score. It's definitely a college level text.

The book has numerous detailed, well-labeled diagrams that are helpful in understanding different processes. In fact, being a rather visual, hands-on learner, I sometimes found the step-by-step diagrams easier to follow than the text itself. There are also plenty of great photographs and other helpful images. At the end of each chapter there is a bare-bones overview of key points you should know, and a self-quiz to help you evaluate your grasp of the material. At the end of the book there is an extensive glossary with definitions of key terms.

Unfortunately, there is one mistake in this book, to be found in chapter 34, "Deuterostomate Animals." On page 674, some text from the previous page is repeated, and this in turn means that part of the section entitled "Primates and the Origin of Humans" is cut off, even ending in mid-sentence. The following page is filled entirely with pictures and diagrams, no text, and then on page 676 where the text starts up again, it skips to the beginning of the next section, entirely leaving out a chunk of information. This is the only place in the book where I found such a problem.

There is a website to accompany this text (www.thelifewire.com). I never found it necessary to use the site for my studies, but it may be helpful for some. It contains chapter summaries, animated tutorials, text-related activities, self quizzes, suggestions for further reading, and a glossary of key terms (same as the one found at the back of the book). The book is also supposed to come with a CD-ROM. My school's bookstore was selling the books and CDs separately, and I did not purchase the CD and so cannot evaluate its usefulness. I know I learned everything I needed without it, and I suspect the book and website alone would be sufficient for most students' needs.

Aside from the glitch in chapter 34, mentioned above, I have found nothing to complain about with this book. I will definitely be hanging on to it for future reference, and highly recommend it to anyone needing a detailed, comprehensive biology text. NOTE: This review refers to the 7th edition of this book.

missing pages
Like many of the other reviewers have already stated, this is a great book for intro biology. If you pick it up be certain that it is not missing pages though. I read through it into Chapter 34 before finding some info missing! While reading Chp 34 pp. 673 I see that the intro to "Primates and the Origin of Humans" is repeated again on the following page. Also, on pp. 674 where this info is repeated, the info suddenly stops, and is not continued on pp 675 (which is understandable since it is all photographs), nor on pp. 676. Instead, pp. 676 begins with "Human ancestors
evolved bipedal locomotion", therefore, leaving out the connection between anthropoids and hominids. This is crucial info because it is the info that tells us where humans came from! It is some of the most critical info in all of the textbook! If you pick this book up check these pages. If it is missing this info return it immediately for a corrected copy.

++Excellent textbook studied by students in UCLA
There's a reason why this textbook is used at one of the top public universities in the nation. It is clearly written, lots of pictures that has step-by-step comments, a concise chapter summary and discussion questions. Chapters are relatively short at 16-26 pages each, full of detailed pictures and fairly easy reading for the scientific individual. Compared to Scientific American, it is easier to read.
The CD-ROM has flashcards, animated tutorials (videos and sound), games, self-quizzes (small) and large chapter quizzes (multiple choice) with explanations for every answer you got incorrect or correct. The animation videos are very helpful in picturing abstractions such as molecular formation.
Study guide has a more in-depth chapter summary notes and more multiple choice questions with explanations to the answers. Many if not all chapters related to current news updates on science, so the book is a very recent infusion of current science developments with past biology.

UCLA students have used books from these authors for a few years now in their Life Science 1,2 courses (biology). Excellent text.
I had a fun time in the class both because of my outstanding professor Dr. Kubasak and the outstanding textbook!

But is ok, spend time 2 memorize the details though
Very similar to other biology books, there will not be a feature in this book that will make it significally stand-up from the other ones. In despite of that, I really recommend the website that accompanies this book. The animations are great to understand biological concepts such as PCR, operons, etc.
Everything is in great detail (too much detail for an introductory class in my opinion)... the organization could have been better to make the students understand. Sometimes I feel it provides so many details that the big picture is lost! I think that the cellular respiration chapter organization was confusing (it kept going from glycolisis to kreb's cycle back and forth.) It will be somewhat hard if you want to use this book to learn biology independently.
If you are a highschool student, I would highly recommend this book since it gives a great approximation of the type of books that will be used in university. I understand that MIT, Harvard and UCSD uses this book for their undergraduates...

