Good book, recommended for everyone with a science background entering physiology/biology
351207
I wish I had this book when I started in this field. It is so much nicer to learn from such a well written and comprehensive textbook than to try to extract all the information from journal articles. Some background in physiology and, particularly, mathematics (ODE's, algebra, etc.) is required though to make the most out of this book. (Parts of) the book are/is well suited for an advanced course in computational biology.
3096635
I read and studied this book cover-to-cover in a one-semester molecular biology course at my university. The authors are some of the biggest names in the field, with Nobel laureate Watson perhaps as the most famous. The publisher, Cold Spring Habor Press, is one of the highest authority in the fields of molecular and quantitative biology.

The text starts out with the foundations: classic genetics, thermodynamics of chemical reactions and the building blocks of life (DNA, RNA and proteins). It then moves on to introduce concepts of expression and maintenance of the genome (mutations, nucleosome, replication, recombination), followed by a few chapters on regulation, which I found to some of the most interesting chapters. The appendix explains model organisms used in genetics. Overall, I found that the text is easy to follow and would say that learned I really liked the way it was written and could follow the text and illustrations well without much delay. For more money you get access to the accompanying website that features animations, a the online version of the text, and a list of question for each chapter which is great for studying.

CONS
All was good until I reached chapter 18 and 19. These two chapters dealt with very relevant and modern topics (regulation of gene expression, epigenetic mechanisms, operons) but the text suddenly was difficult to follow. Sentences seemed unnecessarily convoluted, the logic within a sentence was not flowing anymore, abbreviations popped out of nowhere (some never written out), and the material was not presented in a well-organized manner. As a result, I found myself reading paragraphs over and over again without getting a grasp of the basic ideas and had to leaf around the chapter a lot. At this point I even resorted to reading journal review articles in Nature, Science and Cell, which is great but takes much longer. I subtracted one star because those chapters.

SUMMARY
Despite of that, Molecular Biology of the Gene is a great book and gets you up to speed very fast if you're new to the field. The experience can be enhanced by buying the Mastering  Biology accompanying web access. It has an online version of the book which is convenient if you need to use it to answer questions for your class. The companion website also offers a interactive animation tutorials, and for each chapter that describes macromolecular enzymes offers a nice animation that shows and explains active centers, binding sites, etc. in great detail.
691624
I am biology major and have a solid foundation in the sciences.  This book has great DAT biology practice questions. I really liked the explanations where I was able to evaluate if I got the right (or wrong) answer compared to the information I know (or should know) to solve the problems.  I learned many new details even though I am strong in bio.  I like the practice questions that are divided into the same topics as tested on the DAT.
1209319
*important: before reading this book I had lots of experience with [...] and Basic.

I bought this book almost two years ago. On my first run I read the thing up to Chapter 9, this only took me less than a month, for it is written in a very relaxed way. In that month I was on vacations, and I gave three to four hours for of my daily time to this book, which is not very much considering you have to work through examples and stuff. As I was reading it I was conscious that I was becoming in love with the text and explanations, and more importantly, I was loving C++ (well, more C up to that point). Once I entered college as a freshman I had to stop because it was way too demanding for me to seriously work on the book, but in my programming classes I was a complete master. This book is so detailed that even if we worked in C and not C++ (Introduction to Programming was the course) I was able to achieve an A+ without breaking a sweat. This particular course is known to be a serious slut in my college: almost 50% of the class has to retake it.

As timed passed I kept coming back to reread some chapters that had valuable information and that proved to me how good a reference this books also is: the first time I read it, I thought that you HAD to read it from beginning to end, but jumping into chapters is very possible. I was also beginning to advance through the book although at a very slow pace. Until a year ago I was still on chapter 14. This time I took Object Oriented Programming course, and here too, I was top of the class, even If the course is given in the Java programming language. The concepts of OOP are so universal and Prata does such a nice job teaching about the public interface, containment, encapsulation, and other concepts, that even when exposed to a very different language, I was able to succeed.

Two years later I decided that I had had too much and read the whole deal in two weeks. Yes, from chapter 1 to 17 and the appendices. Finally, after reading the "What now?" section at the end of chapter 17, I felt that it was right to write the review, but hadn't had the time. Now I do, and I think my weird experience with it gives me the right to recommend the book in two lights: as an amazing tutorial and reference. Yes, you'll probably have to work through other books (Effective C++ by Meyers, Algorithms in C++ by Sedgewick, STL by Josuttis, and finally The C++ Programming Language by Stroustrup) to be a good and efficient C++ programmer, but this is your best way to start.

