For biology majors, the Seventh Edition of Microbiology: An Evolving Science covers an entire field's worth of high-level biology content while helping students see how it affects all of us. Authored by outstanding microbiology instructors with experience teaching a wide range of students, this edition delivers up-to-date, concise content with exciting themes of soil ecology and the human microbiome woven throughout.

Our focus on current research and applications of microbiology-including the microbiologists who conduct that work-shows students that microbiology is useful for upper-level coursework, the MCAT, graduate school, and future careers. With customizable and flexible courseware, students develop their critical thinking skills and ability to read primary literature while you spend less time grading.

Noteworthy in the Seventh Edition:

• A new chapter (Ch. 23: The Human Microbiome) focuses exclusively on the human microbiome, including coverage of the connection between the gut and the brain, how to maintain a healthy microbiome, and microbiome-based treatments for disease. To visualize this concept, a new animation in the Norton Illumine Ebook spotlights the gut-brain connection.
• Current research has been updated throughout the text, and a new theme on soil ecology highlights the importance of microbes to agriculture, forestry, sustainability, and other industries.
• A streamlined presentation of content (as much as 10% briefer in some chapters) focuses on the most essential concepts in the course.
• New and updated Primary Literature activities in our online platform Smartwork help students approach, read, and understand research while seeing the relevancy of microbiology in their everyday lives.