Explorations in Basic Biology

The tenth edition ofExplorations in Basic Biology,like earlier editions, is designed for use in the laboratory component of introductory general biology courses. It is compatible with any modern biology textbook. The exercises provide a variety of options for either one- or two-semester courses and one, two-, or three-quarter courses. The exercises are appropriate for three-hour laboratory sessions, but they are also adaptable to a two-hour laboratory format. Explorations in Basic Biologyis designed to enhance learning by students and to simplify the work of instructors. MAJOR FEATURES 1. The forty-one exercises provide awide range of optionsfor the instructor, and the range of activities within an exercise further increases the available options. Several exercises contain investigative portions that ask students to design and conduct experiments on their own, at the discretion of the instructor. 2. Each exercise is basicallyself-directing,which allows students to work independently without continuous assistance by the instructor. 3. Each exercise and its major subunits areself-containedso that the instructor may arrange the sequence of exercises, or the activities within an exercise, to suit his or her preferences. In addition, portions of an exercise may be deleted without negatively affecting the continuity of the exercise. 4. Each exercise begins with a list ofObjectivesthat outlines the minimum learning responsibilities of the student. 5. The text of each exercise starts with a discussion ofbackground informationthat is necessary to (a) understand the subject of the exercise and (b) prepare the student for the activities that follow. The inclusion of the background information minimizes the need for introductory explanations and ensures that all lab sections receive the same background information. 6. Over 250illustrationsare provided to enhance students' understanding of both background information and laboratory procedures. Newkey termsare in bold print for easy recognition by students. 7. Before beginning the laboratory activities, students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of the background information by labeling illustrations and completing the portion of the laboratory report that covers this material. 8. The requiredMaterials(equipment and supplies) are listed for each activity in the exercise. This list helps the student to obtain the needed materials and guides the laboratory technician in setting up the laboratory. The exercises use standard equipment and materials that are available in most biology departments. 9. Activities to be performed by students are identified by anAssignmentheading that clearly distinguishes activities to be performed from the background information. The assignment sections are numbered sequentially within each exercise and on the laboratory report to facilitate identification and discussion. 10. Laboratory procedures are clearly described in a stepwise manner within each assignment section. 11. ALaboratory Reportis provided for most exercises to guide and reinforce students' learning. The laboratory reports not only provide a place for students to record observations, impressions, collected data, and conclusions, but they also provide a convenient means of assessing student understanding. Each of the diversity exercises (Exercises 10 to 16) includes a minipracticum section on the laboratory report. This challenges students to use knowledge gained in the laboratory session to identify organisms on the basis of their recognition characteristics, and it gives them a taste of a laboratory practicum. MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TENTH EDITION Information has been updated and procedures have been rewritten throughout the manual wherever needed to facilitate student learning. There are over twenty neGunstream, Stanley E. is the author of 'Explorations in Basic Biology', published 0007 under ISBN 9780131453128 and ISBN 0131453122.