Some people say that after reading this you should read C++ Primer (no plus). Well, this was not the case for me. I have worked through all the books mentioned in the parenthesis above, and I never felt lost, never (Stroustrup's was read last I must add). I have read books on DirectX and 3D math (more specifically, Luna's and Dun y Parberry's), and on others topics too (that require some C++), and this book did me much justice.

Hope this helps.
2491436
Like many first-year medical students, I've done a lot of research into figuring out which books to buy for specific subjects. Most of the time, class notes can be simply supplemented with a well-written USMLE-style review book. However, some very broad and important subjects (such as physiology) need much more than that... you NEED a good grounding in physiology to succeed as a physician or other medical professional.

That being said, I had already purchased a couple physiology books: Costanzo (4th edition) for class and BRS Physiology (also written by Costanzo) to review for the boards next year. However, as the class lectures went on, I found myself realizing how much isn't covered in these books - and with good reason; many class details simply aren't "high yield" material. However, if you really want to learn more about the "how and why" to build a better foundation, you need to buy a comprehensive physiology textbook as a reference.

I narrowed it down to three books, all of which I think are very good for medical students and professionals: Berne and Levy, Guyton and Hall, and Boron and Boulpaep. I was able to borrow a friend's Guyton and Hall... and while I think it's an amazing feat that Guyton himself completely wrote the first few editions of the book, it was clear that some sections were more fluid than others (cardiovascular was very strong). In addition, it felt more like a dictation than a textbook: tons of details and snippets of information, but the text seemed more dry and figures weren't nearly as clear, plentiful, or colorful. I also took a short look at Berne and Levy: a great book with lots of details as well...

...but what really drew me specifically into Boron and Boulpaep were its crystal-clear figures and the way it explained "how things work". Simple example: blood pressure. This book best explained how sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs) and other measurement techniques work, complementing the text with very good diagrams of each "blood-pressure taking phase". Several authors contribute to this book (unlike Guyton), though every chapter I've read so far is equally as clear. True, sometimes the authors go into "too much detail" (such as channels-related work), but it does really serve to reinforce certain principles. Because of this level of detail, however, I would say that this book might be more useful for an actual physiologist... and as a topic reference for medical students.

In conclusion, I think this book is a perfect complement to a "review" or "high-yield" book such as Costanzo. Boron and Boulpaep has BY FAR the best figures and diagrams of any book. I was an engineering student in undergrad, and I DOUBLY recommend this book if you are more of a physical science based learner.  If you want a book that actually tells you how things work in a more "logical manner" and gives you some (not too complicated) equations to help you drive the point home, this is it. PERIOD!
2661505
I bought this book several years ago for my Exercise Physiology course and I still have it today. I think it provides a great overview of ex. phys and gives a solid basis. I'm a self proclaimed nerd and I enjoyed the study reviews that were mixed in with the overall text.
598195
I did some research and read reviews about this book because I was contemplating between buying it and another physiology book. I got the new one here for a good price. I received the book in great condition and packaging no damage. I would recommend this as a physiology reference book. Nice to read I like the layout,  figures and clear explanations. So far I have not used the online student consult access that comes with the book.
1368859
What is Good:
-Covers so many different concepts in this emerging field of biology, from the stuff already in existence, to the potentials in the not-so-distance future.  Author actually does a solid job of helping people realize some things are a lot closer to reality than they may have realized before, though I will say, is overly optimistic in some other areas.
- Author is quite passionate about the biology and the science.
- Very little other options out there quite as up-to-date as this book (at least as of Oct 2015).

What is NOT so Good:
- This book's pacing is terrible.
- The author spends a LOT of time trying to give background history on the basics of biology, which isn't necessarily bad, but instead, it comes across as extraordinarily fluffy, and often repeats itself, and half the time, is probably unnecessary.
- It jumps back and forth a LOT and repeats itself a lot.
- It seems to lack depth.  I almost feel bad about saying this because you can tell the author painstakingly included so many details and put so much effort forth, but I just feel like it maybe would have been more intriguing if it included more ethical analysis of some of these emerging techniques, from both sides.  Instead, it makes for a very dry read.  It's an informative read, but a rather dry one.

Final Word:
- In terms of writing quality, this is probably not really a 4/5 star book.  It's not bad, but it is a challenging read, and not just because of the complicated science at-hand, but in overall flow and style the author gives us.  However, there isn't really anything quite like it, or as up-to-date as it on the market, and the extraordinary level of detail the author gives deserves credit.  Thus, I would definitely say this is more of a 3/5 star book, quality-wise, but the sheer knowledge gained after reading this deserves an extra bump to 4 star.  Just be warned, this is not an easy book to stick into, and if you already have a biology background, it may be even harder to jump into when he spends chapters on the basics of DNA and so on.
445835
I went to my local library and checked out a few books on human anatomy, this one was sort of an after thought, but to my surprise my favorite. I also checked out (if I remember correctly) The everything guide to human anatomy, that one was black and white with some colored laminated charts in the center, but, very difficult to follow.

