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Biology: The Core, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson (January 28, 2019) © 2020

  • Eric J. Simon New England College

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For non-majors/mixed biology courses.

Seeing biology's relevance by focusing on core concepts

Eric Simon's Biology: The Core presents essential biological concepts, using a unique visual and hybrid approach. The succinct 12-chapter text features beautifully illustrated modules with dynamic figures and illustrations in self-contained 2-page modules. The modules focus students on what is relevant to help them see the relationship between key concepts and current issues they are familiar with.

The 3rd Edition focuses on current issues with active learning and flipped classroom strategies that encourage students to think and actively participate in the course.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Each core biological concept is presented as a brief module that can stand on its own and be read in any order. Each module contains only the essential content to focus students on key information, guide them through the concept and check their understanding at the end.
  • The vibrant and contemporary art and photo program places captivating visuals at center stage as the primary teaching tool with narrative integrated seamlessly. The engaging and highly accessible format presents information for the non-science major.

New and updated features of this title

  • 10 Core Issues modules highlight relevant current issues and relate each issue to biological concepts to help students see the relevancy of course material and make connections across chapter concepts.
  • Topic Guides help instructors deliver high-impact lessons that examine current topics with recommended reading assignments from the text, pre-built assignments and in-class activities.
  • Building Science Literacy coaching activities focus on practical applications of scientific literacy and science process skills in everyday life, ensuring students become educated consumers of scientific information.
  • Chapter 1 content gets students on the right track by covering science literacy skills from the very first page. Topics include the process of science, science versus pseudoscience, reliability of sources and more.
  • Active Learning Resource Guide features in-class activities from instructors and faculty around the country to help students learn core concepts, using tried and tested approaches.
  • Guided Reading Activities provide students with basic questions that guide them through each module, using an active reading approach, for individual or group work in or out of class.

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for Mastering Biology (available for Spring 2021 classes)

Instructors, no need to create a new course. Digital updates have been added.

  • NEW: Pearson® Interactive Labs, structured around the process of science, feature real-world scenarios and guided feedback so students can make and learn from their mistakes.
  • NEW: BIAS test activities get students to think critically about the validity of biology-related statements in the news or on social media.
  • NEW: Study Skills Modules help develop study strategies for test taking, studying vs. learning, time management, resource use, accountability, reading and note-taking.

Features of Mastering Biology for the 3rd Edition; published 2019

  • Visualizing the Data coaching activities bring infographic figures in the text to life and encourage practice analyzing graphs and interacting with data.
  • 40 Guided Video Tours, developed and narrated by the author, walk students through key concepts and modules in brief mini-lectures. All Guided Video Tours can be assigned as coaching activities.
  • GraphIt! Coaching activities help students read, interpret and create graphs that explore real environmental issues using real data.
  • 12 Topic Overview videos, created by the author, introduce key concepts and vocabulary.

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for Pearson eText (available for Spring 2021 classes)

  • NEW: 10 Teach Me / Show Me / Quiz Me Figure Walkthroughs bring key figures to life with animation, narration, and assessment. In “Teach Me” the author steps the student through the figure, “Show Me” provides a review of the final figure, and “Quiz Me” presents an incomplete version of the figure that students must complete to assess their understanding.
  • NEW and Updated: Core Issues modules cover Emerging Viruses (Core Issue 11) and COVID-19 (Core Issue 12) and include a discussion of mRNA vaccines and how they provide strong protection without ever exposing a person to the virus itself (Core Issue 5).
  • NEW: Art updates include the redesign of key figures for a more engaging digital experience.
  1. An Introduction to the Science of Life 
  2. The Chemistry of Life 
  3. The Cell: The Fundamental Unit of Life 
  4. Energy and Life 
  5. Chromosomes and Inheritance 
  6. DNA: Molecule of Life 
  7. Darwinian Evolution 
  8. Biodiversity 1: Microscopic Organisms 
  9. Biodiversity 2: Fungi and Plants 
  10. Biodiversity 3: Animals 
  11. Human Body Systems 
  12. Ecology 

About our author

Eric J. Simon is a professor in the Department of Biology and Health Science at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. He teaches introductory biology and human biology to non-science majors, as well as a tropical marine biology course that introduces non-science-majors to underwater field work in Belize. Dr. Simon received a B.A. in biology and computer science and an M.A. in biology from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Harvard University. His research focuses on innovative ways to use technology to improve the teaching and learning of science, particularly to non-science majors. He lives in rural New Hampshire with his wife, two boys, a rotating set of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a few dozen chickens, and a leopard gecko. Dr. Simon is the lead author of the introductory non-majors biology textbooks Campbell Essential Biology (7th ed.) and Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (6th ed.), and a co-author of the introductory biology textbook Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections (9th ed.), all published by Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

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