Biology: The Science of Life

By: Stephen Nowicki, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Stephen Nowicki

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

Outstanding

If my college Biology course covered this same content, I might have even considered a career in molecular Biology! While there are some lectures that didn't interest me, about 75 percent of them were fascinating. Prof. Nowicki does a masterful job of providing motivation for each lecture, then guiding the listener on a logical path to the goal. Considering the cost of tuition at Duke, getting these 72 half-hour lectures for a single credit is a steal. It takes focus to keep up at times, and it might take a couple of listens to sink in. However, there are several great stories and anecdotes that are easy to take and you'll the newly learned facts to your friends.

My favorite book

I absolutely love how this book explains life and peaks my curiosity about life and how interconnected and synergistic everything is. This book has changed the way I view the world. I love biology and this book I listen to again and again just to be reminded how remarkable life on earth is.

A great introduction to biology

This lecture series is a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the science of biology, well structured and easy to follow if you pay attention. Sometimes the many difficult words may require a rewind, but the explanations are good and logically strung together, and the lecturer gives many concrete examples from the findings of real researchers.
The lecturer is enthusiastic and pleasant to listen to, although he rather often trips over words and makes small mistakes.

A great refresher

Since I’m a biology major, and in my 60s, I was overdue for some good science. This course did it for me.

Amazing

I have learned a lot. Of course it is an enormous amount of new information, so one would need to listen carefully and repeatedly. The author is very knowledgeable and gives examples and explanations outside biology which are very useful. Nevertheless, he explicates biology and would, therefore, seem very difficult at times. A must read for anyone.

Engaging and Edifying

If you could sum up Biology: The Science of Life in three words, what would they be?

Science is awesome

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

This could be terribly dry material in other hands, but Nowicki is a very good speaker, and makes things seem alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I'm listening to it on daily walks. Today I listened to the episodes about the discovery of DNA, however, and it was so gripping I walked an extra half mile to get to the end.

Any additional comments?

This is really helping me with the biology class I'm taking. Everything is explained thoroughly, but Nowicki doesn't get bogged down with details that aren't pertinent at the moment. I've been recommending this series very highly to my classmates!

Great overall biology audio courses

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed how he uses a story telling approach to explain technical terms and concept. I do wish the course guide is available as a separate purchase option.

Every Republican should read.

Only a fool ignores science as it always wins in the long run. The book is very current and accurate dealing with today's events and our children's future.

Great for school

Great as a overview for college biology students. Great use of real world analogy's

Information overflow

It took me a year of casual listening to finish all these lectures. While some were too hard to follow (I hate you, chemistry! :)), others were easy (loved the real life examples). Some were good for falling asleep and some kept me awake. It depends on your interests and preferences, I guess. The author is a professional lecturer so the matter is presented well.