Microbiology: Principles and Explorations has been a best-selling textbook for several editions due to the authors engaging writing style where her passion for the subject shines through the narrative. The texts student-friendly approach provides readers with an excellent introduction to the study of Microbiology. This text is appropriate for non-major and mixed major microbiology courses, as well as allied health, agriculture and food sciences courses.

Jacquelyn Black?received her B.A., B.S., M.S. from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. from Catholic University of America. She has been teaching microbiology to undergraduates since 1970. She is a member of the American Society for Microbiology, and she has received grants for conducting teacher-training programs.
In May 0f 2000, the Washington Academy of Sciences gave Jackie the?Leo Schubert Award for Excellence in Teaching of Science in College. This award is given for exceptional teaching and writing in the field of microbiology, with particular emphasis on the teaching o undergraduate students.
In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Dr. Black has engaged in fieldwork and studies throughout the globe. Her travels have taken her from the interior of Iceland to Belgium, Germany, Lappland, China, South America, Portugal, the barrier reef of Belize, and most recently to over a dozen universities in Russia.
Dr. Black describes herself as an "incorrigible snoop," interested in all the various aspects and applications of microbiology. this natural curiosity, coupled with her classroom and laboratory experience, makes her uniquely qualified to author an introductory microbiology textbook. This book conveys her sense of excitement for microbiology and offers the most current information on developments and applications within this field.

List of Boxes.

Preface.

MICROBIOLOGY--THE FUNDAMENTALS.

Scope and History of Microbiology.

Fundamentals of Chemistry.

Microscopy and Staining.

Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells.

MICROBIAL METABOLISM, GROWTH, AND GENETICS.

Essential Concepts of Metabolism.

Growth and Culturing of Bacteria.

Microbial Genetics.

Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering.

THE ROSTER OF MICROBES AND MULTICELLULAR PARASITES.

An Introduction to Taxonomy: The Bacteria.

Viruses.

Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Parasites.

CONTROL OF MICROORGANISMS.

Sterilization and Disinfection.

Antimicrobial Therapy.

HOST-MICROBE INTERACTIONS.

Host-Microbe Relationships and Disease Processes.

Epidemiology and Nosocomial Infections.

Nonspecific Host Defenses and Host Systems.

Immunology I: Basic Principles of Specific Immunity and Immunization.

Immunology II: Immunological Disorders and Tests.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS.

Diseases of the Skin and Eyes; Wounds and Bites.

Urogenital and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Diseases of the Respiratory System.

Oral and Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Systemic Diseases.

Diseases of the Nervous System.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY.

Environmental Microbiology.

Applied Microbiology.

Appendix A: Metric System Measurements, Conversions, and Math Tools.

Appendix B: Classification of Bacteria and Viruses.

Appendix C: Words Roots Commonly Encountered in Microbiology.

Appendix D: Safety Precautions in the Handling of Clinical Specimens.

Appendix E: MetabolicPathways.

Glossary/Index.

Photo Credits.