This book is based on a one-semester course for advanced undergraduates specializing in physical chemistry. I am aware that the mathematical training of most science majors is more heavily weighted towards analysis - typ- ally calculus and differential equations - than towards algebra. But it remains my conviction that the basic ideas and applications of group theory are not only vital, but not dif?cult to learn, even though a formal mathematical setting with emphasis on rigor and completeness is not the place where most chemists would feel most comfortable in learning them. The presentation here is short, and limited to those aspects of symmetry and group theory that are directly useful in interpreting molecular structure and spectroscopy. Nevertheless I hope that the reader will begin to sense some of the beauty of the subject. Symmetry is at the heart of our understanding of the physical laws of nature. If a reader is happy with what appears in this book, I must count this a success. But if the book motivates a reader to move deeper into the subject, I shall be grati?ed.

This book is based on a one-semester course for advanced undergraduates specializing in physical chemistry. I am aware that the mathematical training of most science majors is more heavily weighted towards analysis - typ- ally calculus and differential equations - than towards algebra. But it remains my conviction that the basic ideas and applications of group theory are not only vital, but not dif?cult to learn, even though a formal mathematical setting with emphasis on rigor and completeness is not the place where most chemists would feel most comfortable in learning them. The presentation here is short, and limited to those aspects of symmetry and group theory that are directly useful in interpreting molecular structure and spectroscopy. Nevertheless I hope that the reader will begin to sense some of the beauty of the subject. Symmetry is at the heart of our understanding of the physical laws of nature. If a reader is happy with what appears in this book, I must count this a success. But if the book motivates a reader to move deeper into the subject, I shall be grati?ed.

Our genome is the blueprint to our existence: it encodes all the information we need to develop from a single cell into a hugely complicated functional organism. But it is more than a static information store: our genome is a dynamic, tightly-regulated collection of genes, which switch on and off in many combinations to give the variety of cells from which our bodies are formed. But how do we identify the genes that make up our genome? How do we determine their function? And how do different genes form the regulatory networks that direct the processes of life? Introduction to Genomics is a fascinating insight into what can be revealed from the study of genomes: how organisms differ or match; how different organisms evolved; how the genome is constructed and how it operates; and what our understanding of genomics means in terms of our future health and wellbeing. Covering the latest techniques that enable us to study the genome in ever-increasing detail, the book explores what the genome tells us about life at the level of the molecule, the cell, and the organism. Learning features throughout make this book the ideal teaching and learning tool: extensive end of chapter exercises and problems help the student to fully grasp the concepts being presented, while end of chapter weblems (web-based problems) and lab assignments give the student the opportunity to engage with the subject in a hands-on manner. The field of genomics is enabling us to analyze life in more detail than ever before; Introduction to Genomics is the perfect guide to this enthralling subject. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompany Introduction to Genomics features For lecturers: Figures from the book in electronic format For students: Answers to end-of-chapter exercises Guided tour of web sites in genomics Hints to end-of-chapter problems Rotating figures

Over the last century, the centrality of proteins to life on earth has become increasingly clear - from forming enzymes acting as catalysts for specific reactions, to crucial molecules such as antibodies in the immune system, and as signalling molecules between cells. In fact, the more they are studied, the more proteins continue to reveal new and exciting functions. Indeed, by studying amino acid sequences and protein structures it is even possible to unravel some of the mysteries of evolution itself. Introduction to Protein Science, 3rd edition provides a rich and broad introduction to this fascinating field by covering not only the structure and function of proteins, but also the methods and experimental techniques used to study them. The practical applications of our knowledge to diverse fields such as biotechnology and medicine are emphasized throughout, to help students appreciate the relevance of the subject to the real world. Active learning is encouraged by the provision of frequent exercises and problems, with further 'weblems' - web-based problems - on the Online Resource Centre. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompany Introduction to Protein Science features: For students: *Answers to end-of-chapter exercises, and hints to end-of-chapter problems, so students can check their understanding. *Rotating structures from the book to help students visualize proteins in 3D. *Web-based problems for students to complete online. For registered adopters: *Figures from the book in electronic format, ready to download

Our genome is the blueprint for our existence: it encodes all the information we need to develop from a single cell into a hugely complicated functional organism. Yet it is more than a static information store: our genome is a dynamic, tightly-regulated collection of genes, which switch on and off in many combinations to give the variety of cells from which our bodies are formed. But how do we identify the genes that make up our genome? How do we determine their function? And how do different genes form the regulatory networks that direct the processes of life? Introduction to Genomics is the most up-to-date and complete textbook for students approaching the subject for the first time. Lesk's engaging writing style brings a narrative to a disparate field of study and offers a fascinating insight into what can be revealed from the study of genomes. The book covers: the similarities and differences between organisms; how different organisms evolved; how the genome is constructed and how it operates; and what our understanding of genomics means in terms of our future health and wellbeing. The Online Resource Centre accompanying Introduction to Genomics features: For students: - Extensive and imaginative weblems (web-based problems) for each chapter designed to give you practice with the tools required for further study and research in the field - Hints and answers to end-of-chapter problems and exercises support your self-directed learning - Guided tour of websites and major archival databanks in genomics offer a wealth of resources to springboard your own research - Journal club: links to related research articles on topics covered in the book are paired with engaging questions to improve your interpretation of the primary literature - Rotating figures allow you to visualize complex structures For registered adopters: - Downloadable figures from the book.