The Complete Idiot's Guide to Microbiology

Small creatures of great importance.

Microbiology, the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans, is a key part of medical training curriculum. Written by a top professor of microbiology and an experienced science writer, this book is a basic microbiology course that can be understood by anyone, including medical students, professionals wanting to bone up on the subject, and laypersons wanting to know about the topic.
• Includes coverage on microbes and their relationship with each other, the body’s immune system, infectious diseases, biotechnology, and bioterrorism

Jeffrey J. Byrd, Ph.D., teaches undergraduate courses in microbiology, virology, genetics, and the biology of disease at St. Marys College of Maryland, the honors college of the University of Maryland. He is a full professor and about to become chair of the department of biology. Dr. Byrd does research on bacterial genetics, bacterial disease, and antimicrobial products.

Tabitha M. Powledge is an award-winning science and medical journalist who has written for a broad range of popular and professional publications, includingPopular Science, Health, Scientific American, Salon.com, Archaeology, andWashington Post, as well as many scientific journals.