Advanced Biology (Advanced Science) [Paperback]

Every topic has its own double page spread which is clearly laid out (some topics however which are more detailed, like respiration, have more than one spread). Each spread is concise, well explained and written, and contains exactly the right amount of detail you need for both the AS and A2 components of your course; so much so that I didn't need to write any revision notes and still achieved an A!

This book however is by no means just a big revision guide. The double page spreads does not mean that detail is skimped on in any way, it just cuts out the waffle making each topic easily accessible and allows you to see the scope of a topic at a glance. It also stops you wasting time by reading and learning things that are too detailed for A Level.
Just the way it is presented and written aids learning and makes you want to read it as apposed to it being a chore like reading other biology books.
Each spread has a 'Fact of Life' which supplies the reader with an interesting fact related to the topic and some 'Quick Check' questions to test the readers knowledge on the topic they have just learnt about.
Also, at the end of every chapter there is a wealth of related past paper questions for you to try, the answers to which are all in the back of the book; excellent if you want to study in your own time and don't want to be continually asking your teacher to mark them for you. The answers provided also give you useful insight into the type of points the examiners want you to put down to get the marks; something you wouldn't get if your teacher marked them. There is also a summary at the end of every chapter, excellent for that last minute exam revision!

Furthermore, the carefully chosen diagrams in this book are very useful, colourful (although not in a childish way), well annotated and serve a purpose increasing your understanding of a particular topic rather than just being there to fill blank space on a page. The print quality of this book is also excellent with 624 pages of lovely glossy paper!

Topics which at first I found difficult (i.e. Respiration and Photosynthesis) were no longer so daunting after reading the spread about it in this book. The author actually seems to know/understand what they are writing about as opposed to other authors who seem to write about the topic but you never get the sense that they understand what they are talking about.

You can also tailor your use of the book to your particular specification on their website at www.oup.com/uk/sciencegrids

Without a doubt, this is the reason I did so well in my course and I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone. Well worth the price tag. Note also that I own the chemistry book in this series and that it is just as good.

Content: Brilliant! Has everything required for, i would say, all alevel courses. If youre following AQA, then it even covers every one of the possible options unit at A2. Explanations are clear and very detailed, giving you more of an understanding than just knowledge. Each little section of each chapter starts with an introduction, putting into perspective why the information contained is relevant.

My only complaints: i find certain concepts difficult to get my head round, and 90% of the time this book really helps. It's just occasionaly ive been taught something, not understood it, read my book, still not understood it. That said, everyone understands things in different ways and perhaps i just didnt twig? Also, while certain sections go into immense, rich detail, others shy off a little- only really the explaination of how a nerve impulse works and the minute details of respiration.

OVERALL: excelent book, worth the money, great study aid- is NOT a textbook like the ones you get in school- this book could much more easily be used for self-study!! buy it!