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.
- Art Connection features call out core figures in each chapter for student attention. Questions about key figures, including clicker questions that can be used in the classroom, engage students’ critical thinking and analytical abilities to ensure their genuine understanding of the concept at hand.
- Concepts in Action features direct students to online interactive exercises and animations to add a fuller context and examples to core content.
About our team
Concepts of Biology would not be possible if not for the tremendous contributions of the authors and community reviewing team
Senior contributing authors
Samantha Fowler | Clayton State University |
Rebecca Roush | Sandhills Community College |
James Wise | Hampton University |
Contributing authors 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 |
Learning resources
Wiley plus for biology-fall 2013 pilot
WileyPLUS provides an engaging online environment for effective teaching and learning. WileyPLUS builds students’ confidence because it takes the guesswork out of studying by providing a clear roadmap; what to do, how to do it, and if they did it right. With WileyPLUS, students take more initiative. Therefore, the course has a greater impact on their learning experience. Adaptive tools provide students with a personal, adaptive learning experience so they can build their proficiency on topics and use their study time most effectively. Please let us know if you would like to participate in a Fall 2013 Pilot.
Concepts of biology powerpoint slides (faculty only)
The PowerPoint slides are based on the extensive illustrations from College Physics. They can be edited, incorporated into lecture notes, and you are free to share with anyone in the community. This is a restricted item requiring faculty registration. NOTE: This file is very large and may take some time to download.