Complete college biology book.
I used this book for my college biology classes.It was complete and has lots of info on evolution, ecology, reproduction, energy pathways, etc.I also found used
The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explantions by Patrick Leonardi Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3.I was recommended these books by a fellow student.I'm glad it took his recommendation because these three study guides had the kind of study questions that my college professor asked on the exams.These questions let me in the right direction in what was important to study.Purves Textbook and these three study guides were what helped me to pass biology with flying colors. ... Read more

Book Description

The book for introductory microbiology, Brock's Biology of Microorganisms continues its long tradition of impeccable scholarship, outstanding art, and accuracy. It balances the most current coverage with the major classical concepts essential for understanding the science.A six-part presentation covers principles of microbiology; evolutionary microbiology and microbial diversity; metabolic diversity and microbial ecology; immunology, pathogenicity, and host responses; microbial diseases; and microorganisms as tools for industry and research.For researchers, group leaders, senior scientists in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and biochemical biotechnology companies, and public health laboratories. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Uh, oh, colourflash!
D....! I bought this book, lost money. A lot of errors covered under lots of colour, e.g. one page for one graphic about Agrobacterium-infection, guess what's missing. Another one: look at the F0/F1-ATPases, there is no proton-flow through the head, this is known for years, an essential fact, even for an under- graduate course! Also the chapters about genetics and signal transduction: incomplete, poor graphics, but a lot of nice colours again. These "small" errors sum up. In my opinion it's impossible today to write a comprehensive text book which covers all topics about microbiology, an undergraduate should first learn how a prokaryotic cell works, it is impossible to learn it with this book. Then I stopped reading, for the good section about systematics it receives at last three stars, otherwise it would have been two.

A window to the real diversity of life
Since the solving of the genetic code, the priesthood of molecular biology has stressed animal biology, usually the complexities of development or neurobiology or immunology, as where the important science is going on. But microbiology has continued to find out amazing things, from the diversity of metabolisms that microbes use to live, to the molecular mechanisms of how microbes infect other organisms. I am a research scientist, working in molecular genetics, with shelves full of books. The Biology of Microorganisms is my very favorite textbook. I read it from cover to cover and was very impressed with its exposition of what I know, but even more with what I learned from reading it. I continue to reread chapters as my journal reading triggers questions about microbes. The chapters on microbial diversity, on what has been learned about how microbes live on iron oxidation reduction gradients, on the probable metabolisms 3.5 billion years ago, on the antiquity of photosynthesis, etc. There has been a renaissance in the study of diverse microbes. It is a huge field now and very difficult to understand its many strands. This book does an outstanding job of making it understandable. Anyone who thinks about the origin of life must read this book, for the diversity of microbial metabolism speaks volumes about early life. In addition, though the book does not stress it, anyone interested in life on other planets should read this book carefully, because of the diverse microbial ecosystems it describes.

The book is written for an advanced undergraduate, but I found that after the introductory chapters, it had just the right mix of explanation and detail to keep me engaged. A must buy.

?!
too expansice, no answers for the stupid practice problems. They provide instructor free Study guide and CD, and the student has to buy the boring book. If they treat their readers equally, I would gave them 2 stars.

not a lot of pictures
The pictorial elements in this book does not demonstrate the concepts really well. reading the book is ok, but having descriptive graphics will be easier to understand.

BioChemistry
I fear I confused this book with the lab manual ordered from another company and gave it a poor rating. If so, I apologize. This book was ordered on Aug. 16 and arrived by Aug. 23. Thank you for you prompt delivery. ... Read more

Book Description

Learning is much more than reading a textbook. That's why the 10th edition of Inquiry into Life is integrated closely with an Online Learning Center where students and professors alike will benefit. The OLC provides animations, virtual labs, online quizzing, Power Point lecture outlines, and other tools that will help make teaching a little easier and learning a lot more fun.

Inquiry into Life covers the whole field of basic biology, and emphasizes the application of this knowledge to human concerns. Along with this approach, concepts and principles are stressed, rather than detailed, high-level scientific data and terminology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, informative source
As a Grade 12 student in Canada, I have found this book to be excellent, informative, and concise. This book lays a solid foundation of introductory biology. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in biology. I believe you will find this book to be useful and helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

With every new edition, the No. 1 best-selling non-majors microbiology book wins over readers with its careful balance of concepts and applications, art that teaches, and its straightforward presentation of complex topics. For Microbiology: An Introduction, Eighth Edition, this successful formula has been refined with hundreds of research and disease updates, updated morbidity data, and an enhanced Mircobiology Place Website and CD-ROM.For college instructors, students, or anyone interested in microbiology. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

It's an excellent book for undergraduate students!!!
It was by chance that I learned from this book. A student of mine went to California on vacation and she bought it. Later she showed it to me. I found that "MICROBIOLOGY an Introduction" is a very good text book. I use, and recommend it to the students at the Faculty of Dentistry at the Santa María University, USM.

