Which Biology Reference Book Is Better

[calvin.ng.wh]

I'm an STPM student in Malaysia (STPM is equivalent to A Levels internationally), and I'm trying to find for a good reference book to do my assignments. Below are a few suggested by my teacher, please give me some suggestions on which is better, thank you!

1. Audesirk, T., Audesirk, G. & Bayers, B.E., Biology: Life on Earth, (6th ed), Prentice-Hall, 2002.
2. Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B., Biology, (6th ed), Benjamin Cummings, 2002.
3. Clegg, C.J. & Mackean, D.G., Advanced Biology: Principles and Applications, John Murray, 2000.
4. Green, N.P.O., Stout, G.W., & Taylor, D.J., Biological Science 1 & 2 (2nd ed), Cambridge University Press, 1990.
5. Jones, M. & Jones, G., Advanced Biology, Cambridge University Press, 1997.
6. Solomon, E., P., Berg, L.R., & Martin, D.W., Biology, (6th ed), Thomsom Learning, 2002.
7. Starr C. & Taggart R., Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, (9th ed), Von Hoffmen Press, 2000.

[calvin.ng.wh]

Guys, please give me suggestions on this matter because I need reference for my assignments and I'm really not too sure which book is better in the sense of details and information. Thank you!

[david23]

only about 2 of the books on the list on general stuff, while the rest are all more specific, which leads to the question, please give me more detail on your assignments.

[calvin.ng.wh]

My syllabus has a pretty wide coverage on biology actually... We study biology in general, so I think the 2 of the books which are on general stuff would suit me. Please let me know which 2 is it, thank you!

Thanks for your reply!

[david23]

2. Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B., Biology, (6th ed), Benjamin Cummings, 2002.

6. Solomon, E., P., Berg, L.R., & Martin, D.W., Biology, (6th ed), Thomsom Learning, 2002.

Those 2 are general meaning they wont offer too much on certain details.

[calvin.ng.wh]

That's great, thanks! Among the two of those, may I know which one would you suggest?

[david23]

The Benjamin Cummings book is currently used for the undergraduates at my school, so I am very biases with that one.

[calvin.ng.wh]

Thank you so much for your replies, david23!

However, I wouldn't mind book reviews on the abovementioned books from other people. So I could know more about these books before I purchase them because I'm sure all of you should know that these books aren't cheap.

[david23]

what class is this for? Is this a first year biology class?

[winterlain]

Check your messages. I had to pm you since I can't post URLs till I have "5 posts". o_O

I sent you some info on the campbell book.

[calvin.ng.wh]

Thank you, winterlain!

STPM is a public examination in Malaysia, it's just like A Levels internationally. So biology is just one of the subjects in the package I'm taking, and yes, it's my first year in STPM.

[david23]

In that case do you have a list of topics tested. It might be easier.