Biology Today: An Issues Approach [Paperback]

Eli Minkoff (Author), Pamela Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0815341571 | ISBN-13: 978-0815341574 | Edition: 3

Biology Today is a truly innovative introductory biology text. Designed to combine the teaching of biological concepts within the context of current societal issues, Biology Today encourages introductory biology students to think critically about the role that science plays in their world. The Third Edition has been revised and updated, and contains three new chapters: Genetic Engineering and Genomics, New Infectious Threats, and Protecting the Biosphere.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Eli C. Minkoff is Professor of Biology at Bates College. He received his bachelor's degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Columbia University and his MA and PhD from Harvard University. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Society for the Study of Evolution, Dr. Minkoff has published several books as well as many articles in scholarly journals and encyclopedic reference works.

Pamela J. Baker is Professor of Biology at Bates College. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees (from the University of Wales at Swansea, Magna Cum Laude, and from Bates College, Cum Laude). She also holds an MA and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her research focuses on the function of the immune system in bone diseases such as periodontal disease and on the investigation of new antimicrobial agents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: Garland Science; 3 edition (December 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815341571
• ISBN-13: 978-0815341574
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #478,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice try, but (sadly) no cigar!, August 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Biology Today an Issues Approach (Paperback)

The authors write in an engaging and animated style, and the "issues approach" to biology introduced in this text is an excellent way to introduce the material. Non-science students in particular will benefit from such interesting-- and sometimes even exciting-- demonstrations of the importance of the topics covered.

Unfortunately, the book fails to live up to its ideal, and does so right from the start. Chapter One, for example, is so full of mistakes, oversimplifications and downright silliness that I would be embarrassed to assign it to my students! There are errors of dates, misleading definitions of concepts (sometimes even conflicting with the books own glossary), and inept treatments of non-scientific concerns (ethics and religion). The "thought questions" throughout the book frequently tend to be written in leading ways that suggest which answers will be "acceptable." Although the book tries hard to bridge "the two cultures," the reader is constantly reminded that science is one thing (defined by its rigorous method), and all other human efforts are "other" (nonfalsifiable, therefore "anything goes"!)

As a biology text, this is quite successful. Topics and explanations are accurate, clear and simple. It is a pity that the authors' laudable attempt to connect the science to significant social, ethical, and political issues is not similarly clear and well-informed. I fear that in the long run such carelessness may do more harm than good.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Book for Biology Basics, February 9, 2011

By 

Ash - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biology Today: An Issues Approach (Paperback)

I needed this book for an intro level biology class. Really great for general basics in most aspects of biology. A little too simple for biology majors, but great for people just starting out.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, June 22, 2009

By 

Sara Rolen "Future Graduate" (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Biology Today: An Issues Approach (Paperback)

This book helped me understand Biology all over again. I have not had a Biology class in 14 years ,and this book made it easy to understand everything that I had forgot in the past.