UNSEEN DIVERSITY The World of Bacteria

Professor Dyer begins her course with the discovery of bacteria, the invention of microscopy, and the ways the pioneers in bacteriology learned to grow and isolate different bacterial types. Later proof that these unseen organisms could cause disease revolutionized medicine. Students can find images and read the text of the lectures—along with associated questions, suggested reading, and related web sites—in the accompanying material. Dyer's slow pace and perfect diction make every word clear. However, her frequent wandering to trivial things—her dollhouse, the difference between a million and a billion—could soon bore those who prefer hard science. Although this is intended to be a college-level course, the content and vocabulary may be better suited to a general audience. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]