This popular introductory microbiology text provides students with the fundamentals of microbiology in a clear, engaging and student-friendly way, taking full advantage of a variety of modern pedagogical techniques to aid student learning and retention. The text thoroughly covers the basics of microbiology as well as applications to clinical, environmental, industrial, and food microbiology. Each chapter begins with a real-world story that brings to life microbiological principles and engages student interest in the chapter that follows. Chapters are included with a series of critical and problem-solving questions.