Mariëlle Hoefnagels' passion as a classroom instructor is evident in Biology: Concepts and Investigations, an introductory biology textbook written to explain the general concepts of biology at a level of detail that allows students to understand concepts rather than memorize details. New media integration icons, upgraded PowerPoint presentations, new tutorial animations based on textbook art, upgraded Connect question banks, and adaptive technologies like LearnSmart and Smartbook capitalize on the power of technology to enhance student understanding. Key goals of the book are to:

help the student connect the concepts in the book to their everyday lives;

show connections between ideas within the chapter and to material they have already studied;

teach introductory students how to be more active learners.