A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology

A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology is an excellent teaching supplement for introductory biology courses. The book introduces a set of problems that guide students through the fundamental steps necessary to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Exercises are designed to measure student learning and help individual students focus their efforts on those areas that need improvement. Both computer-based and "pen-and-paper-based" exercises present problems at various levels of difficulty. Each of the first three chapters provides problems that focus on one of three main topic areas: genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The final chapter offers practice problems that combine two or more subject areas that illustrate connections and broaden student understanding of the material. Collectively, the problems teach students the process of synthesizing information and applying knowledge to scientific questions. An important feature of A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology is the detailed solutions provided on the accompanying CD-ROM. The solutions serve to guide students through each problem listed in the workbook, from beginning to end, highlighting common misunderstandings, reinforcing the concepts covered, and assisting each student in the development of a logical approach to problem solving.