Books on Basic Biology

[Frasch]

I know almost nothing about biology. Does anybody know of any books that go over all of the basics? Or any good books about cells, DNA, genes, evolution, or neuroscience?

[GM11]

Start with Campbell (any ed), its a good first year level for university but has something in it for everyone. If you want to go deeper into the areas you mention specifically start with campbell and message me for a list of a couple of areas you are particuarly interestead in.

Check monster books on ebay and abebooks (secondhand section) there is often a cheap selection of good well looked after books very cheap.

[mkultra98]

I recommend Campbell's as well. If you're into less detail, I know some introductory classes that use Inquiry Into Life. To be honest, I've read through both and Campbell's, even though it is dense-r ish, is the most interesting.

[Chloe Mica]

I recommend Cracking the GRE Biology. I like the book and found it useful for me. Hope it's useful for you too.

[susanrey]

once I had read the book called---Genetic Genealogy Handbook, which provides genealogists with the knowledge and confidence to use DNA testing for family research. I hope this might be helpful.

http://www.creative-proteomics.com,this can also be helpful for you to learn more about biotechnology.

Edited November 27, 2015 by susanrey

[scienceaddictj]

Campbell is a great selection for anyone. There is also the always very humbling For Dummies books (Biology for Dummies). I would also recommend On The Origin of Species - it won't introduce many biology concepts (genes, cell functions, etc.), but it gives you loads of basic ideas and concepts of evolution and it may be favorite book!

[tantalus]

I would also recommend Campbell and Reece. They actually have a coherent idea throughout the textbook in terms of evolution and emergent properties of organisation in biology (atleast they did in the 6th edition), while obviously each chapter stands alone, it is nice to read through it right from the start with the preface.

 

It's well presented, and if you ignore its huge size, you might be surprised how quickly you could read through it,there isnt much change edition through edition, so dont go for the newest, and you should be able to save a few euro.

 

Just realised this request was 4 months ago, bit late..

Edited January 8, 2016 by tantalus