LUIS A. GUEVARA M.Sc., D.Sc. Chief of Department of Oral Biology - Faculty of Dentistry - USM

NOT a keeper
We used this book in our Microbiology class (community college-pre nursing). Everyone, including me, disliked this book. We usually keep all our books for future use, but concensus was to get rid of this one. We have found the topics to be scattered all over the book and not organized well. DNA replication information was not clearly explained...In fact I found most of the topics to be better explained in "Biology" by Cambell-Reece-Mitchell. I usually read all my books. This class, I used the web for DNA replication and bacteria caused diseases, and biology book for the rest. One good thing came out of this. It forced me to use the web, and it is a great resource for Micro.

Caution: This is not the Textbook!
Be aware that this is NOT the textbook, it is the Study Guide! Although it may be useful for you (we decided to keep it anyway), it isn't what the title says.

THE BEST BASIC MICROBIOLOGY BOOK EVER!!!!
THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT. I originally purchased it for a course in undergraduate Microbiology. It explains concepts and ideas clearly and has many illustrations to increase understanding of structures and the details of microbial organisms, such as viral envelopes and bacterial cell walls. Now that I am in Medical school, I still refer back to it as an introduction and refresher for more advanced medical courses. The concepts are so clearly presented that it is easy to go back and read over a few chapters of this book to enhance and reinforce the understanding of particular subjects. When you are short on time, it is much better to review chapters in this book than to scan and decipher numerous pages of medical text when many of the important main points are presented clearly in this text. Although, I recommend using it as an adjunct to your class lecture notes. If you are looking for a dry, banal book that will put you to sleep, this is not it. ANYONE WHO GAVE THIS BOOK A BAD REVIEW IS WRONG!!! THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT!!! BUY IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!

Inaccurate descriotion of paperback
I was surprised to open my parcel to find the study guide instead of the textbook. There is NOTHING in the description that explains as so. Very dissapointed as I need the text for an exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its first edition Human Anatomy as been praised for its clarity of presentation, its outstanding visually-oriented illustration program, and its ability to help users understand anatomical structures. Past editions of Human Anatomy have won very prestigious awards, including the award for Textbook Excellence by the Text and Academic Authors Association and the award for Illustration Excellence by the Association of Medical Illustrators. Innovative pedagogical elements and a tightly integrated supplements package make this new edition an excellent choice for all anatomy studies.The exhaustive volume provides an introduction to anatomy and addresses cells, the tissue level of organization, integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, surface anatomy, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, and human development.For health care professionals of all kinds, massage therapists, forensic medical examiners and athletic trainers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Why so large?
I am a University of Minnesoota student and we use this text for our introductory Human Anatomy course. (Unfortunately they came out with a new edition and I couldn't sell it back to the bookstore.) Strictly in terms of the content this book was average because I often needed more information on certain aspects of the human anatomy. My real frustration was due to the fact that I feel the publisher should have supplied a carrying case specifically designed to carry such a large, awkward book. I realize that the size contributed to larger pictures but I feel it was a bit overboard! Finally, as I mentioned before, a new edition came out very recently. The new book resembles the previous edition too much. It's unfortunate we live in such a capitalistic society as to allow such a situation to take place.. ... Read more

Book Description

iGenetics is the first integrated text written from the ground up and designed to provide a balanced introduction to genetics. Building on the proven strength of Russell's step-by-step problem-solving approach, iGenetics takes a modern, molecular approach. iGenetics covers basic genetics principles, with balanced coverage of Mendel, historical experiments, and cutting edge chapters on Genomics and Molecular Evolution. Over 500 class testers preferred the integrated iGenetics text and CD-ROM over their current book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pretty good, even if it is a bit wordy at times
I used this textbook when I took General Genetics this past semester. The book contains a wealth of information. In the course I took we focused on the basic principle of DNA and RNA, Mendelian principles, mono and dihybrid crosses, pedigrees and inheritance, multiple alleles located on different loci and multiple alleles located on the same loci, genetic mapping, damage and DNA repair mechanisms, prokaryotes gene regulation, and population genetics. This text did much to help my understanding of these topics and also contained other topics that we only touched upon in class or did not have time to cover, including the genetics of cancer, quantative genetics, and recombinate DNA technology.

