Author: C.J Clegg
Publisher: Hodder Education
Published: 2007
Pages: 436 (+PDF files on disc)
ISBN: 034092652X
My Review
This is the my favourite Biology book which I have come across so far. There is masses of information that is all very useful and easy enough to understand (Prior explanation is required for more advanced content). Diagrams in the book are also very helpful for helping to explain some trickier things like The Krebs Cycle. I would recommend this book to all Biology Students, both at Standard Level and Higher Level.
The book is usually around £25-£30 from Amazon in the UK and $60 from Amazon in the USA, deppending on whether you want it new or used. Although expensive, this is a good price considering the content you get. It doesn’t seem to be for sale in many places, and can only be bought second hand at a reasonable price. The one thing that lets the book down is the fact that the Options are on a CD! This means you will be doing alot of printing when you come round to it! (Unless you have a laptop to view them on in class)
Pros
Fantastic content
Good diagrams and colourful images
Easy to understand
Includes past IB exam questions
Cons
Additional ‘Options’ are only available as PDF on disc
Similar Textbooks:
- IB Diploma Programme: Biology Course Companion – Andrew Allott & David Mindorff
- Biology for the IB Diploma: Study Guide – Andrew Allott
- Biology Standard Level (Heinemann Baccalaureate)(Pearson Baccalaureate) – Alan Damon, Randy McGonegal, Patricia Tosto & William Ward
- Biology Higher Level (Heinemann Baccalaureate)(Pearson Baccalaureate) – Alan Damon, William Ward, Patricia Tosto & Randy McGonegal (Update!)
#1 by Richard on February 16, 2009 - 2:52 pm
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My teacher first recommended me this book when I started my second year of IB. At first I was skeptical because I was using the Course Companion by Andrew Allott. In comparison, this book is amazing. I love the pictures that explain the processes and parts of what we need to know.
I was annoyed about the extra content being on CD, but if there wasn’t the Cd the book would be massive. It already really thick!
The price! WOAH! I was amazed at how expensive this book is compared to others available. I paid £16 on Amazon because it was slightly damaged (a crease on the front cover…). I think they sell for about £25-£30 depending on whether you want it new or used. Don’t be put off by the price, I would pay £50 + for this book, I feel it’s going to help me get at least a 6!
#2 by Cindy on March 17, 2009 - 9:45 pm
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omg! Biology is so hard! I really hate it! I have this book, it helps me alot, but i still find it hard, i understand things alot more if i read the stuff in the book after the teacher has explained it. I don’t like science, but i suppose this makes it alright
#3 by Amy on March 4, 2010 - 6:30 pm
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Biology for the IB diploma by CJ Clegg
One word sums my opinion abou this book- AWESOME!
I currently own this one and the course companion by Andrew Allot and I have to say this book is so much better.
The first thing I like about this book is that the diagrams are in colour. Also, electronmicrographs of several images are included as well. This is especially useful in preparing for exam questions, since I have encountered several past paper questions asking the students to draw or identify an electronmicrograph image of a structre (e.g. muscle).
Secondly, when explaining a process, the book gives both a flow diagram of the process and sentence descriptions. I find that this enchances my understanding of everything so much more. Not to mention how detailed, explicit and clear everything is explained. If you’re someone who studies by memorising everything almost word by word (like me), you need good content to memorise.
Thirdly, having a limited space and only two arms to carry minimum 2 books to carry for each subject, I find it helpful that the options section of this book is in a CD. Yes, it is a lot of printing but I find this better than carrying around all the sections, only two of which I really need.
Overally, I’m super happy with this book, although it is a bit pricey. It is truly unfortunate that the chemistry book from the same publisher is going to be purblished on the 30th of April, since by the time it arrives I would have finished my chemistry exam.
Overall- 5 out of 5
Price- 3 out of 5
Content- 5 out of 5
Image- 5 out of 5
#4 by George on March 4, 2010 - 7:50 pm
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Wow, thanks for some amazing reviews Amy! I think maybe you could take over my job! Your reviews are perfect