Biological Science (2nd Edition)
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Superficial, dull and uninteresting.
  • student
  • too much focus on experiments that certain details are not explained as well.
  • Great CD-ROM, Great Information, Interesting Research
  • University Lvl Bio Student's Opinion
Biological Science (2nd Edition)
Scott Freeman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131409417

Book Description

Infused with the spirit of inquiry, Freeman's Biological Science helps teach readers the fundamentals while introducing them to the excitement that drives the science. By presenting unifying concepts and methods of analysis, this book helps its readers learn to think like biologists and gives them the tools they need for success in understanding more advanced subjects. Volume I of a nine-part organization covers topics under the general headings of: the origin and early evolution of life, cell functions, gene structure and expression, developmental biology, evolutionary patterns and processes, the diversification of life, how plants work, how animals work, and ecology. For science enthusiasts who want to be inspired with a sense of wonder and excitement that makes learning about biology interesting and fun.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Superficial, dull and uninteresting........2006-04-23

As mentioned by other reviewers, this book drones endlessly about the details of experiments that first-year undergraduates are unlikely to appreciate to any degree. From my own research experience, I understand very well that every bit of scientific knowledge comes as the result of weeks, months or years of effort, but focusing so much on that in an introductory textbook means that a great many important details are sacrificed in the process- and details are important. It's been a year and a half since I've used the book and the only reason I learned anything about biology during that time was because I read other books, especially Campbell's. Freeman's book might do well enough for non-majors, but it is horrible for use with biology or chemistry majors. There is very little substance here and it does not pose a challenge. If you've used it and think otherwise, I encourage you to examine Campbell's book, as it is the current standard in the field, but almost any other will do. On top of that, I noted over 100 typos/misprints/mislabeled captions in the first half alone, and there is little that annoys me more than $120 books that slipped through the editorial cracks a few dozen times. This text does not live up to expectations.

5 out of 5 stars student.......2006-02-04

This book is definitely worth the money. I am the type of person who learns better from reading than listening to (mostly) boring lectures. For that type of person this book is perfect. It is one of the best science books I've ever used.

The main thing to say about this book is that it is very readable. The chapters are relatively short (15-25 pages) and are broken up into nice length subsections. The illustrations only help to understand concepts introduced in the text.

I think the book does a great job of what it intended to; Give a good introduction to a very broad range of biological subjects without sacrificing the details.

2 out of 5 stars too much focus on experiments that certain details are not explained as well........2005-12-16

After acing Introductory Bio the previous year with Campbell & Reece's Biology, I returned this year as an undergrad TA for the same class. The professor had switched to this book, which is by far just a piece of crap next to the Campbell & Reece book.

This textbook seems to put too much emphasis on experiments done in the past that all the material is lost beneath piles and piles of experimental 'abstracts'. I once misunderstood the textbook, specifically on the differences between genes important in developmental biology, and ended up giving wrong information on a Q&A session. I ended up having to spend a lot of time tracking down every single person who had come to the session in order to let them know about the error.

Now I say Campbell & Reece is better because it makes better use of its diagrams and figures in order to clarify points made in the text itself. Freeman does not do as good of a job in this way. I guess it does a mediocre job of enabling you to delve out relationships between experimental results and conclusions that have been deduced from those experiments. But for one who is studying introductory biology I, I do not personally see the purpose of looking at experimental data just yet. With all the definitions and concepts that need to be understood first, the emphasis should not be as much on experiments than on developing concepts and throwing in experiments every once in a while.

5 out of 5 stars Great CD-ROM, Great Information, Interesting Research.......2005-12-14

I love biology and the book was a huge help in my lecture class this year. The layout flowed well from one section to the next, and from all the chapters we covered there was very little extraneous data. Everything we needed to know what contained in the chapters and detailed enough to understand the basic concepts. The study questions at the end of the chapter also helped with the basic understanding of the material.

The CD-ROM was extremely helpful with studying for tests or clarifying a chapter that was a bit confusing. For each concept there is a PDF worksheet, a pre-quiz, an animation with video and audio and text, and a post quiz. The CD-Rom was the biggest help in studying for my final, I'm more confident that I will pass because of this CD-ROM.

