Microbiology: A Systems Approach is a microbiology text for non-science/allied health majors with a body systems approach to the disease chapters. It is known for its engaging writing style, instructional art program and focus on active learning. Its unique organization in the disease chapters presents students with information in the way they would encounter it in a clinical setting, instead of separating disease information by taxonomy. The proven successful digital program including Connect, LearnSmart and SmartBook gives students access to one of the most effective and successful adaptive learning resources available on the market today.

Author Biography

Kelly Cowan started teaching microbiology at Miami University in 1993. Her specialty is teaching microbiology for pre-nursing/allied health students at the universitys Middletown campus. After working as a dental hygienist, she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Louisville and later worked at the University of Marylands Center of Marine Biotechnology and the University of Groningen in The Netherlands. Kelly has published (with her students) 24 research articles stemming from her work on bacterial adhesion mechanisms and plant-derived antimicrobial compounds. But her first love is teachingboth doing it and studying how to do it better. She is past chair of the Undergraduate Education Committee of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Her current research focuses on the student achievement gap associated with economic disparities, as well as literacy in the science classroom. In her spare time, Kelly hikes, reads, and still tries to (s)mother her three grown kids.