New book: The Science of Nutrition

Posted on by Marc Drumm
Fruits and vegetables

The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our 22nd free and open eTextbook: The Science of Nutrition, by Dr. Heather Lehman, Associate Professor of Biology at Millersville University.

“The Science of Nutrition offers a clear and engaging introduction to the fundamental principles of nutrition. This textbook bridges evidence-based research with practical application, making it ideal for both nutrition or science majors and non-majors. Students will explore how nutrition is studied, how dietary recommendations are developed, and why these guidelines matter for health.

The book covers the full spectrum of nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals — detailing how they are used, their roles in the body, food sources, and consequences of deficiency or excess. It also examines hydration, physical activity, and the major food groups as they relate to overall wellness. This information empowers students to make informed decisions about what they eat and why.

Whether students are planning a career in health or simply want to understand how nutrition impacts their daily lives, this book provides a solid foundation for lifelong healthy choices.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Virology Lab Exercises for Undergraduates

Posted on by Marc Drumm
T-even phage structure with a visualization of a virus and curved DNA double helix in the background

The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our 21st free and open eTextbook: Virology Lab Exercises for Undergraduates by Dr. Eric Ryndock, Associate Professor of Biology at Millersville University.

“This laboratory manual presents a novel series of undergraduate-friendly experiments designed to provide students with a safe, accessible, and comprehensive introduction to virology. The manual is intended for students who already possess foundational knowledge in cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology, and it emphasizes hands-on learning through diverse experimental approaches. Unlike many existing virology laboratory manuals that depend on costly infrastructure such as mammalian cell culture facilities or focus narrowly on a single viral system, this manual was developed specifically for primary undergraduate teaching institutions. The experiments utilize readily available equipment while exposing students to representative viruses that infect bacteria, plants, and animals. Through these investigations, students gain practical experience with modern virological techniques and develop transferable, employable skills relevant to biotechnology, research, and related industries. Collectively, the laboratory exercises aim to strengthen conceptual understanding of viral biology, promote technical competency, and inspire student curiosity about viruses as dynamic and influential biological entities.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.