And on the web tutorial browser used, I had ZERO problems with the program working within my Mozilla Firefox browser. No Netscape needed.

The book isn't perfect for everyone. If your teacher strays from the book in lectures, you may need other sources to help clarify some concepts. My teachers never strayed farther than their own experiences in the field that were very closely related to the topics we were studying at the time. Most cases, the book will be all you need for raw information and the CD-ROM can help clarify a topic even more and help you study for your tests. Don't be afraid of the book, it's large but very much worth the money.

1 out of 5 stars University Lvl Bio Student's Opinion.......2005-03-21

This is the worst bio book I have read. I've had at least 3 different biology courses with their respective books, but this one was so bad I felt obligated to warn others. I don't bother with these reviews but in this case the book "earned" it.

The pros: I am at length impressed at Freeman's attempt to draw an inquisitive experimental nature into a bio book. He talks about many interesting scientific experiments and really introduces you to the scientific method. His diagrams while usually not as detailed as other biology books are sufficient.

The cons: What Dr. Freeman attempts in his book forces him to leave out a lot of basic bio. A multitude of biology terms are just missing, as if they never existed. What's worse is that this terminology is actually required on bio tests. I had to refer extensively to my professor's notes and look up the missing terms through the web to make the grade.
Unfortunately Dr. Freeman is not a very clear writer either, at least in this volume. He talks about many important topics but with his writing style, I have actually mentally missed many important points. He just doesn't emphasize what you need to know in basic biology. There are many decent biology books that have the organization you need to sort through the unimportant and the important material but Freeman's somewhat conversational style muddles his book.
Furthermore, many of his multiple choice practice problems in the text have incorrect solutions in the back of the book. In fact for some odd reason the solutions in the back of the book cover all the volumes. I felt he should have instead devoted the answers to the correct solution and the reasoning behind the solution instead of putting up these additional answers to volumes I don't have and don't intend to purchase. The index and the glossary do the same thing; they pull material from all volumes. It would have benefitted his book if he used that extra space to put in more indexed topics that actually appear in this volume. The result was that the usage of these back pages was disgracefully subpar and inefficient. In addition, the included CD is outdated for macs with OS X. To be fair, I don't know about its functionability on the PC, since I predominately use OS X. From what I've heard the CD is actually one of the most useful parts of the book, so keep this in mind.

In summary if you are a student who is well versed in biology, this book will frustrate you to no end. I acquired the paperback version for $25 from another student of which I felt was not worth that price. The book only functions well as a supplement when you want to read more about the experiments done in biology. It should not be used as the main reading material. In this regard I have to be brutally honest. The book fails miserably. There are many other better bio books to invest your money in and you will know the difference if you've read a few of them.
Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fifth Edition
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Am Studying for the Biochemistry GRE - This book is golden
  • Great Book
  • Good book
  • Don't buy this book
  • Readable and Thorough, An Excellent Reference
Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fifth Edition
James D. Watson , Tania A. Baker , Stephen P. Bell , Alexander Gann , Michael Levine , and Richard Losick
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 080534635X

Book Description

The long-awaited new edition of James D. Watson's classic text, Molecular Biology of the Gene, has been thoroughly revised and is published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Watson and Crick's paper on the structure of the DNA double-helix. Twenty-one concise chapters, co-authored by five highly respected molecular biologists, provide current, authoritative coverage of a fast-changing discipline, giving both historical and basic chemical context. Divided into four parts: Genetics and Chemistry, Central Dogma, Regulation, and Methods. For college instructors, students, and anyone interested in molecular biology and genetics.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Am Studying for the Biochemistry GRE - This book is golden.......2006-09-19

I got this book to assist for my prep for the Biochemistry GRE - I know a lot about Biology. So this is a great Book - First, It is very readable - I was surprised I was not able to put it down and knocked off 100 pages in record time. Besided that - it is enjoyable and not dull and boring - Second, The great experiments are given and insight into the science reasoning behind them also. This book makes the discover of genetics, DNA, RNA and protein building come alive. Third, this book is very current with research and cites the papers and journals where the important biology, Genetic, molecular & cell biology was published. That alone would save you the time to research and site these for your own research. Lastly, the pictures and recollections of the experimenters and "who knew who" are a total hoot.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2006-03-18

This book is an awesome teaching guide but the real prize goes to the CD and animations. Where a subject might be a bit hazy in the text, the flash animations on the CD are clear and concise.

