Customer Reviews

Biology: Understanding Life

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This book is an attractive package that invites the reader to dive in. Not only does it discuss basic biological concepts but mentions concepts that are in the news today, such as genetic engineering and DNA sequencing.

Although the introduction implies that it's appropriate for college-level courses, I think it could be used at the high-school level, too, especially since someone taking this course at the college level is someone who probably never took introductory biology in high-school, so the only difference between what would be covered in the college course and the high-school course is the number of chapters covered.

The book begins with an introduction to some basic concepts of life (what is biology? what are characteristics of life? how are forms of life classified? what are molecules? what is an organic molecule?) and then moves onto sections covering the structure of cells, systems in the human body and those of other animals. Next, it covers genetics, evolution, the five kingdoms, and social interaction of organisms.

I was surprised to see so much coverage of human anatomy (with many color drawings and some photographs, too) in a general introduction to biology (after all, biology is more than just humans), but I guess that the author included that to keep the reader interested, since it helps to relate each biological concept to a machine the reader already possesses---his body (see goal #3 below).

The goals that the author sets out for the text are these:

1. Help students understand biological concepts

2. Offer a range of visual learning aids to meet students' diverse learning styles

3. Make biology relevant to student's daily lives

4. Help students gain an understanding of scientifc processes

5. Review, test and assess student understanding

6. Integrate every aspect of the text into a comprehensive teaching package

The author meets each of these goals, and, particularly, the writing style and illustrations help to meet goal #2, in that, I believe, the author has specifically avoided complex sentence structure in order to make the text accessible to students with weak reading skills. That's probably good, and it further supports my contention that the book is good for college and high-school students alike to read. Also, there are lists of relevant vocabulary words at the end of each chapter, and a glossary in the back of the book.

I like the book and will continue to refer to it myself to refresh some of my own biology knowledge.

If you're trying to purchase this textbook used, and your instructor is using the online WileyPlus supplement, be sure to ask the seller if they're including a WileyPLus registration code. From what I've seen most either don't include it or don't even know about it. The textbook sells for around $120 brand new, and I think that comes with the code. If not, the code costs about $50 on the WileyPlus website. So if you're looking to pay $30 to $40 and thinking you're getting a great deal, you may be surprised by a hidden cost. Again, this all depends on if you're going to be using the online supplement, but just be warned. I wasn't happy with the surprise.

Now in an updated and expanded third edition, Biology: Understanding Life by Sandra Alters is an impressively organized and presented instructional text which is adaptable to high school or college curriculums, and is eminently suitable for classroom work, home schooling, or for independent study. Color photos enhance a clear and precise text which includes exercises and a solid coverage spanning a wide variety of topics including human genetics, development before birth, evolution issues, the nervous system, senses and hormones, and a great deal more, making Biology: Understanding Life an essential and highly recommended reference and teaching tool.

Received the book within the alloted time, earlier than expected. The book was in brand new condition and exactly what i asked for. I would buy from this user again. I was very pleased with the purchase

I was worried that I had waited too long to order this. The seller sent it right away and I got it within a couple of days. Great condition, just as promised.

Biology: Understanding Life
I received the item on time and it was in great condition when I got it. Thanks for the book!

I love this Book! It gives good, descriptive pictures and very easy to read and understand text. Learning level: Beginner-Advanced. How deep do you want to go? This book has it in-depth or surface level.

I ordered this book october 20th and I am still waiting on it. I was told that this book would arrive (the latest) November 12 and today is nov. 21.After I had bought this book I then got an e-mail form the seller saying, that the book wasn't complete and didn't have all the chapters in it( which was fals advertized in the description). I would not buy any thing from this seller!

I ordered this book almost 2 months before my class started in order to insure I was prepared for class. As of to day, 58 days later, I have yet to get my book in the mail. I have e-mailed the company with nothing but a auto-reply. I am now in my 3rd week of Biology with no book! So to sum up this review, very unhappy with the lack of product and the customer care that was provided.

I ordered my book over a month ago and still have not received my book. I habe written two emails to the seller and have not received a response. I will never order from this seller again.