Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
By far the best undergraduate general Microbiology text October 14, 2008 "Brock" (as it's known!) is without doubt not just the best Microbiology textbook available but one of the best textbooks period. The book is logically set out, beginning with basic introductory material covering areas such as how we define a microorganism, cell structure, evolution, diversity and biochemistry before moving on to more complex general topics, including microbial growth, bioenergetics, catabolism and molecular biology. Brevia on Virology and Mycology are given, before moving on to the main sections on Bacteria and Archaea, arranged in terms of the taxonomy used in Bergey's Manual (the Microbiology Bible), going through the Proteobacteria by Class before covering Gram positive Bacteria and all the other various groups. Archaea are covered in more depth than you'd find in any other general Microbiology text, which is fantastic. The book ends with various applied topics such as medical Microbiology, Biotechnology, Ecology and Biogeochemistry.
The text is a very rich one - it's clearly laid out with a good use of colour and some absolutely beautiful photographs and photomicrographs, which are related directly to the text and serve to really reinforce points, rather than just to illustrate them. Concept Checks and Review Questions compliment each section and draw together material from other areas. As textbooks go, you really couldn't want anything more. With every edition, Brock just goes from strength to strengh.
Great Textbook February 14, 2006 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is great for Microbiology Undergraduates. The layout is perfect for studying and revising, and the information is presented in a clear manner. Doesn't put you to sleep like some other undergrad textbooks. You'll need other books for 2nd and 3rd year, but you will keep refering to this book even then. Overall, a very good textbook. Well worth the price.
Microbiology Textbook December 1, 2005 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
First of all, this is a specified module book for Microbiology & Immunology. It is a really interesting book with clear diagrams and enlightening pictures. The easy-to-use layout makes reading the book much more simpler and finding appropriate information is quick. The chapters are well organised and the online content, assuming you have the internet is worth having a look through. You may find if your student studying this, then you wiill be asked to join a 'class'. If not, like me, you will find the content relates to the book and gives you tutorials and the option to quiz yourself.
Excellent Microbiology Text October 5, 2005 6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Brock Biology of Microorganisms is one of the best student texts around today for Microbiology students, not only for undergraduate but is also a great help for postgraduate courses as well.Nice to see a new edition which has managed to keep up with all the recent changes in the field
Magnificant Microbiology April 14, 2003 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a really sound text book which brings the new and experienced microbiologists something a little different.The flowing chapters and writing bring you up to speed with modern concepts in biology & microbiology and then the latter parts tell you more and more about subtle differences and generally more indepth than most general microbiology texts.This is a very usesfull reference point for 2nd and 3rd yr students and simply the best place to start for 1st yr students.Mightily Magnificant Microbiology (ps sorry about the alliteration puns)
|