These books served as a "pre-anatomy and physiology" study guide, so I didn't struggle so much. So this book was an easy read front to back and very easy to follow with many pictures to reference. I liked it so much I am buying the whole set to keep at home. The back has a large glossary, and overall great read in general, simplifies things in a way which makes memorising much easier. Theres also random facts at the end of each chapter. Its very small, easily read in 2-3 days (comfortably)
3871240
I appreciate this book because it appeals to both my science set interests (BS Biology, pre med) and the practical, in terms of tips for implementing an IF schedule. This book is truly interesting and would dovetail nicely with a review of energy and metabolism in an Anatomy and Physiology class. Furthermore, the more advanced student will appreciate some of the cell signaling aspects of the book.
4659399
This book is written in a simple language & is excellent for review. The info are presented in an outline format for quick reading. However, I think it would be better if you can read it in conjunction with some other textbooks like Guyton's Textbook of Medical Physiology, because some details are required to complete the picture.  Like all the books of this series, you'll find the diagrams which summarize the salient points of each topic valuable aids to learning or revision.
2244431
This is the recommended text for my biostats refresher course, so obviously the lecturers think it's good.  Good basic stats book, good examples relevant to vet and animal science research.  Lots of exercises to test your knowledge of the chapters. Has all the tables and formulas required, good glossary of terms. I found it fairly easy to read.
3813949
I am a freshman in High School and after taking a semester course in Biology Honors and a little guidance from my teacher I set out to do my final human anatomy project on how drugs affect the synaptic regions in nerve cells. Using this book and the Internet i completed the project successfully. The thing about this book is that if you already don't have some understanding of the nervous system, this book may be confusing, yet if you want the latest in the field and not to much history and coverage on the supposed "Mind-Body Problem" get this book. This book is a great text for showing the cell processes and overall nervous system. If you just want a basic understanding of how the nervous system works, get another book, yet if you want to comprehend and do some nice research papers i would recommend this book. This book is a compilation of most the research in the cognitive neurosciences and is in depth and comprehensive as books get. Sure its size and weight may have caused some back strain when in my bookbag, but it was worth it. Check your library for this book before you pay out if you just need it for a paper or project, but if you want to do some learning like I did then buy it.
1682217
Thanks to this book's informative chapters, diagrams, and additional learning material (i.e. online component, interactive software, etc.), I now have an informed interest in the field of neuroscience. This is coming from someone with no previous understanding of neuroscience. If you can find a cheaper version of this book, always go with that. I found the price affordable for a college textbook, which isn't saying much. Enjoy the material covered, which is pretty extensive, but make sure to always do additional research (it doesn't hurt).
782921
Surprisingly good.
The biological examples in the textbook have been very useful in post-undergraduate research, both in lab practice and experiment development.

Compared to a standard physical chemistry textbook, you are losing a lot of the math and intricate details associated with pchem. However, what you lose in detail, you make up for in biological relevance.
An example being a study of the governing rate law in PCR.
Another great example is the role of quantum tunneling in enzyme mechanics.

This book will not hand-feed you the concepts. You will have to incorporate supplemental material. This is common for upper-division, specialized, or graduate level courses. The textbook will provide you with the core concepts, but it will be up to you to truly understand the governing maths and applications.

Best of luck in pchem!
It will all make sense about 6 months after the class ends.
109966
I had a chance of reading  cover to cover this excellent book: what I found particularly well structured was the first part of the book (review
of basic physiology and anatomy related to the specific field of sports and exercise).Very useful  at the end of each chapter are the review questions that allow quick revision of the most HY topics related to this discipline. Also very good historical introduction (lots of references pics etc..)
405446
This book does a fabulous job of providing a clear, interesting overview of fuel cells. Without assuming any previous knowledge, the book introduces the reader to the necessary fuel cell science, including thermodynamics, charge and mass transport, and reaction kinetics. The book also introduces the five types of fuel cells (PEMFC, PAFC, AFC, MCFC, SOFC) and gives the reader a good understanding of the characteristics, advantages and disadvtanges to each one, allowing for easy comparison. As a student, this textbook seemlessly guided me through the fuel cells class and left me with a strong, deeper understanding of fuel cells (and an ability to intelligently discuss them!). I still reference my textbook frequently and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about fuel cells.