Customer Reviews

Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology, 8th Edition

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

.... The editing in this textbook is terrible.

The text regularly refers back to things saying "as mentioned earlier in the text" that are NOWHERE else in the text.
The online Appendix C answer key for end-of chapter self tests is wrong an alarmingly high percentage of the time.
e.g. from chapter 2 (There are only 15 of these questions!):

#2. Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons are called __________.
A. isotopes
B. ions
C. isomers
D. inert elements.
... the answer should be A, but the answer key says C.

#12. Which of the following is NOT a polysaccharide?
A. Chitin
B. Glycogen
C. Cellulose
D. Lipid
... the answer should be D, but the answer key says B.

The book is not a reliable study aid, and should not be recommended to students until it is properly edited.

If you are looking for a text for non-majors, this is an engaging text that is perfect for today's students as well as instructors. It incorporates pedagogy throughout the text in the form of Microfocus Boxes, Textbook Cases, and MicroInquiries. These boxes contain contemporary topics and concepts that promote discussions in the classroom. The end of each chapter includes a review of the key concepts, chapter objectives and self-test quizzes and application questions. The writing style of Jeffrey Pommerville is engaging, concise and contemporary, fitting the needs for nonmajors. The approach of the text is great for new instructors as well as seasoned ones. Overall, the text provides the information that students needs to know, along with clear and concise objectives. I recommend this text with no reservations! It is an awesome text!

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.

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.

This book was just like the seller stated it was on the site. I am very satisfied with the product. I will purchase more products from this site because of their truthfulness and honesty. This product is amazingly worth all the money spoent and more because I have learned alot from it. It has the same information as the new edition; however, you have to compare the two to see what is missing and what is there.

It is a rare textbook that conveys the author's passion for a subject but this one does it well. It is interesting and informative.

This book edition isn't the greatest. My prof not to thrilled with it either. But my purpose...I purchased a few other books to aid in this class. Each had a part and helped in it's own way.
Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple Ed 4
Barron's Microbiology--The Easy Way
The Microbiology Coloring Book
I didn't find the study guide all that useful.

I hope this helps you all out!

This book is easy to read for a science text and has pretty good descriptions and pictures. I'm using it for an Intro to MicroBio class and it suits me well. I was a little shocked that it did not come with a CD or an online website supplement, but I guess that helps keep costs down (A book like this for only $100 brand new is great).

Recommended

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...)