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Biology Week: a reading list

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Biology Week is an annual celebration of the biosciences in the UK organised by the Royal Society of Biology. By engaging the public through fun and interesting activities, Biology Week aims to promote the life sciences and their importance in our understanding of the planet we inhabit. In honour of this, we have compiled a reading list of biology titles that have helped further the cause through education and research.

Biology Week 2015 will run from Saturday 10th – Sunday 18th October. Join us in the discussion in the comment section below or by using the Twitter hashtag #BiologyWeek. Take a look at OUP involvement in Biology Week.

The Animal Kingdom: A Very Short Introduction,9780199593217_450 by Peter Holland

Part of the Very Short Introduction series, this book takes the reader on a journey through the complex system of the animal kingdom, presenting definitions of key terms within their zoological contexts, as well as expounding on new views of evolutionary science.

Read Chapter 1.

Wildlife Conservation on Farmland: Two volume set, edited by David W. Macdonald and Ruth E. Feber

Since the establishment of an agricultural society, farming and wildlife have constantly interacted. This two-volume set examines the effects on the biosphere using real-life examples. Volume 1 provides practical considerations for nature conservation on lowland farms, while Volume 2 explores conflict between wildlife and agriculture through Wildlife Conservation Research Unit case-studies, suggesting possible solutions and policies.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Complexity in the Marine Environment, 9780199687152_450edited by Megan Draheim, Francine Madden, Julie-Beth McCarthy, and Chris Parsons

Looking specifically at the marine biological world, this volume explores the increasing attention paid to the human-wildlife conflict (where wildlife impacts humans negatively and vice versa) and its effects on conservation. By examining an array of case studies relating to the subject, the text provides a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in the field of marine conservation biology.

Principles of Development: Fifth Edition, by Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle, and Alfonso Martinez Arias

The authors of this volume tackle the complexities of developmental biology to present a textbook that clearly explains the science to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Looking at how cells behave in all kinds of animals, custom-drawn artwork allows for a visualisation of the processes. Animations of key developmental processes have been made available online for this new edition, alongside problem-solving examples.

Organism and Environment: Ecological Development, Niche Construction, 9780199587063_450
and Adaptation
, by Sonia E. Sultan

Graduate students taking courses in ecology, evolution, and developmental biology will find Sonia E. Sultan’s book an invaluable resource for recent research into ecological development as experienced in various natural systems. As biologists try to understand how organisms evolve in rapidly changing environments, Sultan here presents a framework in which these investigations can take place.

Genetic Analysis: Genes, Genomes, and Networks in Eukaryotes: Second Edition, by Philip Meneely

Starting with a survey of the all the key terms and concepts utilised in the study of genes, Meneely presents an up-to-date guide on how molecular genetics can be used to improve our understanding of biological systems. This second edition incorporates the significant advances made in recent research, including on human genetic diversity, exome sequencing, and complex traits. The updated Online Resource Centre is of great additional value to the undergraduate and graduate students at whom this book is targeted.

Molecular Biology of RNA: Second Edition, 9780199671397_450by David Elliott and Michael Ladomery

This text provides a methodical introduction to the constantly developing field of genetics and RNA biology. It has been hypothesised that this molecule – rather than DNA – is the essential ingredient in the origination of life. The updated textbook, with new introductory material and expanded chapters, is therefore a timely addition to the resources currently available to students.

Introduction to Protein Science: Architecture, Function, and Genomics: Third Edition, by Arthur Lesk

Updated with recent research and developments, Introduction to Protein Science is a comprehensive primer for the field. Covering topics such as the structure and function of proteins, the methods and experiments used to study them, and practical applications for our knowledge in biotechnology and medicine, this textbook is essential for students of bioscience and biochemistry. Web-based exercises make this an all-inclusive textbook.

Testosterone: Sex, Power, and the Will to Win,9780198724971_450 by Joe Herbert

Testosterone is widely known for being the hormone that activates masculinity in a mammal, changing both body and brain to make a male. Much research has been done in recent years to understand how and why this happens. Herbert’s volume discusses the nature of this hormone and how its existence has and will shape mammalian interactions and societies.

Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques: Second Edition, by Susan K. Jacobson, Mallory McDuff, and Martha Monroe

With a focus on techniques, this book provides guidance on planning and implementing programmes for conservation education and outreach. Readers are given the tools to generate original plans and evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts, in order to spread knowledge about the importance of conservation efforts around the world. This second edition takes into consideration new case studies and new methods of outreach.

Nests, Eggs, and Incubation: New ideas about avian reproduction, 9780198718666_450
edited by D. Charles Deeming and S. James Reynolds

Ornithologists of all kinds will be excited by this book on avian reproduction, which covers every aspect of the process as observed and recorded by leading authorities in the field. The text incorporates four comprehensive aspects: the nest, the egg, incubation and the study of avian reproduction. This accessible volume is an up-to-date resource for anyone interested in avian biology.

A Dictionary of Biology: Seventh Edition, by Robert Hine

With contributions from leading scientists and Nobel Prize winners, this is the authoritative dictionary for all terms biological. The seventh edition has been updated to incorporate 250 new terms essential for use in research, teaching and learning.

Plants: A Very Short Introduction, 9780199584062_450by Timothy Walker

As the sustaining element of the biosphere, plants play an incomparably important role in the evolution of animal life and the Earth’s climate in general. Providing an overview of plant life and its evolution over time, this Very Short Introduction emphasizes the importance of conservation for utilitarian and aesthetic purposes.

Read Chapter 6, on ‘What have plants ever done for us?’

Featured image: Leaves by Beba. Public domain via Pixabay.

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