5 out of 5 stars Good book.......2005-11-05

Some books are just very well written-this is one of them!

I like that they leave space in the margin to write notes. Organized more like a book you can read in chapters compared to the Lewin Genes text. Concise and up to date.

Good disc included with lots of great animations.

1 out of 5 stars Don't buy this book.......2005-09-24

Buy this book if you are really unintelligent and knows virtually nothing about biology. Really. if you are the person who wants to learn, find an alternative book.

5 out of 5 stars Readable and Thorough, An Excellent Reference.......2005-07-13

I am a layman with a serious interest in biology. I read science news, especially in Nature and Scientific American, and I often find that I don't have enough background to understand articles at the level at which I want to understand them. I bought this book hoping to get that background, and I wasn't disappointed.

For example, once the human genome was sequenced, it appeared that there were far too few genes for an organism as complex as ourselves. But investigation shows that most genes occur in segments and that the messenger RNA must be cut and spliced before the protein can be formed. Often there are two or more ways the RNA may be spliced, so that one gene can specify more than one protein. Another problem is that the genome seemed to consist mostly of sections that don't code for proteins; these were called "junk". But it turns out that some "junk" DNA codes for RNA sequences that have catalytic and regulatory roles, roles which used to be considered the bailiwick of proteins alone. Articles about topics such as these used to confuse me thoroughly, but after reading this book I find them much clearer.

This book benefits from a great many illustrations and I recommend that you go through each one as you would a worked problem in a math text. Observe how the pieces fit together, how a particular group of atoms enhances or inhibits a reaction. The practice will help you to understand other things you will read later.

I called this a "reference" for good reason: I assume that I will come across many future articles which will send me back to it to fill in some background.

[Added 4 July 2006] As I assumed when I first wrote this review, I have used it for reference. I have read several books about what I call "enhanced evolution", where mechanisms that go beyond simple point mutations speed up evolution by providing more variation. For example, gene regulation, alternate splicing, and gene duplication all play important roles. I have surprised myself by remembering more than I expected to (thanks to the clarity of this book) but I have still used it for clarification.
The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals (Merck Index)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • There is a major bug with the CD software.
  • Great Reference - BEWARE MISSING PAGES
  • MERCK'S REVELATIONS
  • Excellent chemical reference!
  • don't like it
The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals (Merck Index)

Manufacturer: Merck
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 091191000X

Book Description

The Merck Index is a one-volume encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs and biologicals that contains more than 10,000 monographs. Each monograph in this authoritative reference source is a concise description of a single substance or a small group of closely related compounds.

Compounds included:

•       human and veterinary drugs

•       biotech drugs and monoclonal antibodies

•       substances used for medical imaging

•       biologicals and natural products

•       plants and traditional medicines

•       nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals

•       agriculturals, pesticides and herbicides

•       Organic chemicals used in research

•       Food additives and supplements

•       dyes, colors and indicators

•       environmentally significant substances

Information provided:

•       chemical, common and generic names

•       Over 15,000 trademarks and associated companies

•       CAS Registry Numbers for over 12,000 compounds

•       Over 8,500 chemical structures

•       molecular formulae, weights and percentage composition

•       capsule statements identifying compound classes and scientific significance

•       scientific and patent literature references

•       physical and toxicity data

•       therapeutic and commercial uses

•       caution and hazard information

In addition, there are more than 700 new and completely revised monographs, thousands of new references, trademarks and uses added to existing monographs.  Now includes a companion CD-ROM which features 989 monographs no longer available in print, organic name reactions, supplemental tables and a new user interface for user-friendly searching.

