LibGuides: Zero Textbook Cost: Biotechnology & Environmental Science

Textbooks

Biotechnology edited by Dr. Deniz Ekinci (2015): IntechOpen

Over the recent years, biotechnology has become responsible for explaining interactions of biological tools and processes so that many scientists in the life sciences from agronomy to medicine are engaged in biotechnological research. This book contains an overview focusing on the research area of molecular biology, molecular aspects of biotechnology, synthetic biology and agricultural applications in relevant approaches. The book deals with basic issues and some of the recent developments in biotechnological applications. Particular emphasis is devoted to both theoretical and experimental aspect of modern biotechnology.

IntechOpen

Environmental Biotechnology edited by Marian Petre (2013): IntechOpen

Taking into consideration the outstanding importance of studying and applying the biological means to remove or mitigate the harmful effects of global pollution on the natural environment, as direct consequences of quantitative expansion and qualitative diversification of persistent and hazardous contaminants, the present book provides useful information regarding New Approaches and Prospective Applications in Environmental Biotechnology. This volume contains twelve chapters divided in the following three parts: biotechnology for conversion of organic wastes, biodegradation of hazardous contaminants and, finally, biotechnological procedures for environmental protection.

IntechOpen

E nvironmental Biology by Matthew R. Fisher: Open Oregon Educational Resources

This open textbook covers the most salient environmental issues, from a biological perspective. The text is designed for an introductory-level college science course. Topics include the fundamentals of ecology, biodiversity, pollution, climate change, food production, and human population growth.

OER Commons

Introduction to Environmental Science 2nd Edition: by Caralyn Zehnder (2017): University System of Georgia

This course uses the basic principles of biology and earth science as a context for understanding environmental policies and resource management practices. Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, from oil spills to global climate change. In ENSC 1000, you will learn about the science behind these problems; preparing you to make an informed, invaluable contribution to Earth’s future.

Open ALG

Courses

Harnessing the Biosphere: Natural Products and Biotechnology (MIT)
What do the organisms of the biosphere, specifically microorganisms, have to offer to biotechnological endeavors? In this course we will focus on the production of biomolecules using microbial systems. We will discuss potential growth substrates (such as agricultural waste and carbon dioxide) that can be used and learn about both established and cutting-edge manipulation techniques in the field of synthetic biology. We will also cover the production of biofuels, bioplastics, amino acids (e.g. lysine), food additives (e.g. monosodium glutamate, MSG), specialty chemicals (e.g. succinate), and biopharmaceuticals (e.g. plasmids for gene therapy).
Licenses and attribution: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Biotechnology (The Saylor Foundation)
This course will introduce the student to the major concepts of biotechnology. The student will discuss genetic engineering of plants and animals and the current major medical, environmental, and agricultural applications of each. There are also a variety of topics that this course will cover after ranging from nano-biotechnology to environmental biotechnology.
Licenses and attribution: CC BY 3.0
Industrial Biotechnology (Delft University of Technology)
Overview: As fossil-based fuels and raw materials contribute to climate change, the use of renewable materials and energy as an alternative is increasingly important and common. This transition is not a luxury, but rather a necessity. We can use the unique properties of microorganisms to convert organic waste streams into bio-materials, chemicals and bio-fuels. This course provides the insights and tools for the design of biotechnology processes in a sustainable way.
Licenses and attribution: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Introduction to Environmental Sciences
Overview: This course offers a broad overview of physical, chemical, biological, geological, principles of environmental sciences, and serves as a core course for EEOS majors. Examples will focus on linked watershed and coastal marine systems. The student will be introduced to natural processes and interactions in the atmosphere, in the ocean, and on land. There is a focus on biogeochemical cycling of elements as well as changes of these natural cycles with time, especially with recent anthropogenic effects. Topics include plate tectonics, global climate change, ozone depletion, water pollution, oceanography, ecosystem health, and natural resources.
Licenses and attribution: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0