Biological Science (Caballes)
Authors: Dennis G. Caballes, Jennifer S. Florida
The concept approach of the book is suitable for undergraduate non-Biology major students. The book is designed to be useful workbook for students enrolled in Biology subject. It is divided into eight units which cover major topics such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, biological diversity and plant and animal biology. Each part has balanced coverage of all topics sufficient for a semester-long course in Biology. The authors considered these topics as important pans of biology which will provide the core knowledge in science.
The opening unit of the book gives an overview of how the field of Biology is studied and explored using scientific method. Unit II deals with biological molecules that account for the structure, function and even the origin of cells. The next unit provides discussion on energy and metabolism which is the central phenomena in the study of biological organisms. It is followed by the study of heredity and the evolutionary process in the heritable characteristics (Unit IV). Basic ecology concepts are introduced in Unit V while biodiversity is main focus of discussion of Unit VI. The last unit deals with plant and animal biology. Each chapter included in every unit is provided with self-assessment part which includes quick recall questions and questions that elicit critical thinking. Moreover, helpful materials that would reinforce learning are appended towards the end in an effort to provide additional information among the users of this book. Furthermore, laboratory exercises are incorporated for each chapter in order to supplement the concepts learned in the lecture and to make them responsible in their own learning through manipulation and discovery.
The authors of this book have been friends and colleagues for several years and, while they have often discussed writing a book together, the timing never seemed quite right. Finally, they put their heads together to come up with a “generic” book suitable for non-science students with different major and coming from various institutions. The authors' collection of lecture notes from several years of teaching Biology is the basis of the content of this book. Any comments or suggestions for the improvement of this book will be appreciated.