Introduction to Genomics

I wrote Introduction to Genomics after completing several previous books for OUP about proteins and bioinformatics. Although genomics pervades those subjects, I had to keep it at arm's length. It was therefore a welcome opportunity to write a book that complemented the others, partly in the subject matter itself, and partly in treating some of the same topics from a different point of view. It also gave me a sense that taken together the books would broadly cover all of my interest and knowledge in biology. (I kept saying to myself 'Think "boxed set".')

I dedicated one of the books to the memory of Max Perutz. The dedication involves a musical puzzle, which I think Max would have enjoyed. It contains a short passage of music from an aria set by Mozart; finding the corresponding words reveals a tribute to Max. To my knowledge only one colleague has solved the problem!

Why this talk of problems? Writing interesting and challenging problems is a major challenge in teaching. Today's students must learn to use web-based tools. I have included in my books sets of Web-based problems, called 'web-lems' (a term coined by Victor Lesk). These have proved effective and popular.

Problems play a role in four stages I have observed in my own education. First I read or hear lectures on a subject, and think I understand it - but can't solve exercises! Then I can solve the exercises, and think I understand, but when I come to teach the subject the thin patches of my understanding become painfully evident. Then I can lecture on a topic, but can't devise questions. When I can devise good questions, my learning has gone as far as it can, and I could write a textbook. The next step of course is to carry out original research.

Arthur M. Lesk
April 2007

Read more about the book

Visit the Online Resource Centre