Introduction to Systems Biology: Workbook for Flipped-Classroom Teaching

Reviewed by Mecca Baker, Research Associate/Instructor, James Madison University on 9/6/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book does an excellent job of introducing mathematical concepts to biological topics. There is no index or glossary, but there are hyperlinks within the text that lead to YouTube videos that further explain the topics. These links allow the reader to be exposed to the concepts in a more in-depth manner.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and well-researched. The text is unbiased and logically written, which makes it easy to read and straightforward.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The topics presented in the book are up to date and likely won't be affected over time unless there are new ways to write the formulas or any changes in the models.

Clarity rating: 4

Although the topics in the book take time to read and understand, the text gives great explanations that allow the reader to better understand the material. The examples that follow make it easier to grasp the technical terminology used. For readers who have no background in mathematical or biological concepts, it may be harder to understand, even with all of the given explanations.

Consistency rating: 5

The text consistently stays on topic and the information builds as the reader progresses through the book. After the introduction of the topics in the first chapter, the reader encounters the bioinformatical topics that involve teaching the reader new ways to structure and analyze data. A consistent framework is helpful as students progress in a course.

Modularity rating: 3

Although the text is divided into chapters and subsections, the paragraphs can be dense at times and make it difficult to assign small sections during a course. The text isn't overly self-referential, but there are a number of figures that are mentioned in the paragraphs. This could make it harder to reorganize the material for a course.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book's organizational flow is clear and easy to follow. It starts with an overview of what the text has to offer, and moves into how to use the book in conjunction with a class, in order to retain the information. After reading each chapter, readers can test their knowledge with practice questions that are relevant to the previously read topics.

Interface rating: 5

I did not encounter any interface issues. All of the hyperlinks work and the charts and figures are clear and free of any distortion.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not see any grammatical errors while reading the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book is strictly presented as logical and does not touch on topics that involve race or ethnic backgrounds. This is what makes it easy to present in any classroom. You don't have to worry about engaging with text that may be insensitive to your students.

Although I won't be using all of the topics presented in this book in my courses, I consider it a wonderful textbook that can provide courses with information that is relevant to the intersection of mathematics and biology.