Microbial Science: Fundamentals and Applications helps to develop a meaningful connection with the material through the incorporation of primary literature, applications and examples. The text offers an ideal balance between comprehensive, in-depth coverage of core concepts, while employing a narrative style that incorporates many relevant applications and a unique focus on current research and experimentation. Rather than presenting material as discrete pieces, Wessner frames information around the three pillars of physiology, ecology and genetics; which highlights their interconnectedness and helps students see a bigger picture. This innovative organization establishes a firm foundation for later work and provides a perspective on real-world applications of microbiology. Wessner presents microbiology as a fascinating field of exploration and experimentation. A unique Mini-Papers feature in every chapter provides an analysis of real experimental data in carefully-selected primary literature (both classic and current). These real sources help to build critical reasoning skills and deepens understanding of what microbiologists do in everyday life.