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What Is Life? A Guide to Biology [with Prep-U for Non-Majors 1-Term Access Code]
The most successful new non-majors biology textbook in a decade returns in a vigorously updated new edition—with every chapter of the book carefully revised by Jay Phelan, based on the feedback of hundreds of instructors and students.
The Second Edition brings forward the book’s hallmark features (clear and consistent illustrations, beautiful photographs, Take-Home Message summary sections, StreetBio: Knowledge You Can Use, and Red Q Questions) while adding new pedagogy, updated content, and expanded media/supplements package.
Click here to watch a sample of our Lecture Videos featuring What Is Life? author, Jay Phelan.
The Second Edition brings forward the book’s hallmark features (clear and consistent illustrations, beautiful photographs, Take-Home Message summary sections, StreetBio: Knowledge You Can Use, and Red Q Questions) while adding new pedagogy, updated content, and expanded media/supplements package.
Click here to watch a sample of our Lecture Videos featuring What Is Life? author, Jay Phelan.
- GenresScienceSchoolNonfiction
621 pages, Unbound
First published February 20, 2009
15 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 7, 2019
It's so hard to review textbooks because most of them are pretty utilitarian. So, if I were rating this book on the sole basis of whether or not it provided information necessary to help me pass a GUR Biology 101 class, I'd give it a 5/5 stars.
Except I really didn't enjoy it. It took some serious willpower to read my assigned chapters. And did I mention how expensive it is? I'm convinced that all these "updated editions" are created just so universities have to keep buying more of these bad boys. I'm taking off a star just for that.
It did its job, but at what cost? (Usually between 70 and 100 dollars depending on which versions your professor/school requires.)
I don't feel mean for giving a lower score on this because it's not really written for enjoyment. It's written for education. And also profit. Hundreds of students are forced to purchase these guys every quarter, and I don't even know what happens to them afterwards because they're not in the library and I couldn't find a single used copy for sale.
Since most mass market paperbacks cost around 8 dollars, I'm going to mourn the opportunity cost of 12 and a half novels from Barnes and Noble, or almost 24 at HalfPrice Books or any of the local used bookstores in my area.
Oh well. I guess I have a 100 dollar doorstop now. Except, depending on the door, this thing may not be heavy enough to keep from sliding around.
Paper weight. It's a paper weight.
Except I really didn't enjoy it. It took some serious willpower to read my assigned chapters. And did I mention how expensive it is? I'm convinced that all these "updated editions" are created just so universities have to keep buying more of these bad boys. I'm taking off a star just for that.
It did its job, but at what cost? (Usually between 70 and 100 dollars depending on which versions your professor/school requires.)
I don't feel mean for giving a lower score on this because it's not really written for enjoyment. It's written for education. And also profit. Hundreds of students are forced to purchase these guys every quarter, and I don't even know what happens to them afterwards because they're not in the library and I couldn't find a single used copy for sale.
Since most mass market paperbacks cost around 8 dollars, I'm going to mourn the opportunity cost of 12 and a half novels from Barnes and Noble, or almost 24 at HalfPrice Books or any of the local used bookstores in my area.
Oh well. I guess I have a 100 dollar doorstop now. Except, depending on the door, this thing may not be heavy enough to keep from sliding around.
Paper weight. It's a paper weight.
April 6, 2020
"Practically perfect in every way" - Mary Poppins
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October 30, 2018
This is actually a really good and interesting book! If you are looking for an introduction to the major topics of biology, this is a great book to help you get started!
March 24, 2020
want to read
December 22, 2022
I loved the quizzes at the end of each chapter it really does make sure you comprehend the topic before moving on!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews