[Edens Library Home]

Edens Library Resources
for Biology



For related Edens Library resource guides...
Return to the Resource Guides page

Selected Reference Books

Great for statistics, definitions, a general overview of the topic...

  • Biology (General)
  • Botany
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Zoology
    		•
    Top of Page
    Biology (General)
  • Biochemistry: The Chemical Reactions of Living Cells
    		•  Ref QH 345 M39 2001
  • Concise Encyclopedia: Biology
    		•  Ref QH 302.5 A2313 1996
  • Encyclopedia of Bioethics
    		• Ref QH 332 E52 1995 (v.1-5)
  • Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs
    		•  Ref QE 862 D5 E53 1997
  • Encyclopedia of Evolution
    		•  Ref QH 360.2 E54 2002 (v.1-2)
  • Encyclopedia of Genetics
    		•  Ref QH 427 E5 2002 (v.1-4)
  • Encyclopedia of the Scientific Revolution:
    From Copernicus to Newton
    		•  Ref Q 125 E53 2000
  • History of Modern Science and Mathematics
    		•  Ref Q 125 H6298 2002 (v.1-4)
  • Life on Earth: An Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution
    		•  Ref QH 541.15 B56 L54 2002 (v.1-2)
  • McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Life Sciences
    		•  Ref QH 302.5 M3
  • Nature Encyclopedia
    		•  Ref QH 13 N38 2001
  • Notable Women in the Life Sciences: A Biographical Dictionary
    		•  Ref QH 26 .N68 1996
  • The Ocean World of Jacques Cousteau
    		• Ref QH 91.15 .C658 1985 (v.1-20)
  • Oxford Dictionary of Biology
    		•  Ref QH 302.5 D5 2000
  • The Oxford Dictionary of Natural History
    		•  Ref QH 13 .O9 1985
  • Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences
    		•  Ready Ref L 901 P444
  • Using the Biological Literature: A Practical Guide
    		•  Ref QH 303.6 D38 1995
    Top of Page | Top of Reference Books

    Botany
  • Dictionary of Plant Names
    		•  Ref QK 9 .C685 1985
  • Flora of North America
    		• Ref QK 110 F55 1993 (v.1-3)
  • The Marshall Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia of Plants and Earth Sciences
    		• Ref QK 7 .M37 1988 (v.1-10)
  • The Plant-Book
    		•  Ref QK 11 .M29 1987
  • Wild Flowers of the United States
    		•  Ref QK 115 R5 (v.1 pt.1- v.6 pt.3))
    Top of Page | Top of Reference Books

    Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
    		•  Ref R 121 A53 1995
  • Atlas of Human Anatomy
    		•  Ref QM 25 N46 1989
  • The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Information Source Book
    		•  Ref R 733 C65285 2001
  • CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition
    		•  Ref QP 141 B523 1998
  • Dictionary of Biochemistry
    		•  Ref QP 512 S73
  • Dictionary of Syndromes and Inherited Disorders
    		• Ref RC 69 G55 2000
  • Dictionary of Speech & Hearing, Anatomy & Physiology
    		•  Ref QP 306 B77
  • Encyclopedia of Aging
    		•  Ref HQ 1061 E534 2002 (v.1-4)
  • Encyclopedia of Human Biology
    		• Ref QP 11 E53 1991 (v.1-8)
  • The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders
    		•  Ref RC 552 E18 C37 2000
  • Encyclopedia of Sex
    		•  Ref HQ 9 E54 2000
  • Gray's Anatomy
    		•  Ref QM 23.2 G73 1973
  • Handbook of Sexuality-Related Measures
    		•  Ref HQ 60 H36 1998
  • The Human Body
    		•  Ref QP 38 H7933 1995
  • The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality
    		•  Ref HQ 21 I68 1997 (v.1-4)
  • Melloni's Illustrated Medical Dictionary
    		•  Ref R 121 D76 2002
  • The Oxford Companion to the Body
    		• Ref QM 7 O96 2001
  • Rand McNally Atlas of the Body and Mind
    		•  Ref QP 38 R33
    Top of Page | Top of Reference Books

