Concepts of Biology

Reviewed by Brenda Leady, Lecturer, University of Toledo on 8/21/16

Comprehensiveness rating: 5

The text provides an excellent overview of biology. From a basic chemistry to ecology, it's all there. The level of coverage varies somewhat. I found the cellular respiration material to intense but the human physiology material very light. There is a glossary of terms at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive index at the end of the book.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not find any information I thought was inaccurate, in error or biased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content is currently up-to-date. As with any science book, updates will be needed as our knowledge progresses. However, at a non-majors level this is not as crucial as a majors intro or upper level majors course. The digital nature of the text should make updates easy.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clearly written. Terms are clearly defined. The level of terminology varies from chapter to chapter probably due to different authorship.

Consistency rating: 4

The framework of the chapters are very consistent. The writing style and depth of coverage is not as consistent. The chapter on cellular respiration is quite detailed for a non-majors course. On the other hand, the chapter on human physiology covers only the bare essentials.

Modularity rating: 5

The text can easily be used as independent chapters. I jump around from one chapter to another in teaching concepts like nutrition in my course. Students do not find that they need to read other chapters to understand the assigned chapter.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text follows a similar outline of material as other textbooks. If you have used other non-majors textbooks, this will be a comfortable transition.

Interface rating: 5

The text did not have any interface issues that I am aware of. I've tried many of the links and they all worked for me.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I do not find the text culturally insensitive or offensive in any way.

To me the real value of this text is the Creative Commons license. I can take this text and edit it to make it fit my course. Other publishers offer to select individual chapters or include your material for a price. With this text, I can do all that to any extent I wish for free. I used the text as is for two semesters. Now I am providing a "reading assignment" that students can download based on my edits of this material. I value the freedom and my students love the price.