At the end of each chapter in the text there are a number of conceptual questions and genetics "problems" that serve as a tool of teaching genetics by the problem based approach. These problems are helpful because my class focused on the problem based side of genetics, as most general genetics classes probably do. The book includes a CD-rom that includes the answers to ALL of the problems in the book for FREE! The CD-rom also contains movies that illustrate important mechanisms like transcribtion, translation, and DNA replication, as well as additional exercises. For me, I found it particulary helpful to be able to "see" genetic processes instead of just hearing about them in class.

Even though all of the anwsers to the book problems are included on the CD-rom, I would recommend picking on the Student Solution Guide as well because it is GREAT. It works out every single problem in the book. This is somewhat of a rarity for science books (especially biology ones). I can say that this solutions manuels is very helpful.

The only problem that I had with the textbook was that it was a bit wordy in some sections. While reading this book, I would recommend highlighting only those topics that your professor discusses in class and not getting hung up on terms that he or she has not talked about and sound like gobble-gook (Shrine-Delgado sequence, TATA box). Most likely, your class will focus on general concepts and you will not have the time to discuss the specifics in detail. I can't say that it is a bad thing that the book included detailed information from other areas of biology (biochemistry, cell biology), since these fields will be important if you are a biology major, but they probably do not need to be disscused in great detail in genetics if not prompted by the instructor.

Overall, I would say that this is a good genetics text. It contains usefull explanations and illustrations about topics that may not have been clearly explained in class, especially if your professor tends to mummble or doesn't have the best artistic style when it comes to drawing chromosomes.

Okay
I haven't been using this textbook very long, but there is one issue I think people might want to be aware of. If you buy this book used, you can't get access to the website. Mine didn't come with the CD-ROM either, but that's more to do with the person who sold it back than anything else (although if the CD-ROM were packaged so that you could just slip it into a pocket on the back cover more people might return the CD with the book). You can buy access to the website for $22/yr.

Could be better; could be worse
I haven't surveyed the entire landscape of genetics textbooks, but in general this one still left me lacking. My largest complaint: even though this is a first edition, the editing was atrocious.

Pretty colorful photos and good CD rom for extra effect
Overall, the book was well-written. I really enjoyed the color photos and the review questions at the end of the chapters was pretty good.

Also included was a CD-rom with the answers to the problems, iActivities to help us digest the chapters we read, and chapter quizzes.

I really enjoyed the chapter quizzes because they helped me focus on areas I was fuzzy about. However, I did not like the quizzes very much either, because there were wrong answers. Most of the time, I figured the answer it said was "correct" was wrong and vice versa, so if the problems with the CD can be cleared, this can be a great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Essential Biology with Physiology is a brief non-majors biology book that combines the clear writing, real-world applications, vivid art program, and powerful media of Essential Biology, Second Edition, but also includes nine new chapters on animal and plant physiology. Essential Biology with Physiology helps readers become informed citizens by focusing on evolution, human applications, and up-to-date information on important issues like DNA technology, cloning, and global warming.For college instructors, students, or anyone interested in biology. ... Read more

Book Description

Immunobiology, Sixth Edition guides the reader through the immune system in all its aspects - from the first engagement of innate immunity to the generation of the adaptive immune response and its clinical consequences.The Sixth Edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, and now includes end-of-chapter questions. Immunobiology sets the standard for currency and authority with its clear writing style and organization, full-color art program, scientific accuracy, frequent updates, and consistent viewpoint - that of the host's interaction with an environment containing many species of potentially harmful microorganisms.

