Catalog

This resource is written for an introductory or intermediate-level college genetics course. The work begins with an exploration of DNA and genome structure, including landmark experiments that contributed to our early understanding of the relationship between DNA, genes, and traits. It continues with the central dogma of molecular genetics: the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to use the information stored in DNA. It also discusses the cause and effect of mutation. The molecular processes are then linked back to classical transmission genetics experiments.

Transmission genetics, including traditional topics like multigenic inheritance, linkage, and pedigree analysis, is explored with an understanding that the relationships between genotype and phenotype depends on the molecular processes affecting gene expression. This work concludes with topics that synthesize information from both transmission and molecular genetics, including epigenetics, cancer biology, and evolution.

Science is meant to be an impartial field of study, but it is nonetheless influenced by social factors that drive which research questions are pursued and that color how results are interpreted or acted upon. In this text, the fundamental concepts of genetics are described in the context of the historical and social pressures that affect the work. Examples of how these concepts are applied in human medicine, agriculture, and ecology are also explored, along with conversations of the relationship between genetics and society.

Originally created by the ROTEL Publishing Support Team (PST) in part to present to OER Faculty authors the editorial decisions they need to consider when publishing in Pressbooks with the ROTEL Style Guide. This work was expanded to include the workflow processes, rationale, and lessons learned from the experience of the PST in publishing OERs in Pressbooks.

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies is an in-depth exploration of how communication shapes our world. This book traces the historical evolution of media, from the early days of the printing press to today’s digital age, examining key developments such as the telegraph, radio, television, and the internet. It also covers critical theories that explain media’s impact on society, including the effects of advertising, the role of public relations, and the emergence of social media as a powerful force in modern communication. Chapters on media literacy, critical thinking, and rhetorical analysis help students develop critical skills for understanding and analyzing media messages.

The Data Renaissance  is a comprehensive exploration into the pivotal role of data in shaping our contemporary society. This book, a collaborative effort with significant student involvement under expert guidance, delves into the intricate and often opaque world of data practices across various industries. With a focus on the guarded nature of these practices, as exemplified by platforms like TikTok, it offers a rare glimpse into the mechanics behind the algorithms that drive user engagement and business success.

The book is designed to function as a living document, changing and growing with every iteration of the course it is meant to accompany. With the quick advancements in the world of digital data, this dynamic method guarantees that the content is current and relevant. It is a helpful tool for teachers and students alike since it is more than just a list of facts and theories—rather, it is a guide filled with real-world knowledge and experiences.

Central to the book’s narrative is the exploration of how data is wielded and its profound implications across different disciplines. It addresses the challenges inherent in studying data practices, especially when these practices are closely guarded as proprietary secrets by corporations and businesses. The ethical ramifications of these acts are critically examined throughout the book, especially in light of contemporary digital platforms and technologies.

Further, the text takes a deep dive into the practical applications and implications of data in various domains. From the influence of data on consumer behavior and business strategies to its role in shaping public opinion and social dynamics, the book covers a broad spectrum of topics. It goes beyond mere theoretical discussion, offering practical insights and real-life examples that illustrate the pervasive impact of data on our daily lives.

In summary, anyone wishing to comprehend the intricate relationship between data, industry, and society should read this book. It is a useful tool for both individual study and classroom instruction since it provides fundamental insights that can inspire more research and conversation. By presenting a nuanced view of the digital data landscape, the book encourages readers to critically engage with the topic and consider the far-reaching implications of data in our interconnected world.

Maura Reilly defines curatorial activism as “the practice of organizing art exhibitions with the principle aim of ensuring that certain constituencies of artists are no longer ghettoized or excluded from the master narratives of art.” We can expand that definition to include not only “art” but also “cultural heritage” more broadly. When first-year writing students engage in curatorial activism, they directly address marginalization and related issues, giving them an opportunity to explore not only the heritage of these issues but their own stances, experiences, and beliefs while also delving into curation and exhibit-making. More importantly, this approach emphasizes how writing can address those issues and seek to rectify exclusions from cultural heritage spaces. Students can begin to understand the impact that their writing can have on others and what they can convey when they write both effectively and passionately.

This textbook, Heritages of Change: Curatorial Activism and First-Year Writing, includes principles of writing and information literacy through the lenses of curatorial activism, cultural heritage, and curation/exhibition. Heritage topics that students are introduced to include (but are not limited to): anti-racism, #MeToo, indigenous peoples, women/gender/LGBTQIA+, climate change, etc. They gain a broader understanding of cultural heritage and heritages of change, particularly disability heritage, in general in order to apply the concepts through their writing. This textbook presents these topics, but more specifically how to communicate about and research them.

This text is an accessible interactive workbook designed for future teachers with material on algebra, patterns, functions and statistics as they relate to elementary and middle school mathematics and beyond. It aims to use a universal language with clarity of expression that is reader friendly for all.  It includes word problems and activities (in various formats) that strive to be relevant to a variety of cultures and genders.  Mathematical concepts are defined in multiple ways and extra explanations and scaffolding are included. A variety of examples and activities are incorporated to accommodate different learning types.  The text includes corresponding mathematics standards from both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework which is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

This lab manual introduces students to Human Anatomy and Physiology concepts.
The laboratory exercises contain applied activities and experiments to help students visualize anatomical structures and relate them to specific functions and the complex physiological events that allow us to maintain homeostasis.

Biological psychology is the study of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes. It explores how biological factors like genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain structures influence psychological components like thoughts, emotions, memories, and actions. This free and open textbook provides a wide ranging and up-to-date introduction to the main topics and methods of biological psychology. It starts by covering foundations of biological psychology (brain anatomy, neurons, research methods), continues to higher-level topics that link biology and psychology (how drugs and hormones affect the brain and behavior; brain development; genetics; and emotions) and concludes with neural and behavioral differences associated with brain damage, neurological diseases, and psychological disorders.

The authors of this book adapted homework problems to improve accessibility and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the introductory statistics course they teach at Fitchburg State University. The purpose of this book is to share these updated problems with other instructors. The problems originated on WeBWorK, an open-source online homework platform in which students answer questions in an interactive manner. We have incorporated the updated problems into our existing problem sets on WeBWorK, which can be used as a companion to the OpenStax textbook Introductory Statistics by Barbara Illowsky and Susan Dean or any other textbook for a semester-long introductory statistics course. For a fuller experience for you and your students, we encourage you to contact us for help accessing the problem sets on WeBWorK. On that platform, students will engage more fully with the questions, and a slightly different version of the same problem will be generated for each student.

The Art of Music: Music Appreciation with an Equity Lens is a comprehensive music appreciation textbook with musical and cultural examples from medieval to present times. The text, photographs and musical examples represent populations typically underserved in professional music. Women, minorities, and practitioners from the music’s areas of origin are highlighted in each chapter. The text can be used in its entirety, or by choosing specific time periods or chapters.