Title: Biological Science: A Molecular Approach, 6th ed. (a.k.a. "BSCS Blue)

Description: This inquiry-based textbook is designed for use in introductory biology classes for students with high interest or ability.  A molecular approach is used throughout the book, providing a different slant but coverage of much the same material as the book's cousin: Biological Science: An Ecological Approach.  In addition to a survey of life science, this book contains an extensive collection of appendices that includes more advanced topics, for example, the Hardy-Weinberg Principle, ATP synthesis, and the Chi-Square Test.  A variety of inquiry-based lab activities are also presented, including: "Cell Structure", "DNA Replication", and "Mitotic Cell Division".

Strengths: This resource is well organized, strong on inquiry, and includes many relevant examples.  A more recent edition (7th ed., 1996) exists but was unavailable for review.  Supporting materials are also available, e.g. a teacher's resource book and separate study guides for teachers and students (integrated into the text in the 7th edition).

Weaknesses: This text touches on most everything, which means a shortage of details on many topics, a shortcoming not unique to this text and not a serious flaw if the teacher wants to take a survey approach.  Inclusion of the labs in the back of the book minimizes the longevity of the text due to laboratory wear and tear.

Keywords: Inheritance, DNA structure, genes, chromosomes, variation, cells, mitosis, meiosis, evolution, sexual reproduction, mutation

Genetics concepts addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
(view genetics concepts)

Other subjects addressed: Mathematics (probability), Health, Technology, Social Studies

last updated 6/07/00