    Microbiology
  • Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology
    		• Ref QR 81 B46 1984 (v.1-4)
  • Dictionary of Microbiology
    		•  Ref QR 9 S56
    Top of Page | Top of Reference Books

    Zoology
  • American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico
    		•  Ref QL 474 A76 1985
  • The Butterflies of North America
    		•  Ref QL 548 S38 1986
  • A Dictionary of Ethology
    		•  Ref QL 750.3 I4513 1989
  • Encyclopedia of Animal Life (The Audubon Society)
    		•  Ref QL 7 A88 1982
  • The Encyclopedia of Aquatic Life
    		•  Ref QL 120 E53 1985
  • The Encyclopedia of Birds
    		•  Ref QL 673 E53 1985
  • Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals
    		•  Ref QL 713.2 E53 2002
  • The Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians
    		•  Ref QL 641 H35 1986
  • Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals
    		•  Ref QL 701 .G7913 1989 (v.1-5)
  • Guide to Marine Mammals of the World
    		•  Ref QL 713.2 N37 2002
  • International Wildlife Encyclopedia
    		• Ref QL 3 M35 1990 (v.1-25)
  • The Invertebrates: An Illustrated Glossary
    		•  Ref QL 362 S82 1991
  • Walker's Mammals of the World
    		• Ref QL 703 W222 1999 (v.1-2)

    Top of Page | Top of Reference Books

    Suggested Subject Headings and Location of Books in Our Library

    Search the Library Catalog by keyword, subject, title, or author. Edens Library offers books and other materials on a variety of Biology subjects, including:
    Adaptation (Biology)
    Anatomy
    Biochemistry
    Biological diversity
    Biology
    Biology, Experimental
    Biophysics
    Botany
    Cytology    		 Ecology
    Evolution
    Genetics
    Histology
    Human anatomy
    Human biology
    Human genetics
    Immunology
    Life sciences    		 Microbiology
    Molecular biology
    Natural history
    Parasitology
    Physiology
    Scientific methodology
    Taxonomy
    Vertebrates
    Zoology

    ...Or, you can browse the following sections in the library's General Collection and Reference areas:
    Q -- Science (General)
    QH -- Natural History, Biology
    QK -- Botany
    QL -- Zoology
    QM -- Human Anatomy
    QP -- Physiology
    QR -- Microbiology
    R - RZ -- Various Topics in Medicine

    Top of Page

    Databases for Research

    Take me to the Health & Sciences Databases page.


    *For additional databases, see the Databases for Research page.

    Top of Page

    Periodicals (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers)

    The following periodicals, held by Edens Library, are excellent resources for exploring current topics in Biology. Check the Library Catalog for holdings.

    American Journal of Botany
    American Scientist
    Audubon
    Discover
    Journal of Cell Biology
    Natural History     		New Scientist
    Science
    Science News
    Scientific American
    South Carolina Wildlife
    *Bold indicates journal publishes primary material.
    *All titles are indexed by Expanded Academic ASAP (except South Carolina Wildlife).


