Biology

After two decades of teaching the two-semester sequence of general biology courses, requiring students to purchase a hefty textbook at a high cost that contained far more chapters than one could ever realistically cover in a typical academic year, the concept of this textbook was born.

This text not only removes materials not covered in most general biology classes (which are covered in courses that follow) but it also condenses the material that is most often taught into a more manageable and usable form. Additionally, this text is written to focus on how the subject of biology fits into the real world through utilizing a myriad of applications and current research to illustrate that our understanding is constantly growing. Each chapter begins with a 'Big Picture' introduction, ends with a 'Bottom Line' summary, and includes a 'Field Notes' feature that highlights current or recent research on the topic of that chapter.

The text follows the theme that the Earth has been and always will be going through changes. Over time, historical events have shaped everything that we observe today from environments to anatomical structures and from species diversity to molecular processes. Thus, it is important for students not just to understand the what behind any given phenomenon or process, but to understand how, why and from where such things evolved to exist in the way that they did.

As neither life nor science is multiple choice, the assessment sections for each chapter include some multiple-choice questions for quick knowledge checks and convenience but also short answer questions that require students to think critically, connect concepts and write answers in their own words.

With the overwhelming availability of online information, the function of textbooks is changing in regard to their role in education. In short, this text is designed for classroom use for both instructor and student, not as the traditional comprehensive encyclopedic reference.

Biology: Life as We Know It:

• contains teaching ancillaries, such as PowerPoint slides and a Test Bank.
• includes "Test Your Understanding" discussion questions at the ends of chapters that engage students and solidify understanding.
• features adaptive software that provides an individualized learning experience tailored for every student.

A Note From the Author - Teaching Philosophy:

Science is neither multiple choice nor guesswork and therefore courses should neither be taught nor assessed in...