Features of the CD:

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars There is a major bug with the CD software........2007-01-11

The problem can be resolved by thier "stupid" customer service people, if you can somehow convince them that you have the correct CD. The Merck software is excellent, and the Cambridgesoft software running it is terrible, I feel sorry for Merck. It wouldn't run properly on my machine, I had to go back and forth over 4 days to resolve this issue with their outsourced (to India) technical staff via email. Apparently if you have a previous version of Merck installed with Cambridgesoft software on your XP, then you will need to perform some surgery on your Registry, and then install an update into certain files locaed on the C drive.

Once you get it working, it should be fine.

No doubt however that the TEXT Merck Index is EXCELLENT.

3 out of 5 stars Great Reference - BEWARE MISSING PAGES.......2006-12-06

This is an indispensable reference book. I use it daily. I recently upgraded to this most recent version. I have had it about 3 weeks. I went to look up quinine today and couldn't find the Q's. Then I had a brief moment of disbelief and I recited the alphabet to myself to make sure I wasn't missing something. Then, I noticed my copy skipped from page 1376 to page 1425! Fortunately I can still exchange the book, but beware....count your pages when you get this book.

Otherwise, great book. And the included CD-ROM provides a little extra searching power. I would prefer that the CD interface and printouts were a little cleaner.

4 out of 5 stars MERCK'S REVELATIONS.......2002-12-29

This edition of "The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, & Biologicals" shows remarkable improvement over its predecessor.
Boasting of diverse groups of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, it is a success in its own right. There are just plenty to be explored! The book brims with accurate up-to-date information. Pharmacists, Medics, Chemists, Biologists, Physicists, Agriculturists, and many other professionals who work with elements, compounds and mixtures will find this book very useful. It is revised, and is complemented with detailed descriptions, which include molecular formulae, molecular weights, as well as the percentage compositions of constituent chemicals in a compound or mixture.
It is a valuable reference tool.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent chemical reference!.......2002-12-16

This book must be the most organized reference book I have ever used. Its so fulfilling to be able to find exactly what you're looking for when you need it. Includes a common name index, chemical formula index, as well as registry numbers, therapeutic categories for drugs, useful tables, and organic chemical equations. highly recommended!

1 out of 5 stars don't like it.......2001-12-05

personally, I think that this index has the most innacurate information available. It never has what most people need and it's too hard to use.
The Structure and Dynamics of Networks: (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Vice President IT Global Business Initiavies
The Structure and Dynamics of Networks: (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
Mark Newman , Albert-Laszlo Barabasi , and Duncan J. Watts
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691113572

Book Description

From the Internet to networks of friendship, disease transmission, and even terrorism, the concept--and the reality--of networks has come to pervade modern society. But what exactly is a network? What different types of networks are there? Why are they interesting, and what can they tell us? In recent years, scientists from a range of fields--including mathematics, physics, computer science, sociology, and biology--have been pursuing these questions and building a new "science of networks." This book brings together for the first time a set of seminal articles representing research from across these disciplines. It is an ideal sourcebook for the key research in this fast-growing field.

The book is organized into four sections, each preceded by an editors' introduction summarizing its contents and general theme. The first section sets the stage by discussing some of the historical antecedents of contemporary research in the area. From there the book moves to the empirical side of the science of networks before turning to the foundational modeling ideas that have been the focus of much subsequent activity. The book closes by taking the reader to the cutting edge of network science--the relationship between network structure and system dynamics. From network robustness to the spread of disease, this section offers a potpourri of topics on this rapidly expanding frontier of the new science.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Vice President IT Global Business Initiavies.......2007-08-10

Excellent resource to follow the progress of Network Science through the history of the field up to the present day. I would definitlly recommend this book to anyone embarking on a social netowkring track. You may need a math referesher to follow some of the studies but well worth it!
Introduction to Animal Science: Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspectives (3rd Edition)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Introduction to Animal Science: Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspectives (3rd Edition)
    W. Stephen Damron
    Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 0131189328