    Top of Page

    Recommended Internet Sites for Biology

  • Biology (General)
  • Specialized Biology Resources
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Zoology
    		•
  • Botany - General
    		•
    Top of Page | Return to the Sites by Subject index
    Biology (General)
    Biodiversity Hotspots
    Biodiversity Hotspots is sponsored by Conservation International, a U.S.-based, non-profit, international organization. BH "...focuses on 25 critically threatened ecosystems, or hotspots. The intention is to categorize and prioritize areas on all continents where biodiversity is at greatest risk and provide information about them for the purposes of planning and decision-making. For each of the hotspots, there is information about threatened and endangered plant and vertebrate species from the World Conservation Union Red List, along with an ecosystem description, commentary about unique biodiversity and human impacts, details about conservation action, related links, a bibliography for further reading, and an outline map." B.L. Shepherd
    Encyclopedia of Life
    "The EOL dynamically synthesizes biodiversity knowledge about all known species, including their taxonomy, geographic distribution, collections, genetics, evolutionary history, morphology, behavior, ecological relationships, and importance for human well being, and distribute this information through the Internet. It serves as a primary resource for a wide audience that includes scientists, natural resource managers, conservationists, teachers, and students around the world. We believe that the EOL's encompassing scope and innovation will have a major global impact in facilitating biodiversity research, conservation, and education."
    Kimball's Biology Pages
    "The pages represent an online biology textbook."
    Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University
    Science.gov
    "Science.gov provides wide public access and a unified search of the government’s vast stores of scientific and technical information. Science.gov is an interagency initiative of 16 U.S. government science organizations within 12 Federal agencies."
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    Specialized Biology Resources
    MedWeb
    "MedWeb is a catalog of biomedical and health related web sites maintained by the staff of the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library at Emory University. MedWeb's primary audience is the academic and research community at Emory. . . . We are emphasizing Emory's educational and research programs as well as developing a carefully selected collection of sites of interest to the general public."
    Resources of Scholarly Societies: Biology (Scholarly Societies Project)
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    Human Anatomy & Physiology
    Genes and Disease (National Center for Biotechnology Information - NCBI)
    "Genes and Disease is a collection of articles that discuss genes and the diseases that they cause. These genetic disorders are organized by the parts of the body that they affect. As some diseases affect various body systems, they appear in more than one chapter. . . . With each genetic disorder, the underlying mutation(s) is discussed, along with clinical features and links to key websites. You can browse through the articles online, and you can also download a printable file (PDF) of each chapter. . . .
    From Genes and Disease you can delve into many online related resources with free and full access. For example, you can visit the human genome to see the location of the genes implicated in each disorder. You can also find related gene sequences in different organisms. And for the very latest information, you can search for complete research articles, and look in other books in the NCBI Bookshelf. . . . Currently over 80 genetic disorders have been summarized, and the content of Genes and Disease is continually growing."
    The Heart: An Online Exploration (The Franklin Institute Science Museum Online)
    "Explore the heart. Discover the complexities of its development and structure. Follow the blood through the blood vessels. Wander through the weblike body systems. Learn how to have a healthy heart and how to monitor your heart's health. Look back at the history of heart science. Soon, your fascination and curiosity may lead to understanding and respect. . . . To learn more about the heart, try taking a look at some recommended resource materials, enrichment activities, and a brief glossary."
    Human Genome Resources (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
    "A challenge facing researchers today is that of piecing together and analyzing the plethora of data currently being generated through the Human Genome Project and scores of smaller projects. NCBI's Web site serves an an integrated, one-stop, genomic information infrastructure for biomedical researchers from around the world so that they may use these data in their research efforts."
    Seeing, Hearing, and Smelling the World (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)
    "New findings help scientists make sense of our senses"
    The Whole Brain Atlas (Harvard Medical Web)
    "The Atlas is intended as an introduction to basic neuroanatomy, with emphasis on the pathoanatomy of several leading central nervous system diseases. While attempting to present a range of brain abnormalities, we have not attempted to survey the entire extent of brain disease; the reader should seek this type of information in a comprehensive textbook of neuroimaging. We hope in future additions to include the parkinsonian syndromes, epilepsy, and samples of neuropsychiatric syndromes, among other conditions."
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    Genetics
    Bioscience at Berkeley, Biotechnology in the Bay Area: Selections From an Exhibit in the Bancroft Library