The Sixth Edition of Immunobiology includes a CD-ROM with original immunological animations based on figures in the book and videos selected from visually compelling experiments.All the animations and videos are accompanied by a voice-over narration.The CD also contains an archive of all the figures in the book, loaded into PowerPoint presentations.There is one presentation for each chapter of the book, and figures follow the order of the chapter. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Best entry level book
This book by Charlie Janeway is considered to be one of the best books for entry level students. His colleagues say Dr. Janeway cherished every moment that he spent in shaping this book since he took utmost joy in teaching and training students. Eventhough he is no more physically, his book will be read and remembered by almost every student in Immunology. The treatment of subject, arrangement of topics and the figures in this book are at the very best. I am sure that readers will be able to absorb the basic principles in a systematic way with sound experimental insights which will be with them forever.
You also have the advantage of seeing the immune system as a friend as well as a foe. This book beautifully explains how immune system protects us from infections as well as creates major health problems when it doesn't work properly. This way of learning Immunology helps you learn the subject with big picture in mind. I strongly recommend this book for every student who takes introductory or intermediate level course in Immunology. After all, Immunology is one of the most fascinating scientific disciplines to work on.

Accurate, clear and comprehensive immunological knowledge
Janeway's Immunobiology is probably the best immunology book that someone really interested in immunology should take to the mythical desert island. One can enjoy it by its clarity from the basic graduate courses, and then keep reading it when doing research and pursuing hypothesis on the most advanced immunological topics. Many times I have found better organized and complete information on this book (even the old editions!) than on the latest reviews on specialized journals. The intense and careful work displayed to promote the real understanding on the concepts and the relations between immune components is impressive. Even more, the success in explanation is such that the authour takes the risk to have his book neglected as "too easy" by first time readers. However, immunology researchers in contact with the often chaotic and contradictory immunological literature can really appreciate the incredible amount of critical work invested and the intellectual gift of the author (authors) to abstract complex immune phenomena into nicely designed and biologically precise "cartoons". The focus on the evolutionary and functional consequences/origins of the immune mechanisms and structures makes Janeway's book one of the most refreshing and valuable voices in a sometimes too-technically oriented discipline. An impressive accomplishment never praised enough.

a good start
This is an excellent primer for anyone wishing to learn more about immunology. For the more advenced student, Bill Paul's Fundamental Immunology is a must.

This book rocks!
This is by far the most well written immunology text I have encountered. Even the most difficult concepts are presented in the most understandable manner. This book is very extensive in the material it covers and is highly recommended for an advanced undergraduate student or as an introductory graduate text. By far the feature most appealing to me are the extensive images and cartoons used in this text, used quite effectively to elucidate even the most difficult of topics. This visual presentation style combined with the extensive and highly readble coverage of relevant material make this a must have for any serious student. The book is also updated frequently I believe a new edition is on the way slated to be publsihed in April 2004.

thats what iam looking for !!!
This Book took me from the Ground, the way it explain things, great pictures that simplify's the whole story for me while reading, ( I didn't have any immunology since I graduated from college ) it explain so smooth and so simple, YES I Would Recommend This Book To any one Who looks For immunology Text !!! ... Read more

Book Description

BIOLOGY is an authoritative majors textbook with evolution as a unifying theme. In revising the text, McGraw-Hill has consulted extensively with previous users, noted experts and professors in the field. It is distinguished from other texts by its strong emphasis on natural selection and the evolutionary process that explains biodiversity. ... Read more

Book Description

The seventh edition of this classic text, now with a new title to honor the late Professor Ed Alcamo, is filled with updated content, new pedagogical features, an enhanced art program, and updated student and instructor supplements. Revised by Jeffrey C. Pommerville, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Microbiology at Glendale Community College, Alcamo’s Fundamentals of Microbiology, Seventh Edition retains the signature Alcamo style, which includes a friendly tone, personal writing style, student-friendly organization, and real-world applications. Professor Pommerville has added material to keep pace with new developments in the field such as a new chapter covering genetic engineering and bacterial genomics and the latest information on emerging infectious diseases. This is the ideal microbiology text for nursing and allied health students, and is suitable for other non-majors microbiology courses. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A solidly written and comprehensive life science text
Now in an updated and expanded seventh edition, Alcamo's Fundamentals Of Microbiology by Jeffrey C. Pommerville (Professor of Biology and Microbiology at Glendale Community College) is a solidly written and comprehensive life science text designed specifically for college students. Individual chapters address bacterial diseases of humans, physical and chemical means to control microorganisms, microbiology's relevance to key public health issues, and much more. The explicit and easy-to-follow text offers a thorough and in-dept indoctrination into this vital body of scientific knowledge. A superb reference or instructional text especially for students (and also for professionals or even non-specialist general readers seeking to brush up their understanding), Alcamo's Fundamentals Of Microbiology is a vital and welcome contribution to Biological Studies reference shelves.

