Microbes and society an introduction to microbiology /

Synopsis

Microbes and Society: An Introduction to Microbiology by Edward Alcamo is a superbly organized and illustrated basic textbook introducing the reader to the complex and rapidly evolving science of microbiology, which includes bacteria, viruses, protests, and fungi. Of special and particular interest are the chapters devoted to microbial genetics and the controlling of microbes. The role and influence of microbes in human affairs is given meticulous attention including the relationship of microbes to food and food safety; microbial DNA; biotechnology and industry; microbes in agriculture and in the environment; disease and resistance; viral diseases from AIDS to Zoster; and bacterial diseases in humans. Microbes and Society is an ideal classroom text and a highly recommended addition to school and community library microbiology science reference collections.” -- James A. Cox The Midwest Book Review Microbes and Society: An Introduction to Microbiology is designed for liberal arts students as a foundation course in life science. This timely text emphasizes the relevance of microbes and their role in the everyday lives of humans -- microbes in food production and agriculture, in biotechnology and industry, and in ecology and the environment. It also discusses some of the negative impacts of microbes on our world, such as their role in disease and bioterrorism, but the primary focus is on how microbes, in their incredible variety, are essential to human life. Microbes and Society  presents the many ways in which we intentionally (and sometimes, unintentionally) utilize microbes to improve our lives and enhance our life experience.  When looking over the shelves to select a book for a microbes and society course, instructors are confronted with two choices, neither of which is entirely acceptable. The first choice is to use an allied health science book that will touch on the topics of general interest but not discuss them in the needed depth or at the level of freshmen and sophomores. The second choice is to select one of the large microbiology texts more suited for the general introduction to microbiology course. Microbes and Society  seeks to answer this dilemma by providing a full-color text that is geared to the microbiology topics of importance to today's citizen.  The chapters within Microbes and Society  survey various types of microorganisms and where they fit into the scheme of things. Essentially, the book deals with the role of microorganisms in human affairs. The text has a decidedly upbeat tone and emphasizes how microbes contribute to the quality of life.