The third edition of this comprehensive texbook has been written to reflect developments in the specifications for GSCE Science; the biology section of GCSE Science Double Award and equivalent examinations. Amendments have been made to the text and illustrations. In particular: there is additional information on topics such as clinical trials, B and T lymphocytes, infertility, performance-enhancing hormones, fluoridation of water supplies, impact of hunting and over-fishing, global warming, biofuels and global travel and disease; an additional chapter on applied genetics draws together and expands the information on selective breeding, genetic engineering, cloning, genetic fingerprinting and the Human Genome Project; an additional chapter on conservation covers extinction, conservation of species, conservation of genes; conservation of habitats and conservation of resources; a revised chapter on ecosystems includes information on adaptations and factors which affect communities; examination questions have ...

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Product Description

The third edition of this comprehensive texbook has been written to reflect developments in the specifications for GSCE Science, the biology section of GCSE Science Double Award and equivalent examinations.
It contains additional and revised chapters and updated examination questions.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #95313 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-29
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Synopsis
The third edition of this comprehensive texbook has been written to reflect developments in the specifications for GSCE Science; the biology section of GCSE Science Double Award and equivalent examinations. Amendments have been made to the text and illustrations.

In particular: there is additional information on topics such as clinical trials, B and T lymphocytes, infertility, performance-enhancing hormones, fluoridation of water supplies, impact of hunting and over-fishing, global warming, biofuels and global travel and disease; an additional chapter on applied genetics draws together and expands the information on selective breeding, genetic engineering, cloning, genetic fingerprinting and the Human Genome Project; an additional chapter on conservation covers extinction, conservation of species, conservation of genes; conservation of habitats and conservation of resources; a revised chapter on ecosystems includes information on adaptations and factors which affect communities; examination questions have been updated using past papers; there is an additional chapter on the development of biological ideas and the principal contributions to these ideas from Galen, to Watson and Crick; and a final chapter on observation and experiment which looks at the type of questions that can be investigated scientifically and the nature of the evidence.

About the Author
D G Mackean is the author of many bestselling biology textbooks.

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Customer Reviews

GCSE Biology - a great textbook
Written for UK students of GCSE Biology, this textbook would also be useful for those studying the biology component of GCSE Science: Double Award. Divided into clear topics, there are examinination questions at the end of each. The questions are recent and come from a range of exam boards. Checklists at the ends of chapters provide useful revision 'tick lists' and there is also glossary at the end.

Though accessible to most candidates, this textbook would probably best suit those aiming for the higher tier examination. Substantial amounts of information are packed in, but in a very readable manner. Diagrams are clear and colour photographs are used well. The information added since the 2nd edition is particularly relevant and useful, including updates in genetics, chapters on the historical development of biological ideas and the nature of scientific evidence.

The only slightly disappointing feature, common to many GCSE texts, is the the lack of answers to either the in-text or the examination questions. Although this allows questions to be used as homework, having some answers could promote independent study. Instructions for practical work, plus provision of expected results, usefully allows consideration of experimental design and interpretation of results even if the practical is not carried out.

This must rate as one of the best and most comprehensive GCSE Biology books currently available. The author not only knows his subject, but can put it across well to readers. With this being the 3rd edition, it has all the advantages of previous editions being refined, improved and new material added. Thoroughly recommended.

Brilliant book for GCSE biology
This book is excellent for GCSE biology. it includes all the information needed for the GCSE exam. It also includes example investigations, which is especially useful for the coursework. I found it extremely useful, and was the only book I used for reference in homeworks, and for coursework.