    Book Description

    Now in its Third Edition, Introduction to Animal Science: Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspectives continues to present the most complete, up-to-date coverage of on nutrition, digestion, feeds, genetics, reproduction, disease, and animal behavior. Species-focused chapters include the major species (horse, dair cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, and swine) as well as the minor species (aquaculture, pets/companion animals, the lamoids, and rabbits). In addition, however, the study of modern Animal Science also requires a comprehensive, non-traditional approach that effectively introduces the discipline as an ever-changing and integral part of every aspect of human existence. For this reason, author W. Stephen Damron not only presents thorough coverage of the major species and their respective concerns - he also challenges the reader to consider the many pressing interests relevant to Animal Science as it influences and is influenced by society today. Four-Part Organization easily accommodates the three major approaches of animal science: biological, industry or species. A Global perspective discusses the impact of animals on humans throughout the world. Introduces readers to types of agriculture found around the world and the influences other countries have on U.S. animal industries. Introduces readers to concerns affecting industry such as animal welfare, animal rights, food safety, ethical resource allocation, and sustainability of agriculture. Includes highly publicized issues such as mad cow disease and bioterrorism. Anyone interested in or involved in animal science.

    An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits (Chapman & Hall/Crc Mathematical and Computational Biology Series)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Clear, rigorous, fascinating
    • Building Mathematical Models of Cells
    • Great Job
    An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits (Chapman & Hall/Crc Mathematical and Computational Biology Series)
    Uri Alon
    Manufacturer: Chapman & Hall/CRC
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 1584886420

    Book Description

    Thorough and accessible, this book presents the design principles of biological systems, and highlights the recurring circuit elements that make up biological networks. It provides a simple mathematical framework which can be used to understand and even design biological circuits. The text avoids specialist terms, focusing instead on several well-studied biological systems that concisely demonstrate key principles. An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits builds a solid foundation for the intuitive understanding of general principles. It encourages the reader to ask why a system is designed in a particular way and then proceeds to answer with simplified models.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Clear, rigorous, fascinating.......2007-01-20

    I'm a Ph.D. student in biophysics. This is the best treatment of systems biology that I've encountered. It treats both the math and the biology with clarity, rigor, and respect. It simplifies without dumbing down. It's beautifully written. If you doubt that systems biology is a real scientific discipline, this book will change your mind.

    5 out of 5 stars Building Mathematical Models of Cells.......2006-09-25

    The history of science over the past few centuries is to become ever more specialized. The physicists, becomming ever more concerned with the very large (stars, galaxies, the cosmos) or the very tiny (first atoms, then atomic components, now sub-components. The biologists on the other hand were studying much larger things, such as the cells that make up life. Both sciences developed techniques to facilitate their study.

    In recent years, researchers have discovered that sometimes these specialized techniques can be used to develop greater insight into what is happening in other sciences.

    In this book, Dr. Alon uses his training in physics to examine certain aspects of biology and to use the terminology and mathematics to describe the way these biological networks work.

    The goal of the book is to begin the formulation of general laws that apply to biological networks. This is done by providing a mathematical framework in which some of the design principles of biological systems can help to understand biological networks. In looking at the results, an underlying simplicity not seen before appears in biological systems.

    5 out of 5 stars Great Job.......2006-09-09

    A superb intro to the field. The math is moderate and helpful. Network concepts and their ties to examples and theory are clearly and succinctly presented. This is a textbook but reads easily like a book. Covers key elements while connecting them by at least mention to up-to-date further research. The basics and the grandeur of systems biology. I am trying to remember now anything on the negative side and cannot.
    Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • Fluid Mechanics
    • Biological fluid dynamics - first of its kind
    Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems
    George A. Truskey , Fan Yuan , and David F. Katz
    Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    5. Transport Phenomena Transport Phenomena

    ASIN: 0130422045

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Fluid Mechanics.......2005-11-05

    This book is very vague in some of the proofs that it contains, however if you have a good understanding of differential equations and some thermodynamics it is fairly easy to follow along, it does make a lot of assumptions that it doesnt explain, so there will be times when you are left scratching your head about a statement they have made, would be nice if it included an index to reference material within the book, i have found it useful in my work (biochemical engineering), however it is not a book i would recommend buying unless you have a working knowledge of the area or someone who does to help you

