Explorations in Basic Biology (10th Edition) - Softcover

Gunstream, Stanley E

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9780131453128: Explorations in Basic Biology (10th Edition)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0131453122 ISBN 13: 9780131453128

Publisher: Benjamin Cummings, 2004

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This self-contained laboratory book provides thorough background information and clear directions for conducting experiments and activities. Readers not only learn basic biological concepts but also gain experience using the scientific method. Includes 41 self-contained exercises and over 250 figures. Exercises cover the following areas: enzymes, photosynthesis, cell division, fungi, terrestrial plants, blood and circulation, digestion, the skeletal system, heredity, DNA fingerprinting, and evolution to name a few. For those who are interested in introductory biology and want to gain hands-on experience conducting experiments covering basic biological concepts.

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The tenth edition of Explorations in Basic Biology, like earlier editions, is designed for use in the laboratory component of introductory general biology courses. It is compatible with any modern biology textbook. The exercises provide a variety of options for either one- or two-semester courses and one, two-, or three-quarter courses. The exercises are appropriate for three-hour laboratory sessions, but they are also adaptable to a two-hour laboratory format.

Explorations in Basic Biology is designed to enhance learning by students and to simplify the work of instructors.

MAJOR FEATURES

1. The forty-one exercises provide a wide range of options for the instructor, and the range of activities within an exercise further increases the available options. Several exercises contain investigative portions that ask students to design and conduct experiments on their own, at the discretion of the instructor.

2. Each exercise is basically self-directing, which allows students to work independently without continuous assistance by the instructor.

3. Each exercise and its major subunits are self-contained so that the instructor may arrange the sequence of exercises, or the activities within an exercise, to suit his or her preferences. In addition, portions of an exercise may be deleted without negatively affecting the continuity of the exercise.

4. Each exercise begins with a list of Objectives that outlines the minimum learning responsibilities of the student.

5. The text of each exercise starts with a discussion of background information that is necessary to (a) understand the subject of the exercise and (b) prepare the student for the activities that follow. The inclusion of the background information minimizes the need for introductory explanations and ensures that all lab sections receive the same background information.

6. Over 250 illustrations are provided to enhance students' understanding of both background information and laboratory procedures. New key terms are in bold print for easy recognition by students.

7. Before beginning the laboratory activities, students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of the background information by labeling illustrations and completing the portion of the laboratory report that covers this material.

8. The required Materials (equipment and supplies) are listed for each activity in the exercise. This list helps the student to obtain the needed materials and guides the laboratory technician in setting up the laboratory. The exercises use standard equipment and materials that are available in most biology departments.

9. Activities to be performed by students are identified by an Assignment heading that clearly distinguishes activities to be performed from the background information. The assignment sections are numbered sequentially within each exercise and on the laboratory report to facilitate identification and discussion.

10. Laboratory procedures are clearly described in a stepwise manner within each assignment section.

11. A Laboratory Report is provided for most exercises to guide and reinforce students' learning. The laboratory reports not only provide a place for students to record observations, impressions, collected data, and conclusions, but they also provide a convenient means of assessing student understanding.

Each of the diversity exercises (Exercises 10 to 16) includes a minipracticum section on the laboratory report. This challenges students to use knowledge gained in the laboratory session to identify organisms on the basis of their recognition characteristics, and it gives them a taste of a laboratory practicum.

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TENTH EDITION

Information has been updated and procedures have been rewritten throughout the manual wherever needed to facilitate student learning. There are over twenty new or modified figures. In addition, Laboratory Reports have been relocated to immediately follow each exercise. Exercises with major changes include the following:

Exercise 1. Orientation
Exercise 2. The Microscope
Exercise 3. The Cell
Exercise 4. Chemical Aspects
Exercise 8. Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Exercise 9. Cell Division
Exercise 12. Fungi
Exercise 34. Heredity
Exercise 35. Molecular and Chromosomal Genetics
Exercise 37. Evolution
Exercise 38. Evolutionary Mechanisms

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