Biological Thermodynamics

Cambridge University Press 2001. Häftad, 379 sidor, 190x246 mm. 900 gram.

Nära nyskick. Språk: engelska.This inter-disciplinary guide to the thermodynamics of living organisms has been thoroughly revised and updated to provide a uniquely integrated overview of the subject. Retaining its highly readable style, it will serve as an introduction to the study of energy transformation in the life sciences and particularly as an accessible means for biology, biochemistry and bioengineering undergraduate students to acquaint themselves with the physical dimension of their subject. The emphasis throughout the text is on understanding basic concepts and developing problem-solving skills. The mathematical difficulty increases gradually by chapter, but no calculus is required. Topics covered include energy and its transformation, the First Law of Thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy, statistical thermodynamics, binding equilibria and reaction kinetics. Each chapter comprises numerous illustrative examples taken from different areas of biochemistry, as well as a broad range of exercises and references for further study.Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting book July 19, 2004
By Surviving Modern Scientist
Format:Paperback
I teach a course in thermodynamics for college students in biology, as such, I thought the book could be useful, perhaps the new textbook for my course.
Possitive things:
* you will find real thermodynamics, biology and also historical notes in the book.
* there are not too many books that blend biology and thermodynamics in forms acceptable to biologist and physicists, this one does.
* it has an interesting selection of subjects
Problems:
* most of the time it has TOO many words, for those that like concise presentations, it is a problem. There are no evident forms to distinguish essential from accesory
* there is a bias towards bio-chemistry that introduces some additional difficulties for people with other backgrounds

My recommendation to the students
Main text: Kondepudi and Prigogine. Modern Thermodynamics
(extremely clear, concise and with historical notes but little biology)
Second text: Biological Thermodynamics by Haynie

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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This book might become a classic January 9, 2002
By Karen Petrosyan
Format:Hardcover
I'm a Ph.D. student in computational modeling specializing in applications in physics and bioinformatics. My bachelor's degree is in biophysics. I have read numerous biosciences books and texbooks by leading authors. In my opinion this book is one of the best biophysics books I have ever read. I found this book accessible, which is important for students, and yet engaging. The author provides broad coverage of the subject and thoroughly explains basic concepts. For instance, the first law is covered in its own chap