    3 out of 5 stars Biological fluid dynamics - first of its kind.......2005-06-16

    A honest truth is that, to can understand the concept in this book, you must need the help of an expert like your professor or TA. The material is hard to follow, many of the proofs are incomplete/ or lack adequate steps. The assumptions are not explicity made, which will lead you to ponder on one problem for many hours.
    But the book has a very nice mixture of engineering concepts (fluid dynamics) and its biological relavance, the first of its kind. Although conceptiouly it is very hard, the mathematical models presented are phenomenal and are presented with great care. To be sucessfully in the course, you must need a good balance in both attending the lectures as well as reading the book.
    Systems Bioinformatics: An Engineering Case-Based Approach
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • good shredder/slicer
    Systems Bioinformatics: An Engineering Case-Based Approach

    Manufacturer: Artech House Publishers
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    ASIN: 1596931248

    Book Description

    This trail-blazing work introduces a quantitative systems approach to bioinformatics research using powerful computational tools drawn from signal processing, circuit analysis, control systems, and communications. It presents the functionality of biological processes in an engineering context to facilitate the application of technical skills in solving the field's challenges, from the lab bench to data analysis and modeling, and to enable reverse engineering from biology in the development of synthetic biological devices.

    This first-of-its-kind text explores how the knowledge bases of various technical disciplines relate to, and are observed, in biological systems. You learn fundamental signal processing techniques that are essential to biological data analysis, including biomedical imaging and image processing, feature extraction, classification, and estimation. You gain a thorough understanding of cellular regulatory systems and their similarities to traditional control systems, protein and gene networks, inference networks, and network dynamics. The book also addresses how biology-inspired molecular structures are being used to solve engineering challenges, and how one can mimic biology's designs in creating more robust technologies. Moreover, you discover the latest developments in proteomics, where these tools can make an immense impact due to the number, complexity, and interaction networks of proteins. A major addition under the evolving umbrella of systems biology and bioinformatics, this groundbreaking work points you to new frontiers in the convergence of engineering and biological research.

    CD-ROM Included! Contains several fully working programs to save you time on the job, including Bayesian Discoverer (student version), VisANT, and OBOES, as well as full-color figures, PowerPoint lecture slides, Matlab Webinar, links to Web resources, and more.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars good shredder/slicer.......2007-05-14

    It's handy. it's light. It works better than my heavy duty food processor. Would have loved some more "cutters" fo different shapes. Glad I bought it.
    Genetics of Populations (Biological Science (Jones and Bartlett))
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Buen servicio
    • Poorly structured, badly written
    • A superbly presented and comprehensive introduction
    • A complete, up-to-date text book on population genetics
    • A complete, up-to-date text book on population genetics
    Genetics of Populations (Biological Science (Jones and Bartlett))
    Philip W. Hedrick
    Manufacturer: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    5. A Primer of Population Genetics A Primer of Population Genetics

    ASIN: 0763747726

    Book Description

    The study of population genetics is one of the keys to understanding the evolutionary process. Written by a leading expert in the field, Genetics of Populations, Third Edition, is the most current and comprehensive introduction to the field for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers in genetics, evolution, conservation, and related fields. In the past several years, interest in the application of population genetics principles to new molecular data has greatly increased, and Dr. Philip Hedrick's new edition keeps pace with this dynamic area of study by emphasizing this recent shift.

    This text integrates coverage of theoretical issues with a clear presentation of experimental population genetics and empirical data. By drawing examples from both recent and classic studies, and by using a variety of organisms to illustrate the phenomena of population genetics, Genetics of Populations, Third Edition, provides students and researchers with the most comprehensive resource available.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Buen servicio.......2007-02-20

    El libro esta bien, solo que en la parte de abajo vino un poco roto. Pero por lo
    demás esta bien. El tiempo de entrega fue el convenido.

