Developmental Biology

The book has a new phenotype, which should make it easier to customize one's developmental biology course to the needs and interests of today's students. Michael Barresi brings his creativity and expertise as a teacher and as an artist of computer-mediated learning to the book, integrating the print with electronic interviews, videos, and tutorials. He also brings to the book new ideas in education, such that there are shorter chapters, more websites, and alternative ways of teaching animal development. There is also more emphasis on stem cells, which are brought to the front of the book; sex determination and gametogenesis, instead of being near the end of the volume, are now up front, as well.

There are several new modes of teaching that the new Gilbert and Barresi textbook now makes accessible. The videos explaining development—as well as Mary Tyler's laboratory manual and Vade Mecum—are fully integrated into the book, and several other valuable new elements have been added:

Opening Question and Photo: Inviting the student into the text and engaging curiosity, each chapter begins with a photograph and short question that will be revisited throughout the chapter and in a summary paragraph at the end.
The Punchline: More than a chapter outline, this opening paragraph provides the student with a quick overview of the big principles that will be exemplified in the chapter.
Dev Tutorials: A teacher you can take with you, each chapter will be accompanied by a professionally produced video tutorial by the authors that reinforce the key concepts. Each video is also supplemented with an in-class case study activity.
Watch Developments: Putting concepts into action, these informative videos show real-life developmental biology processes.
Developing Questions: Building on topics explained in the text, these questions provide students an entryway for independent research in emerging areas and empower them to engage in class discussion.
Scientists Speak: In these online resources and interviews, leading researchers discuss foundational and emerging topics in developmental biology.
Web Topics: These links provide additional information on historical, philosophical, and ethical perspectives on issues in developmental biology, as well as cutting edge enrichment topics.
Snapshot Summary: This closing feature provides a step-by-step breakdown of the chapter text.
Closing Thoughts on the Opening Photo: Coming full circle, this feature relates chapter concepts back to the Opening Question and Photo.