Jones & Bartlett Learning Science Blog

I use Lewin’s Essential Genes to teach an upper-level undergraduate course in Molecular Genetics. In addition to classroom lecture and written assignments, I also use the online discussion platform Packback to encourage students to help each other clarify in-class material, explore related questions and issues, and discuss current news and events in the discipline. Each student’s participation in the discussion is worth 10% of their final grade. Each week, a student can earn up to 10 points: 6 points for posing a question, and 2 points each for responding to questions posed by two other students. They are encouraged to support their posts with online links and photos. The quality of their posts is evaluated by AI algorithms, and if a post doesn’t meet minimum standards, it is flagged and the student has the opportunity to remove it or to revise and resubmit. As an instructor, I can choose to participate in the discussion or to stay out of it, and can highlight posts I’d like the class to read. Sometimes in class, I’ll feature an issue that was originally brought up in discussion.

Now in its eighth edition, Invitation to Oceanography is known as a modern, comprehensive, and student-friendly introduction to the field. One of the key updates to the Eighth Edition is the addition of Complexity Theory—a scientific breakthrough for understanding and managing Earth’s systems. Below, author Paul Pinet walks through the “what,” “why,” and “how” of Complexity Theory.

Dr. Daniel Hartl, Higgins Professor of Biology at Harvard University and author of best-selling textbook Essential Genetics and Genomics, Seventh Edition shares tips for students to improve their study and problem-solving skills.

1. Text Format

The number of parts in this edition have been updated to five and are sequentially presented to assist the student in following the logic of the narrative. All of the examples that illustrate key principles in the chapters have been updated. The art, photos, and overall design have been improved throughout the text.

What Instructors are Saying...

“[The Microbial Challenge] is perfect for community/public health majors. I like how the author has linked in comparisons that the students can relate to, and how everyday items/activities have been used to build greater understanding of materials…The key strength of the book, for my class, is that a non-biology major can learn epidemiology concepts successfully. In today’s world of prevention this book is well structured and written.

Congratulations to Jones & Bartlett Learning Author and Higgins Professor of Biology at Harvard University, Dr. Daniel L. Hartl for the esteemed honor of being awarded the Genetics Society of America (GSA) 2019 Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal!

We recently sat down with Dr. Hartl at his Harvard University office to discuss his latest textbook, Essential Genetics and Genomics, Seventh Edition. At the end of a long hallway with working research laboratories on either side is Dan's comfortable corner office. Surrounded by DNA models and floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with genetics textbooks and other biological science references, he explained to us why he wrote the textbook.

We were happy to once again showcase our bestselling microbiology and biological sciences textbooks at the 2018 American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE) held in Austin, Texas. Account Manager, Ashley Caissie, Education Technology Consultant, Liam Butler, and Matt Kane, Director of Product Management (not pictured), enjoyed speaking with the 350 higher ed. instructors who traveled from all over the US and as far as Australia, to gather, discuss, and share ideas on how they can "improve teaching and learning in the biological sciences."

Did You Know You Can Create a Unique Textbook Aligned with Your Syllabus?

With PUBLISH, our online platform for building custom textbooks, you can pull chapters from across our content library to prepare your printed text or eBook.