New textbook puts evolution at the centre of biology education
A new biology textbook developed at ETH Zurich takes an evolution-first approach to teaching the subject, beginning with the origins of life and the biology of microorganisms before moving towards more complex forms of life.
From Molecules to the Biochemistry of Cells: Fundamentals of Biology 1 grew out of the redesign of ETH Zurich’s Bachelor’s curriculum five years ago. The curriculum begins with molecules, geochemistry, bacteria and archaea, using evolution as a framework for understanding the fundamental principles shared across living systems.
The approach is closely connected to the study of microbiomes, where microbial life and evolution are central to understanding biological systems.
The approach is closely connected to the study of microbiomes, where microbial life and evolution are central to understanding biological systems.
The textbook is co-authored by five researchers, with Julia Vorholt, co-director of the NCCR Microbiomes, as lead author. It brings together biology, chemistry, physics and evolution in an integrated introduction to the subject.
Published by CRC Press, the textbook is available online in an open-access edition, free of charge to students, educators and other readers.
