5th edition. — Pearson, 2014. — 1418p. — ISBN-13: 978-0-321-74367-1; ISBN-10: 0-321-74367-9
The first edition of Biological Science was visionary in its unique emphasis on the process of scientific discovery and experimental design—teaching how we know what we know. The goal was for students not only to learn the language of biology and understand fundamental concepts but also to begin to apply those concepts in new situations, analyze experimental design, synthesize results, and evaluate hypotheses and data—to learn how to think like biologists. Each edition since has proudly expanded on this vision. The Fifth Edition is no exception. A team of six dedicated teacher-scholars has joined Scott Freeman to build on and refine the original vision, and by so doing, make the book an even better teaching and learning tool. The pace of biological discovery is rapid, and with each novel breakthrough it becomes even more challenging to decide what is essential to include in an introductory biology text. Pulling together an author team with firsthand expertise from molecules to ecosystems has ensured that the content of the Fifth Edition reflects cutting edge biology that is pitched at the right level for introductory students and is as accurate and as exciting as ever for instructors and students alike. New findings from education research continue to inform and inspire the team’s thinking about Biological Science—we know more today than ever before about how students learn. These findings demand that we constantly look for new ways to increase student engagement in the learning process, and to help instructors align course activities and learning goals with testing strategies.
