Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications

by Ricki Lewis

An excellent introductory text for undergraduates, especially those with "sciencephobia." Slow-paced material incorporates information on genetics in the news, and features chapter outlines, real-life vignettes, technology timelines, key concepts, chapter glossaries, and review and applied questions, plus boxed readings on fun subjects like human werewolves, and color photos and diagrams. Includes sections on fundamentals, transmission genetics, DNA and chromosomes, population genetics, immunity and cancer, and the latest genetic technology. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Genres: Science, Genetics, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Biology, Read For School, Grad School

427 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Shane Ver Meer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a genetics textbook. Weeeeeeeee...

[Scratch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful that this book was so readable and understandable. As a non-traditional student who has worked in totally unrelated fields, science was a daunting prospect. But this was a good class. Got an A, to my relief.

[J.P. Drury · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this text book was over simplified and hard to follow. I feel like most of the textbook is focused on the basics, stuff that general biology courses cover in a few weeks max, and the rest of the book is condensed into a few really dense chapters. I would have liked to see a lot more about environment and epigenetics, and a greater focus on the methods used to study genetics in the modern era (these were squeezed into the ends of a few chapters, but it would have been better to see them throughout).

The definitions were often bad. Defining microevolution in terms of genetic changes without any mention of the phenotype, for example, is just bizarre.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone trying to learn or teach human genetics.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and I don't have the heart to give it four stars. I read the 5th edition, which I found well-written, nicely edited and illustrated. It has a characteristic textbook style, with those "key concepts" boxes and questions at the end of the chapter, but I rather liked that. Granted, I haven't thoroughly read each chapter, but those through which I have gone in depth (like the whole Population genetics part) are quality stuff. Recommended for everyone interested in genetics, especially for people who are new to it. The author breaks down facts and concepts gently, and I believe rookies would like that.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed reading this textbook and found enough useful information in it that I didn't sell it back. The case study connections made the material more interesting and accessible.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I bought it for my Human Genetics class in college. Spent 300 dollars after tax on it. Tried to return it after class they offered me 1.97 if it had the DVD.

[Riana Prameswari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The language is simple and understandable, particularly for students in non-English speaking countries

[Pushon Bhattacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, albeit overambitious introduction to human genetics.

[Mariah Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the 10th edition.