Biology: The Science of Life

One of the greatest scientific feats of our era is the astonishing progress made in understanding biology-the intricate machinery of life-a progress to which the period we are living in right now has contributed the most.

As you read these words, researchers are delving ever deeper into the workings of living systems, turning their discoveries into new medical treatments, improved methods of growing food, and innovative products that are already changing the world.

The 72 lectures in this comprehensive exploration of living systems at all levels-from biological molecules to global ecosystems-will give you all the information you need to grasp this fascinating field and its impact on both our own lives and our understanding of the life that surrounds us.

Professor Nowicki presents his subject in a conceptual format, emphasizing the importance of broad principles. Though facts and details are offered in abundance, it is always in the context of developing a context listeners can readily absorb.

Your newfound mastery of the fundamentals of biology will serve you in many ways-whether you want to read the headlines with greater insight, update a subject you studied long ago, view the natural world with new appreciation, become a better-informed voter and consumer, or gain the intellectual stimulation of understanding the basic principles that unite all living things.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Excellent book for Biology lovers

Would you listen to Biology: The Science of Life again? Why?

The book has a lot of scientific information helpful in getting a good grasp in introductory Biology. It has been helpful in repeating and revising the material learned in a university class and a great addition to the regular text book. I would recommend it to students, especially those who commute to school as a supplemental material.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Biology: The Science of Life?

The course is both wide and deep, and presents a good review material.

What about Professor Stephen Nowicki’s performance did you like?

Very knowledgeable and passionate, carries the listener away into the scientific world.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Emotions are not a part of scientific approach.

Any additional comments?

Best use of your time if you are into the material presented.

makes biology interesting

I started listening to this book as a refresher for biology and realized how far it has come since I graduated. I think it is a great course and very well explained. If you have never taken biology you may want to take notes and research some items as visual aids would greatly help. However, if you have a basic understanding of biology you should be able to follow along fine.

Top Notch Broad Overview of Biology

This course is very informative and strikes a healthy balance between being broad enough to cover many topics and also dive deep into each of them. Professor Nowicki gives you the meat of the material and frames it in the context of the history of how the knowledge was discovered. His style is listener friendly enough that you can follow along, without already having a PhD in biology, and he eases you into the jargon so that you're not left behind.

A glimpse into life's complexity

It's one thing to know that life is complex, something else to catch a glimpse of that complexity.
The lecturer had some annoying speech habits, but the actual content covered an impressive amount of ground.

Great intro to subject

If never taken biology but had chemistry and physics background. This book nicely filled in many gaps. Could be tough if you don't have and basic chemistry background.