Biology Today: An Issues Approach (Paperback)

by Eli C. Minkoff (Author) "Biology is the scientific study of living systems..." (more)
Key Phrases: economic impact level, sociobiology paradigm, nonself molecules, United States, Human Genome Project, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Biology Today: An Issues Approach, Third Edition, is the original issues-oriented introductory- level general biology textbook. Biology Today uses current issues as the context for teaching all major biological concepts from multiple levels of biological organization. In addition to its real-life appeal, this engaging approach allows for a more comprehensive view of biology as a process of discovery and helps examine the intimate connections between biological and social issues. In contrast to the segmented approach in most texts, the issues approach of Biology Today allows a vertical integration of levels of biological organization (molecular to ecological) organized around one topic at a time. Biology Today stimulates critical thinking and questioning rather than memorization, and encourages students, biologists and non-biologists alike, to consider their place in the world, evaluate scientific arguments and make informed decisions affecting their own lives and the well-being of society.

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.com Sales Rank: #82,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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.

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

By	Sara Rolen "Future Graduate" (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

2.0 out of 5 stars Very good, May 5, 2009

By	Carla Turner - See all my reviews

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

The book is in great shape just it was the wrong edition that i thought that i had ordered the 3rd edition and the 2nd edition was the one that i received and i cannot use it for my class.