Customer Reviews

Environmental Microbiology: From Genomes to Biogeochemistry

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We used this book for a microbial ecology class I took, mostly as a supplement to articles from the primary literature. I found that it was helpful resource for a variety of topics in microbial ecology/environmental microbiology and that it provided a good background for many of the topics that we covered in depth, as well as nice review of basic microbiology concepts. This is a big subject and as the title suggests it covers diverse aspects of environmental microbiology. I think it is probably best used in conjunction with other sources or as a reference guide for advanced students or researchers. It goes into a fair amount of depth on many topics, but it will likely leave you wanting more if you are hoping to dive deeply into a specific subject. I enjoyed Madsen's writing style and also the use of diagrams and real world examples (applications of microbiology that the non-scientists might appreciate). Some of these would probably make good classroom or homework exercises.

This book stands out from a number of competing titles on Environmental Microbiology. I find this book focuses on conventional subject matter, but with unconventional approaches. I really like the layout and contents of this book because they fit very well to teaching at undergraduate level and can also be used to bridge knowledge between undergrduate and graduate levels. In addition, incorporation of the latest techniques and knowledge in this fast-evolving field also make this title unique in its own way.