    2 out of 5 stars Poorly structured, badly written.......2006-03-24

    This and Hartl and Clark's book are the standard textbooks for population genetics. I am an applied math/bio grad student working in this area. Hedrick's book contains a huge amount of information, but honestly I think it is poorly organized and often poorly written. Rather than a clear explication of the theory with examples, it is constructed more like a collection of related ideas, facts and examples thrown together to make loose rather confusing chapters. Population genetics is a tricky subject and Hedrick does not make much of an effort to communicate the ideas clearly. For example, in the mutation chapter, rather than say something like: here is the general problem, here are types of mutations, here are some mutation models with examples, here are some ways to estimate mutation and here are some case studies from the literature, he mixes all these things together presenting formulas and data in an jumbled, intermingled way that is not particularly easy to read. The result is that it is difficult to extract (for me) the essence of the concepts and summarize everything for myself. If you are required to use this text for a class, I highly recommend looking at other resources. Hartl's book's good, but slightly more basic. Gillespe's Concise Guide is also really good, but again, the subject is difficult and requires a good amount of mathematical background. To summarize, if you study pop gen, you should really probably read and own this book because of its ubiquity and the information contained within. However, don't be surprised when you find it sub par.

    5 out of 5 stars A superbly presented and comprehensive introduction.......2004-12-05

    A superbly presented and comprehensive introduction to population genetics as one of the fundamental underlying principles and processes of the evolutionary process, Genetics Of Populations is now published in a newly updated and significantly revised third edition. Author Philip W. Hedrick (Arizona State University) integrates theoretical issues with a clear and acceptable presentation of experimental population genetics with empirical data providing students and researchers with one of the most articulate and up-to-date texts available. Features new to this latest addition is a focus on data from genome projects that compare population samples to identify patterns of genetic diversity and genes that have been under selection. All of the individual chapters have been completely updated with the latest examples and approaches in this rapidly evolving field of study. Of special value for curriculum development are the new and updated tables, chapter exercises, end-of-chapter problems, art, photographs, featured researchers, extensive bibliography, and detailed index. Highly recommended.

    5 out of 5 stars A complete, up-to-date text book on population genetics.......2000-03-30

    This text-book deals with population genetic theory in great detail, without loosing sight of the basics. This makes it a good introduction in population genetics as well as a complete reference work. With chapters on evolutionairy and quantative genetics and numerous examples this book describes the state of the art in population genetic research. Compared to Hartl and Clark's Principles of Population Genetics, Genetics of Populations is more detailed and more clearly structured. Overall an excellent book.

    5 out of 5 stars A complete, up-to-date text book on population genetics.......2000-03-30

    This text-book deals with population genetic theory in great detail, without loosing sight of the basics. This makes it a good introduction in population genetics as well as a complete reference work. With chapters on evolutionairy and quantative genetics and numerous examples this book describes the state of the art in population genetic research. Compared to Hartl and Clark's Introduction to Population Genetics, Genetics of Populations is more detailed and more clearly structured. Overall an excellent book.
    Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved (The University Center for Human Values Series)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Plausible
    • Welcome new perspectives on moral theorizing
    • Critically Important Research
    • Excellent
    • Our hertitage deepens
    Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved (The University Center for Human Values Series)
    Frans de Waal
    Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    5. Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives

    ASIN: 0691124477

    Book Description

    "It's the animal in us," we often hear when we've been bad. But why not when we're good? Primates and Philosophers tackles this question by exploring the biological foundations of one of humanity's most valued traits: morality.

    In this provocative book, primatologist Frans de Waal argues that modern-day evolutionary biology takes far too dim a view of the natural world, emphasizing our "selfish" genes. Science has thus exacerbated our reciprocal habits of blaming nature when we act badly and labeling the good things we do as "humane." Seeking the origin of human morality not in evolution but in human culture, science insists that we are moral by choice, not by nature.

    Citing remarkable evidence based on his extensive research of primate behavior, de Waal attacks "Veneer Theory," which posits morality as a thin overlay on an otherwise nasty nature. He explains how we evolved from a long line of animals that care for the weak and build cooperation with reciprocal transactions. Drawing on both Darwin and recent scientific advances, de Waal demonstrates a strong continuity between human and animal behavior. In the process, he also probes issues such as anthropomorphism and human responsibilities toward animals.