Good study guide for microbiology students
I thought this book was a good source for summarizing microbiology subjects like telling the difference between staphylococcus and streptococcus in a very understandable way. It gave good summaries and served as a good source for studying for my college microbiology exams. If you really want to know the type of questions given on college microbiology exams get the following;
Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers by Patrick Leonardi
The latter study guide helped me to prepare more thoroughly for the kind of questions encountered on my finals and midterms. I highly recommend both books.

A work of art in the popularization of biology and medicine
If you are looking for an easy going text on such
a complicated topic as microbiology, you have just
found it.

In very accessible language, dr. Alcamo tours the
whole block, covering bacterial metabolic pathways,
describing bacterial and non-bacterial pathologies
to industrial applications such as the making of
beer. As stated in the introduction, emphasis lies
on applications of microbiology to pathology.

Each chapter ends with some student review questions
for thought and discussion, which I found particularly
interesting, as they pretty much covered all topics that
where discussed.

Margin notes explain the pronounciation of words through
phonetic notation and act as an online glossary. They
seem patronizing to those familiar with the subject matter,
but come in handy for the layman.

dr. Alcamo's writing style is entertaining and anecdotical.
As such, it is a great contribution to the popularization
of science in general and physiology and medicine in
particular.

I see only one point of possible criticism: chapter 2
on the principles of chemistry is superfluous for those
familiar with (organic) chemistry and too concise for
those who lack the background. In view of the further
covering of bacterial metabolism, I'd suggest an
extension of this chapter on the mechanics of organo-
chemical reactions.

An excellent text and reference book
This is a great introductory microbiology textbook that also serves as a good reference book. Microbiology is not my own field of study, but I developed a personal interest in learning something about bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Microbiology could be a very dry subject, but Dr. Alcamo makes learning about microorganisms very interesting and entertaining. I have found myself, on several occasions, looking something up quickly in the book, only to find myself still there reading on other stuff an hour or two later! (Wish I could say the same thing about all those textbooks I used to get my degree...)

Best Microbiology textbook available
Having reviewed many microbiology text in my continuing study in this area I found the book to be a excelent combination of the following; accessible concepts clearly explained, interesting facts and folklore, sufficient information without over exploring the more advanced concepts or missing the important basics. This book read like a novel for me. I would encourage anyone with an interest or any instructor of microbiology to give this text serious consideration ... Read more

Book Description

Dr. Sylvia Mader, a well-known author in the field of biology, has written numerous biology textbooks for McGraw-Hill.

Biology is now a tightly knit text that covers the concepts and principles of biology from the structure and function of the cell to the organization of the biosphere.It draws upon the entire world of living things to bring out an evolutionary theme that is introduced from the start.The concept of evolution is necessary to understanding the unity and diversity of life and serves as a background for the study of ecological principles.Modern ecological problems, including the biodiversity crisis, are stressed throughout the text. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Simple
Mader's "Biology" makes every thing simple with its easy-to-understand language and figures. Great EM shots, summarized tables, and applied examples are a few of the several features of the book. Also, summaries at the end of each section and chapter make it easy to reveiw what you have read in a short time. In addition, I have to note that the book is very simple. i.e. College students may need more detailes, although this book is very useful to them!

Boring But Understandable
Like most biology books full of big words and irrelevent terms this 4th edition biology book by Mader was quite easy for me to understand the scientific terms considering this was my first science course. This easy to read book is a must for those who struggle with the harsh technical terms in science

Excellent resource for college/pre-college students
Brilliant photography, logical arrangement of topics, outstanding illustrations, and well-written text combine to make this text an outstanding tool in the classroom, or as a resource. Features include: main ideas emphasized in boxes within text; challenging content written for easy comprehension; chapters introduced with clear objectives and concluded with detailed summary; information presented in logical flow; chapter assessment by essay, multiple-choice, and critical-thinking questions; detailed index and glossary. ... Read more

Book Description

Since the enormously successful first edition of Forensic DNA Typing was published, the Human Genome Project has published a draft sequence of the human genome and completed the finished reference sequence. The advent of modern DNA technology has resulted in the increased ability to perform human identity testingdesirable in a number of situations including the determination of perpetrators of violent crime such as murder and rape, resolving unestablished paternity, and identifying remains of missing persons or victims of mass disasters. The technology has been utilized in identifying remains from victims of the World Trade Center twin towers collapse following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, and the identification of the remains in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Indeed, our perceptions of history have been changed with DNA evidence that revealed Thomas Jefferson fathered a child by one of his slaves. This book examines the science of current forensic DNA typing methods by focusing on the biology, technology, and genetic interpretation of short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which encompass the most common forensic DNA analysis methods used today. Ten new chapters have been added to accommodate the explosion of new information since the turn of the century.

