Biology: The Core

Book Preface

Being a college student today means juggling many priorities: work, school, extracurricular
activities, family. I imagine that, if you’re reading this book, you are enrolled in your first college
science course, and it may be the only one you’ll ever take. When it seems like there are so
many priorities all competing for your attention, you may be unsure about how to fit studying
biology into your busy life. Good news: This book is written specifically for you!

Over the years, I’ve observed my own students strive to succeed in their biology course in
as efficient a manner as possible. Biology: The Core has been designed from the ground up to
help you study effectively and succeed. Only the most important and relevant information—
the core of biology content—is included. Biological concepts are displayed in highly visual
and approachable two-page modules that guide you along a clear learning path, allowing
your study time to be as efficient and effective as possible.

You might also be wondering how this course—and biology generally—applies to your
own life. Luckily, this is easy to address, since issues like nutrition, cancer, reproductive health,
and exercise physiology directly affect you and those you love. The Core is paired with a robust
online library, MasteringBiology, that contains videos, current events, and interactive tutorials
that help you draw connections between the course material and the world around you.
Questions you might have about many topics will be addressed in this online complement to
your textbook.

I hope that Biology: The Core meshes with your goals and your priorities, acting as a helpful
guide for this course and addressing questions you run into in your broader life. Please feel
free to drop me a line to tell me about your experience with Biology: The Core or to provide
feedback regarding the text or online resources. Best wishes for a successful semester—and
enjoy the big adventure of biology! It’s not only in the pages of this book, but all around you.
Eric J. Simon, Ph.D.