    "This exhibit includes information on the development of recombinant DNA (making it "possible to recombine and clone DNA"); profiles of University of California bioscientists Karl Meyer, Melvin Calvin, Wendell Stanley, and Gunther Stent; information on the emerging biotechnology industry; and excerpts from "The Cartoon Guide to Genetics: A Soft Approach to Hard Science" by Larry Gonick and Mark Wheelis. Features photographs, images of texts, and other ephemera. From the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley."
    Encyclopedia of Life
    "The EOL dynamically synthesizes biodiversity knowledge about all known species, including their taxonomy, geographic distribution, collections, genetics, evolutionary history, morphology, behavior, ecological relationships, and importance for human well being, and distribute this information through the Internet. It serves as a primary resource for a wide audience that includes scientists, natural resource managers, conservationists, teachers, and students around the world. We believe that the EOL's encompassing scope and innovation will have a major global impact in facilitating biodiversity research, conservation, and education."
    Genetics & Public Policy Center
    "The Genetics and Public Policy Center has been established to be an independent and objective source of credible information on genetic technologies and genetic policies for the public, media and policymakers. "
    Genome News Network (GNN)
    "This online magazine "covers important developments in genomics research around the world." Has "feature stories about human medicine, agriculture, microbes, and biotechnology, among other current topics," as well as book reviews, and an art gallery. Special features include a basic introduction to genomes, a genetics and genomics timeline, and stem cell policy news. Articles browsable back to 2000."
    Harvest of Fear
    "Companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) NOVA/Frontline program that explores "the intensifying debate over genetically-modified (gm) food crops. Interviewing scientists, farmers, biotech and food industry representatives, government regulators, and critics of biotechnology, the ... [report] presents both sides of the debate." The site features interview transcripts, a video clip, a show transcript, comments from the public, interactive learning activities, and a teacher's guide."
    Human Genome Project Information
    "This searchable site provides information and history for this project which will "identify all the 100,000 genes in human DNA." The project and this Web site also address related issues including cloning, genetic testing, medical applications, and ethnical, legal, and social issues. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health."
    International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)
    "The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) is a not-for-profit organization that delivers the benefits of new agricultural biotechnologies to the poor in developing countries. It aims to share these powerful technologies to those who stand to benefit from them and at the same time establish an enabling environment for their safe use."
    Life's Greatest Miracle
    "The site is a companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) NOVA program that uses microimagery "to track human development from embryo to newborn." The site features the full program (which describes DNA and fetal development from conception through birth), a pregnant mother's journal, and information about prenatal testing, stem cell technology, cell division (meiosis and mitosis), and how sex is determined. Also includes links to resources and a teacher's guide."
    The Stem Cell Debate
    "This special presentation from CNN covers the pros and cons of the stem cell debate from the ethical, political, and scientific points of view. An animated explanation is presented on how stem cells are harvested. Evidence of promises of treating neurological diseases is offered by researchers."
    Stem Cell Information: The National Institute of Health
    "The official National Institutes of Health resource for stem cell research."
    Stem Cell Research Foundation
    "This organization focuses on stem cell therapy, which "can be defined as a part of a group of new techniques, or technologies that rely on replacing diseased or dysfunctional cells with healthy, functioning ones." The site provides information on the latest science and medicine news, clinical trials, and research opportunities. Free e-mail updates are available."
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    Zoology
    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
    "The mission of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. . . .
    Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere. We provide national programming and leadership in humane education, public awareness, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, animal medical services, and animal placement. Our New York City headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, behavior therapy center, adoption facility, and Humane Law Enforcement Department. The ASPCA is a privately funded 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation."
    Bird Conservation (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - EPA)
    "By working to safeguard the natural environment--air, water, and land--EPA is an important partner in efforts to conserve birds. Through activities such as wetlands protection, coastal management, protection of aquatic resources, regulation of pesticides, and international leadership in environmental protection, EPA programs contribute to bird conservation. EPA also participates in several public/private bird conservation partnerships to help strengthen the ties between these efforts and EPA programs, and to contribute EPA's support and technical assistance to these bird conservation initiatives."