    Based on the Tanner Lectures de Waal delivered at Princeton University's Center for Human Values in 2004, Primates and Philosophers includes responses by the philosophers Peter Singer, Christine M. Korsgaard, and Philip Kitcher and the science writer Robert Wright. They press de Waal to clarify the differences between humans and other animals, yielding a lively debate that will fascinate all those who wonder about the origins and reach of human goodness.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Plausible.......2007-09-19

    This is a very short book. The main essay has just about over 50 pages. The rest is introduction, some responses, and a closing statement.
    Who says that important books need to be long? Possibly it is not all that important, but the main idea is new to me, therefore I am glad that I picked it up, after a recommendation in Der Spiegel.
    Let me also say, I don't find the main hypothesis really compelling, in the sense of thoroughly thought through and explained. But I think it is plausible, and as I had been used to think in different directions and categories, this is a new paradigm for me.
    Simply put, FdW challenges the conventional view that morality is part of civilization, that morality is a 'veneer' over our animal core, which is generally assumed to be selfish and immoral. He rejects the view that mankind developed as individuals and then became socialites, requiring rules for co-existence. Rather, homo evolved as a social animal and started his career on Earth with a set of rules for social life. I.o.w., the whole question how a human society without a creator can have morality, is superfluous, baseless, a waste of energy.
    On the way to this hypothesis, FdW gets into arguments with the 'selfish gene' theory and with the Dawkins direction of neo-Darwinism. My suspicion is, that this conflict is as useless as a goitre (as we say in German). I don't think that Dawkins really meant the gene to be literally 'selfish', hence let's drop this linguistic bickering. (However I am too lazy to look it up in Dawkins.)
    Only 4 stars, not because it is not important, but because it remains below its potential. The discussion part is not always to the point.
    I am tempted to give an extra star for the foto of Georgia admiring her own reflection in the camera lens. But maybe an Oscar is more appropriate?

    4 out of 5 stars Welcome new perspectives on moral theorizing.......2007-09-06

    This book is an interesting confrontation between primate research and professional moral philosophers. The aim is to discuss De Waal's attack on `veneer theory', the idea that moral behaviour is not really grounded in our nature but just a thin cultural overlay, but the discussion quickly becomes way more general.
    In fact, we quickly see familiar dividing lines appear. Some, like Korsgaard, see morality as based on reason alone, and therefore purely human. Others, like De Waal, see it as primarily based on inborn capacities like empathy, and maintain that we share a lot of our morality with primates.
    The truth is probably somewhere in between. Actually almost all the contributors confirm this in some way, but this is obscured by the fact that the authors do not seem to be able to agree on the meaning on the word`morality'.

    Semantic confusion and untenable extremes: Nothing new in the world of discussions of morality then? What does make this book interesting, is that this time the discussions are informed by empirical evolutionary research, which means that even the philosophers have to keep their feet on the ground. Apart from the ape-stories being interesting to read, the result is a welcome new perspective on existing moral theories.

    5 out of 5 stars Critically Important Research.......2007-08-25

    Teleologically oriented theologians and pompous philosophers need to read this book. New empirical research offers dramatic insights as to the how's and why's of the bilogoical origins of human values and morality. The more this book is read and digested, the faster the phony televangelists will disappear from popular and uninformed culture.

    4 out of 5 stars Excellent .......2007-07-29

    I do not have the required background knowledge to really make a judgment as to the fundamental claim here i.e. that moral behavior, including decision-making is not an exclusively human prerogative but in fact is the natural condition of a wide variety of species for whom cooperatrive and and altruistic behavior can be collectively advantageous. De Waal's critique of what he calls 'veneer theory' the idea that human morality is a thin layer which comes over and above our fundamentally aggressive, selfish nature is I believe, even when one considers humans in isolation, quite convincing.
    He brings certain evidence and examples to show that other species' outside the human, including such stereotypically cruel and mean creatures as wolves engage in mutually advantageous group behavior. The question however of the degree of conscious decision involved in this is one not really solved here. Clearly the human capacity for language- use and symbolic - communication extends not only modes of cooperation, but complexities in consciousness. One feels that deliberation and decision in human action work in ways other animals cannot come close to.

    5 out of 5 stars Our hertitage deepens.......2007-06-10

    Succinct, quotable, accessible and scholarly ( in the best sense!)- Dr De Waal never disappoints.

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