McGraw-Hill Higher Education Introduces Next Step in Majors-Level Biology Education

Team of Four Research Scientists Develops First New Textbook in Biology Field in Decades

PRNewswire-FirstCall
NEW YORK
May 16, 2007

The timing couldn't be better. As more countries focus on improving science education to compete more effectively in a global economy, McGraw-Hill Higher Education is publishing the first new college-level introductory biology textbook built on new research findings on the human genome. Authored by four scientists at research level universities who also teach introductory biology, this reference work is an important next step in undergraduate biology education. Biology is the first new mainstream textbook in the field to be written after recent breakthrough findings on the human genome.

A genome is a complete map of genes for a species. A complete map of the human genome was finalized in 2003 as the result of a 13-year effort that was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health. This completed map has led to new understanding of basic biological concepts.

"Biology, McGraw-Hill Higher Education's newest addition to our content library, is the most significant effort to bridge the gap between laboratory and classroom biology knowledge in more than 20 years," said Kurt Strand, president of McGraw-Hill Higher Education's Science, Engineering and Math Group. "This instructional content truly represents a modern approach to biology. Unlike any other educational materials available, McGraw-Hill's Biology incorporates the latest genetic research and a strong molecular perspective throughout the book."

The development effort behind the text illustrates what a huge undertaking it is to publish a new introductory text in a constantly changing field like biology. Created over five years, Biology integrates feedback from more than 1,300 reviews by an international team of research scientists, experienced college instructors, and introductory biology students. More than 1,000 full- color illustrations and 900 photos were created by a team of 30 scientific illustrators, photographers, and educators who worked directly with the authors.

"Another unique aspect about Biology is that each author has already written a text on their particular area of expertise," said Pat Reidy, executive editor for McGraw-Hill Higher Education's biology program. "Rob Brooker (University of Minnesota) has written a text on genetics, Eric Widmaier (Boston University) a physiology text, Linda Graham (University of Wisconsin, Madison) a text on plant biology, and Peter Stiling (University of South Florida) a text on ecology."

In listening to educators and students, McGraw-Hill learned that the next step in traditional biology instruction should be based on seven crucial concepts: experimentation, modern content, an evolutionary perspective, visual learning, accurate information, a well-mapped learning system, and integration of technology into teaching and learning. Designed for students who will continue on to science careers, Biology aims to prepare majors for what they will experience in the professional world.

Additional information on the text and the author team can be found at www.brookerbiology.com.

About McGraw-Hill Higher Education

McGraw-Hill Higher Education is a premier provider of teaching and learning solutions for the post-secondary and higher education markets worldwide. It is a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.

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SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

CONTACT: Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
+1-212-904-3214
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.brookerbiology.com/
http://www.mheducation.com/