Microbiology: An Introduction, 14th Edition © 2024

Microbiology: An Introduction, published by Pearson, balances complex topics with concrete applications. Students interested in a clinical career benefit from the clear presentation and synthesis of difficult topics.

  • Pedagogically superior art
  • Focus on big-picture concepts and themes
  • Updates and revisions for a contemporary focus
  • This program is accompanied by Pearson’s Mastering® platform with eText
savvas-header-microbiology-an-introduction[1].png

Microbiology Program with Digital Resources

Prepare students for a career in healthcare with a microbiology program that can be tailored to meet their needs.

01-deepened-clinical-focus-337x214[1].png

Deepened Clinical Focus

Integration of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 coverage throughout the book along with innovative microbiology research ensures that students develop the skills to meet today’s challenges.

02-develop-critical-and-clinical-mindset-337x214[1].png

Developing a Critical and Clinical Mindset

Check Your Understanding and Figure Questions emphasize critical thinking over memorization, and In the Clinic scenarios prepare students to think like healthcare professionals.

03-discover-how-micro-impacts-macro-337x214[1].png

Discover How the Micro Impacts the Macro

Exploring the Microbiome boxes illustrate how research in microbiology is done and present insights into newly identified ways that microbes influence human health.

04-structured-pedagogy-337x214[1].png

Structured Pedagogy

Expanded use of Big Picture core topics brings more 2-page spreads into the book that break down important concepts into manageable steps and provide a clear learning framework.

Microbiology Teaching Solutions

  • Big Picture Spreads
  • Clinical Focus Boxes
  • Preparation for a Healthcare Career
  • Lessons Reflect New Findings and Technologies
  • Better Representation of DEI

  • 2-Page Spreads
    Big Picture disease 2-page spreads focus on significant public health aspects of microbiology.
  • New Big Pictures
    5 New Big Pictures have been added to the text, including one that addresses microbial solutions to climate change.

  • Clinical Focus Boxes
    Clinical Focus boxes present clinical scenarios based on real-life cases then ask students to think like microbiologists.

  • Practical Applications
    Clinical Cases provide practical applications to future allied health careers and encourage critical thinking.

  • Improved Immunology Coverage
    Immunology coverage in Chapters 17, 18, and 19 features new art and straightforward discussions, including around advances in mRNA vaccines.

  • DEI Updates
    Diversity, equity, and inclusion updates ensure content aligns with current standards and reflects a wider variety of lived experiences.

Take a Deeper Look at Microbiology An Introduction

microbiology-an-introduction-video-337x214[1].png

Overview

Get to know Microbiology An Introduction with Mastering® Microbiology with Pearson eText.

Online Platform for your Microbiology Curriculum

Mastering® from Pearson empowers teachers to reach students and students to develop a deeper understanding of the material to succeed in microbiology.

School Stories

In these inspirational stories, you'll learn about what schools and districts from across the country are doing to help students succeed and shape the future of education.

Get Inspired

More About Microbiology

  • Gerard J. Tortora Author Bio
    Gerard J. Tortora is a professor of biology and teaches microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. He received his M.A. in Biology from Montclair State College in 1965. He belongs to numerous biology/microbiology organizations, including the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), National Education Association (NEA), New Jersey Educational Association (NJEA), and the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB). Jerry is the author of a number of biological science textbooks. In 1995, he was selected as one of the finest faculty scholars at Bergen Community College, and was named Distinguished Faculty Scholar. In 1996, Jerry received a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) excellence award from the University of Texas and represented Bergen Community College in a campaign to increase awareness of the contributions of community colleges to higher education.
  • Berdell R. Funke Author Bio
    Berdell R. Funke received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in microbiology from Kansas State University. He has spent his professional years as a professor of microbiology at North Dakota State University. He taught introductory microbiology, including laboratory sections, general microbiology, food microbiology, soil microbiology, clinical parasitology, and pathogenic microbiology. As a research scientist in the Experiment Station at North Dakota State, he has published numerous papers on soil microbiology and food microbiology.
  • Christine L. Case Author Bio
    Christine L. Case is a registered microbiologist and a professor of microbiology at Skyline College in San Bruno, California, where she has taught for the past 44 years. She received her EdD. in curriculum and instruction from Nova Southeastern University and her M.A. in microbiology from San Francisco State University. She was Director for the Society for Industrial Microbiology (SIM). She received the ASM and California Hayward outstanding educator awards. In addition to teaching, Chris contributes regularly to professional literature, develops innovative educational methodologies, and maintains a personal and professional commitment to conservation and the importance of science in society. Chris is also an avid photographer, and many of her photographs appear in this book.
  • Table of Contents

    PART ONE: FUNDAMENTALS OF MICROBIOLOGY

    1. The Microbial World and You
    2. Chemical Principles
    3. Observing Microorganisms Through a Microscope
    4. Functional Anatomy of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
    5. Microbial Metabolism
    6. Microbial Growth
    7. The Control of Microbial Growth
    8. Microbial Genetics
    9. Biotechnology and DNA Technology

     

    PART TWO: A SURVEY OF THE MICROBIAL WORLD

    1. Classification of Microorganisms
    2. The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea
    3. The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths
    4. Viruses, Viroids, and Prions

     

    PART THREE: INTERACTION BETWEEN MICROBE AND HOST

    1. Principles of Disease and Epidemiology
    2. Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity
    3. Innate Immunity: Nonspecific Defenses of the Host
    4. Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host
    5. Practical Applications of Immunology
    6. Disorders Associated with the Immune System
    7. Antimicrobial Drugs

     

    PART FOUR MICROORGANISMS AND HUMAN DISEASE

    1. Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Eyes
    2. Microbial Diseases of the Nervous System
    3. Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphoid Systems
    4. Microbial Diseases of the Respiratory System
    5. Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System
    6. Microbial Disease of the Urinary and Genital Systems

     

    PART FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

    1. Environmental Microbiology
    2. Applied and Industrial Microbiology

PEARSON, MYLAB, MYMATHLAB, MATHXL, MASTERING, STATCRUNCH, REVEL and the Pearson Logo are trademarks owned and/or registered by Pearson plc and/or its affiliates. All other third party marks associated with these products are the property of their respective owners. Copyright in the works referenced herein is owned by Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Education has control over the editorial content in these instructional materials.

AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, these products.

Select an Option below:

More Options: