Coverage and Scope

Our Concepts of Biology textbook adheres to the scope and sequence of most one-semester non-majors courses nationwide. We also strive to make biology, as a discipline, interesting and accessible to students. In addition to a comprehensive coverage of core concepts and foundational research, we have incorporated features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways. Our scope of content was developed after surveying over a hundred biology professors and listening to their coverage needs. We provide a thorough treatment of biology’s fundamental concepts with a scope that is manageable for instructors and students alike.

• Unit 1: The Cellular Foundation of Life. Our opening unit introduces students to the sciences, including the process of science and the underlying concepts from the physical sciences that provide a framework within which learners comprehend biological processes. Additionally, students will gain solid understanding of the structures, functions, and processes of the most basic unit of life: the cell.
• Unit 2: Cell Division and Genetics. Our genetics unit takes learners from the foundations of cellular reproduction to the experiments that revealed the basis of genetics and laws of inheritance.
• Unit 3: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Students will learn the intricacies of DNA, protein synthesis, and gene regulation and current applications of biotechnology and genomics.
• Unit 4: Evolution and the Diversity of Life. The core concepts of evolution are discussed in this unit with examples illustrating evolutionary processes. Additionally, the evolutionary basis of biology reappears throughout the textbook in general discussion and is reinforced through special call-out features highlighting specific evolution-based topics. The diversity of life is explored with detailed study of various organisms and discussion of emerging phylogenetic relationships between and among bacteria, protist kingdoms, fungi, plants, and animals.
• Unit 5: Animal Structure and Function. An introduction to the form and function of the animal body is followed by chapters on the immune system and animal development. This unit touches on the biology of all organisms while maintaining an engaging focus on human anatomy and physiology that helps students connect to the topics.
• Unit 6: Ecology. Ecological concepts are broadly covered in this unit, with features highlighting localized, real-world issues of conservation and biodiversity.

Pedagogical Foundation and Features

Because of the impact science has on students and society, an important goal of science education is to achieve a scientifically literate population that consistently makes informed decisions. Scientific literacy transcends a basic understanding of scientific principles and processes to include the ability to make sense of the myriad instances where people encounter science in day-to-day life. Thus, a scientifically literate person is one who uses science content knowledge to make informed decisions, either personally or socially, about topics or issues that have a connection with science. Concepts of Biology is grounded on a solid scientific base and designed to promote scientific literacy. Throughout the text, you will find features that engage the students in scientific inquiry by taking selected topics a step further.

• Evolution in Action features uphold the importance of evolution to all biological study through discussions like “Global Decline of Coral Reefs” and “The Red Queen Hypothesis.”
• Career in Action features present information on a variety of careers in the biological sciences, introducing students to the educational requirements and day-to-day work life of a variety of professions, such as forensic scientists, registered dietitians, and biogeographers.
• Biology in Action features tie biological concepts to emerging issues and discuss science in terms of everyday life. Topics include “Invasive Species” and “Photosynthesis at the Grocery Store.”

Art and Animations that Engage

Our art program takes a straightforward approach designed to help students learn the concepts of biology through simple, effective illustrations, photos, and micrographs. Concepts of Biology also incorporates links to relevant animations and interactive exercises that help bring biology to life for students.

• Concepts in Action features direct students to online interactive exercises and animations to add a fuller context and examples to core content.

Senior Contributors

• Samantha Fowler, Clayton State University
• Rebecca Roush, Sandhills Community College
• James Wise, Hampton University

Faculty Contributors and Reviewers

• Mark Belk, Brigham Young University
• Lisa Boggs, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Sherryl Broverman, Duke University
• David Byres, Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Aaron Cassill, The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Karen Champ, College of Central Florida
• Sue Chaplin, University of St. Thomas
• Diane Day, Clayton State University
• Jean DeSaix, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• David Hunnicutt, St. Norbert College
• Barbara Kuehner, Hawaii Community College
• Brenda Leady, University of Toledo
• Bernie Marcus, Genesee Community College
• Flora Mhlanga, Lipscomb University
• Madeline Mignone, Dominican College
• Elizabeth Nash, Long Beach City College
• Mark Newton, San Jose City College
• Diana Oliveras, University of Colorado Boulder
• Ann Paterson, Williams Baptist College
• Joel Piperberg, Millersville University
• Nick Reeves, Mt. San Jacinto College
• Ann Reisenauer, San Jose State University
• Lynn Rumfelt, Gordon College
• Michael Rutledge, Middle Tennessee State University
• Edward Saiff, Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Brian Shmaefsky, Kingwood College
• Gary Shultz, Marshall University
• Donald Slish, SUNY Plattsburgh
• Anh-Hue Tu, Georgia Southwestern State University
• Elena Zoubina, Bridgewater State University