Ideal for microbiology/science majors

The third edition of Microbiology provides in-depth coverage of the science of microscopic organisms. Providing a balanced presentation of foundational concepts, real-world applications, and current research and experimentation, this comprehensive textbook facilitates a thorough understanding of the scope, nature, and complexity of microbiology. The text approaches the subject within the context of exploration and experimentation, integrating a wealth of classroom-tested pedagogical features. The material is organized around the three pillars of physiology, ecology and genetics — helping students appreciate the interconnected and dynamic nature of microbiology as they explore individual microbes and the relation between different types of microbes, other organisms, and the environment.

Detailed yet accessible chapters illustrate how an experiment proceeds, explain how microbes replicate, clarify the flow of concept processes, and summarize key points. Challenging end-of-chapter questions both test students' understanding of the material and strengthen critical thinking skills. This new edition contains up-to-date coverage of topics including DNA replication and gene expression, viral pathogenesis, microbial biotechnology, adaptive immunity, the control of infectious diseases, the microbiology of food and water, and integrated coverage of COVID-19.

DAVID R. WESSNER Professor of Biology at Davidson College, David R. Wessner teaches introductory biology and courses on microbiology, genetics, and HIV/AIDS. His research focuses on viral pathogenesis. He is a coauthor of Vision and Change in Undergraduate Education: A Call to Action and The Cartoon Guide to Biology. Prior to joining the faculty at Davidson, David conducted research at the Navy Medical Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard University and his B.A. in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College.

CHRISTINE DUPONT Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo in southern Ontario, Canada, Christine Dupont teaches undergraduate courses in genetics, biotechnology, virology, and bacterial pathogenesis. She earned her Ph.D. from Massey University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, New Zealand; B.Ed. from the University of Windsor, Ontario; and M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Ontario. Prior to her Ph.D. studies, Christine taught high school science for several years, developing a passion for teaching and working with students.

TREVOR C. CHARLES A Professor in the Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Trevor Charles teaches undergraduate courses in microbiology and synthetic biology and runs a research program that focuses on plant-microbe interactions and functional metagenomics. Prior to joining the faculty at Waterloo, he held a faculty position at McGill University and did postdoctoral research at the University of Washington. He earned his Ph.D. from McMaster University and his B.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia.

JOSH D. NEUFELD As a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo, Josh Neufeld explores microbiology with undergraduate students in the classroom and both undergraduate and graduate students in his microbial ecology research program. Josh earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Microbiology from McGill University's Macdonald Campus prior to completing a Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia and postdoctoral research at the University of Warwick.