Virology: Principles and Applications
Dr John Carter,Prof Venetia Saunders | 2007-08-15 00:00:00 | Wiley | 382 | Microbiology
Virology: Principles and Applications is a clear and accessible introduction to this fast-moving field, providing a comprehensive resource enabling the reader to understand the key concepts surrounding this exciting subject. The reader is introduced to the principles of virus structure, replication and genetics, along with the theories behind the origins of viruses and how they are evolving. Taking a modern approach to the subject, the relevance of virology to everyday life is clearly emphasized and discussions of emerging viruses, cancer, vaccines, anti-viral drugs and gene vectors are included. To enhance student understanding, learning outcomes, sources of further information and ?at-a-glance? sections are integrated into in each chapter, reinforcing key concepts.
Illustrated in full color throughout, extensive use is made of clear diagrams that include standard color coding for different types of molecule, enabling students to grasp difficult concepts and deal with the level of detail in the subject.
An invaluable text for students of biology, microbiology, molecular biology and biomedical sciences taking courses in virology. The book is also a useful resource for MSc level students looking for an accessible introduction to the subject.
- a student-friendly introduction to the fast-moving subject of virology
- introduces the relevance of virology to the modern world including latest developments in the field
- looks at topical viruses such as HIV and influenza virus
- illustrated in full color throughout with diagrams labeled clearly to enhance student understanding
- provides a comprehensive Virologists? Vocabulary
- The companion web site www.wiley.com/go/carter provides self-assessment questions and answers, additional reference sources and links to various virology web sites
Reviews
The world of Virology is becoming more important by the day. The statistically overdue influenza pandemic makes rapid understanding of viruses an even more urgent topic. I have found this book to be of great benefit when explaining concepts ("What does H5N1 mean?") to those who need to get a scientific view of viruses but are not life scientists themselves, especially government leaders, corporate executives and the like. Unfortunately material just cannot be produced fast enough to keep pace with the evolution in scientific understanding that is taking place. I highly recommend this book; however for those new to virology it is not a "quick afternoon read". It does have very likeable features such as the chapter structure which begins with a synopsis called "At a glance" and a list of abbreviations and a standardised colour coding for molecular diagrams. The "Virologists Vocabulary"(pp335-347) is really a glossary and although not all-embracing (big ask) it is very useful. Glossaries and definition sections must become mandatory components of all texts I believe, especially given the expansion rate of jargon and abbreviation.
Overall, this is a good quality book that is easy to read and well endowed with illustrations. As an aside biomedical and scientific illustrations do need to improve dramatically in all texts. I am aware of the time/cost and effort issues of this statement however a good illustration is worth (to many) more than 1000 words and a poor illustration can be simply counter productive.
Rapid education in virology (which is absolutely essential) requires students and educators alike to have easy access to verified comparitive material. DVD's or other electronic complementary delivery techniques would have been of great assistance. SeePrinciples of Molecular Virology (Standard Edition), Fourth Edition as a useful, but not exclusive example.
Reviews
I prefer U.S. authors over British ones but this text fulfills my virology needs as a teacher of medical students in a PBL system. I wish the authors had made it available on Student Consult or provided a CD for teachers.
Download this book!
Free Ebooks Download