Practical Skills in Biology (PSK)

'This excellent book is a must for all biology departments...tells you all you ever wanted to know about practical techniques but didn’t like to ask'

Journal of Biological Education

'There is something here for everyone, including advanced level students and teachers'

The Biologist

'A well-pitched and comprehensive guide for all life science undergraduate students; in many cases this could be the most important book that they will buy.'

Dr. Chris Bax, London Metropolitan University

If you are studying Biology then this book is an indispensable companion throughout your entire degree programme. It lucidly demonstrates the laboratory and field skills that you will draw on time and again for the practical aspects of your studies, and also gives you a solid grounding in those wider transferable skills which are increasingly necessary to achieve a higher level of academic success.

This fourth edition builds on the excellent foundation of its predecessors. It contains a fully updated examination of existing topics and covers even more core skills, including:

• ELISA assays
• Digital imaging
• Sterile technique for eukaroyte cell culture
• Real-time PCR
• Bioethics
• Personal development planning
• Curriculum choices
• Learning styles
• Avoiding plagiarism
• E-learning
• Thinking processes
• Using software to enhance graph/table drawing, statistical analysis and presentations

Key Features:

• New ‘safety note’ feature, highlighting specific hazards and appropriate practical steps to minimise risk
• Worked examples and ‘how to’ boxes that set out the essential procedures in a step-by-step manner
• Key points highlighting critical features of methodology
• Study exercises in each chapter to reinforce learning
• Use of margin tips, definitions and illustrations throughout

Allan Jones is Senior Lecturer in in Biology and Life Sciences at the University of Dundee; Rob Reed is Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Central Queensland University; Jonathan Weyers is Director of Quality Assurance at the University of Dundee.