*The only book available that specifically covers detailed information on mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome
*Chapters cover the topic from introductory level right up to "cutting edge" research
*High-profile cases are addressed throughout the book, near the sections dealing with the science or issues behind these cases
*NEW TO THIS EDITION: D.N.A. Boxes--boxed Data, Notes & Applications sections throughout the book offer higher levels of detail on specific questions ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Clearly, an outstanding piece of work!
While Dr. Butler's book on DNA typing is clearly based on experience and profound understanding of the subject, I was most impressed with the readability.I was thrilled to find principles illustrated by examples from current events!Students of science will find this book refreshing.Well written (and edited)!

The Breakthrough in Forensics This Year! - A Must Have Book!
Dr. Butler takes a very complex subject and makes it easy enough for the novice to understand, yet is comprehensive enough for the professional research analyst.It is full of excellent research and observations on one of the most exciting and innovative technologies in DNA research that has been discovered in recent years.This book, without a doubt, will stand the test of time as being the authoritative reference on DNA forensic research.This book is packed with research and information that will enlighten you to the technological breakthroughs that are being made in forensic science.I have heard Dr. Butler speak and read several of his papers.He is without question the expert in DNA analysis with STR markers and this book has the distinction of being the best book ever written on the subject.Get this book, study it and find out why STR markers are the groundbreaking method for DNA analysis.If you are in any way involved with DNA research, you will find this book a desktop reference you will turn to again and again.

Marvelous work!
This book has opened my eyes to the vast world of DNA analysis.It is an invaluable resource to those who want to understand how criminal justice will advance into the new millennium.Butler's text will be the keystone of DNA analysis in the future.I look forward to revised editions as new things arise.

6 stars is more like it . . .
Rarely are such complex subjects treated so well.Dr. Butler does a fabulous job of building the foundation behind STR Markers.This is the best a MUST READ if you're in any way involved in Forensics.

Superb Learning Reference
This is the best document I have yet seen that teaches the fundamentals of STR analysis.It also has the most up-to-date information about the latest available technology for STR analysis.It is well written, complete and concise, very easy to read, and even has practical anecdotes.A must have for anyone teaching or learning STR analysis. ... Read more

Book Description

Biology: A Guide to the Natural World remains the only book written and illustrated from the ground up for those with little knowledge of biology. The Third Edition retains its best features—rich, full-color art, an accessible writing style, and a full complement of digital resources—while substantially updating the content throughout to emphasize the relevancy of biology to readers' lives.A seven-part organization covers essential parts: atoms, molecules, and cells; energy and its transformation; how life goes on: genetics; life's organizing principle: evolution and the diversity of life; a bounty that feeds us all: plants; what makes the organism tick? animal anatomy and physiology; and the living world as a whole: ecology and behavior.For the promotion of biological literacy—to make individuals aware that they need it to participate in the workforce, make everyday decisions, and make informed choices at the ballot box. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Biology -- A Guide to the Natural World
I found this book to much easier to read and understand from all the previous textbooks assigned to biology courses. The graphics and tables and examples are completely explained. The format asks questions and answers them in a simple, easily understandable text -- not like the mumbo jumbo that a person would have to read over and over to finally understand its meaning. ... Read more

Book Description

BIOLOGY is an authoritative majors textbook with evolution as a unifying theme. In revising the text, McGraw-Hill has consulted extensively with previous users, noted experts and professors in the field. It is distinguished from other texts by its strong emphasis on natural selection and the evolutionary process that explains biodiversity.

Not only has the book been thoroughly updated to reflect rapid advances, there is more emphasis today on the teaching of concepts and this has led to significant changes in how the material is presented. Technology also plays a greater role in teaching and the Online Learning Center found at http://www.mhhe.com/raven6 provides professors and students alike with an abundance of resources.

Five considerations influenced this revision. They are: 1) Focus on concepts; 2) Reinforcing Ideas; 3) Emphasizing relevance to students; 4) Keeping up with new developments; and 5) Careful editing. ... Read more

Reviews (6)