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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.

Simbio (laboratory)

SimBio’s interactive modules (virtual labs and interactive tutorials and chapters) provide engaging, discovery-based learning tools that complement many of the chapters of Concepts of Biology. SimBio is best known for their EcoBeaker® and EvoBeaker® suites of simulated ecology and evolution laboratories that guide students through the “discovery” of important concepts via a mix of structured and open-ended experimentation on simulated systems. In response to popular demand, SimBio has begun applying the same powerful approaches to topics in cell biology, genetics, and neurobiology. All of SimBio’s modules include instant-feedback questions that enhance student comprehension and auto-graded questions that facilitate implementation.
SimBio screenshot

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Source:  OpenStax, Concepts of biology. OpenStax CNX. Feb 29, 2016 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11487/1.9
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