    Encyclopedia of Life
    "The EOL dynamically synthesizes biodiversity knowledge about all known species, including their taxonomy, geographic distribution, collections, genetics, evolutionary history, morphology, behavior, ecological relationships, and importance for human well being, and distribute this information through the Internet. It serves as a primary resource for a wide audience that includes scientists, natural resource managers, conservationists, teachers, and students around the world. We believe that the EOL's encompassing scope and innovation will have a major global impact in facilitating biodiversity research, conservation, and education."
    National Audubon Society Online
    "Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. . . . Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences."
    South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston, SC)
    "The South Carolina Aquarium is a self-supporting educational institution dedicated to excellence in its display and interpretation of the aquatic environments of South Carolina. The South Carolina Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for and fosters conservation of those environments for future generations."
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    Botany — General
    Botanical Society of America (BSA)
    "The Botanical Society of America (BSA) is a 'not-for-profit' membership society that exists to promote botany, the field of basic science dealing with the study and inquiry into the form, function, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants and their interactions within the biosphere. To accomplish this mission, the objectives of The Society are to: sustain and provide improved formal and informal education about plants; encourage basic plant research; provide expertise, direction, and position statements concerning plants and ecosystems; and foster communication within the professional botanical community, and between botanists and the rest of humankind through publications, meetings, and committees."
    The New York Botanical Garden
    "The New York Botanical Garden is one of the world's great collections of plants, the region's leading educational center about gardening and horticulture, and an international center for plant research. The Garden is a museum of plants alive with discovery, from the landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory offering an ecotour of the world under glass, to the innovative Everett Children's Adventure Garden where children explore nature and plant science, to 48 magnificent gardens and plant collections on a 250-acre historic site."
    Encyclopedia of Life
    "The EOL dynamically synthesizes biodiversity knowledge about all known species, including their taxonomy, geographic distribution, collections, genetics, evolutionary history, morphology, behavior, ecological relationships, and importance for human well being, and distribute this information through the Internet. It serves as a primary resource for a wide audience that includes scientists, natural resource managers, conservationists, teachers, and students around the world. We believe that the EOL's encompassing scope and innovation will have a major global impact in facilitating biodiversity research, conservation, and education."
    PlantFacts (Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University)
    PlantFacts has merged several digital collections developed at Ohio State University to become an international knowledge bank and multimedia learning center. . . .
    -Web - Internet search engine - Most concentrated search engine dealing strictly with plants. Over 260,000 pages of information from every land-grant university in the U.S. and several government institutions across Canada. Also includes academic information about college degree programs, requirements, scholarships, career opportunties, research projects, and online courses.
    -Images - (formerly Plant Dictionary) - A searchable database of high quality images featuring Ornamental plants, Turf, Plant Diseases, and Insects.
    -Videos - Collection of 200 short gardening how-to videos, ranging from tips on basic landscaping to lessons on deadheading roses. Hosted by Tom McNutt, gardening expert for NBC4 in Columbus.
    -FAQ's - Illustrated answers to over 600 commonly asked Gardening Questions, ranging from when to plant annuals to watering large shade trees.
    -Glossary - Illustrated definitions of commonly used horticultural terms.
    The United States National Arboretum
    "Mission: To conduct research, provide education, and conserve and display trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants to enhance the environment. . . . Research: Wide-ranging basic and developmental research on trees, shrubs, turf and floral plants. Development of new technologies for the florist and nursery industries. Plants with superior characteristics through a program of testing and genetic improvement. Development of plants with superior characteristics through a program of testing and genetic improvement. Development of new methods of pest and disease detection and control. Taxonomy and nomenclature of ornamental plants and their wild relatives. Collection and preservation of plant germplasm with ornamental potential."
    Top of Page | Top of Internet Sites

    *NOTE: The date at the end of each "Recommended Internet Sites" entry indicates when the entry was added or modified.

    Return to the Sites by Subject index
    Return to the Resource Guides page
    Page last modified by Sarah Hood
    Date: 3/24/08
    [Columbia College]
    [Edens Library, Columbia South Carolina]