The Sciences: An Integrated Approach

by James S. Trefil, Robert M. Hazen

Over 100,000 readers have relied on Trefil to gain a better understanding of physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth sciences, and biology. The book focuses on the great ideas in each field while showing readers how core scientific principles connect to their daily lives. The sixth edition emphasizes important themes and relationships, along with new real world connections. Scientific American has been added to the book along with completely updated examples. The presentation also employs a more visual approach that includes new illustrations and visuals. In addition, new problems help readers answer the big questions in science.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Geology

555 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 1993

About the author

James S. Trefil (born 9/10/1938) is an American physicist (Ph.D. in Physics at Stanford University in 1966) and author of more than thirty books. Much of his published work focuses on science for the general audience. Dr. Trefil has previously served as Professor of Physics at the University of Virginia and he now teaches as Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. Among Trefil's books is Are We Unique?, an argument for human uniqueness in which he questions the comparisons between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Trefil also regularly gives presentations to judges and public officials about the intersections between science and the law.

Reviews

[NCHS Library]

Publisher's Description: Organized around a series of 24 scientific concepts (or great ideas), this book begins with the idea that the universe can be studied by observation and experiment. Encompasses physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and earth sciences, focusing on general principles and their application to real-world situations rather than esoteric detail. Integrates the sciences rather than treating them separately. Offers students the ability to place major public issues such as the environment, energy and medical advances in a scientific context. Also examines social or philosophical issues related to science, such as the Human Genome Project and nuclear waste disposal.

[Brown Robin]

Keeping this updated periodically is a great introduction to pretty much everything you need to know about the world around you. I can imagine a slightly superior version, but this one is good.

[Ryan]

Why would we integrate science? Please read.....better yet, use the samples.

[Litbitch]

I can't remember the last time I read an actual, traditional textbook in toto.

[Channah]

Read for class fall 2018.