Essential Bioinformatics is a concise yet comprehensive textbook of bioinformatics, which provides a broad introduction to the entire field. Written specifically for a life science audience, the basics of bioinformatics are explained, followed by discussions of the state-of-the-art computational tools available to solve biological research problems. All key areas of bioinformatics are covered including biological databases, sequence alignment, genes and promoter prediction, molecular phylogenetics, structural bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics. The book emphasizes how computational methods work and compares the strengths and weaknesses of different methods. This balanced yet easily accessible text will be invaluable to students who do not have sophisticated computational backgrounds. Technical details of computational algorithms are explained with a minimum use of mathematical formulae; graphical illustrations are used in their place to aid understanding. The effective synthesis of existing literature as well as in-depth and up-to-date coverage of all key topics in bioinformatics make this an ideal textbook for all bioinformatics courses taken by life science students and for researchers wishing to develop their knowledge of bioinformatics to facilitate their own research.

'Essential Bioinformatics is a welcome addition to this area, by having a broad general approach that I think is particularly suitable for undergraduate teaching. The advantage of this being a new book is that there is not an overriding focus on structural bioinformatics that was seen in some earlier texts, which allows for a much broader coverage of newer areas like comparative and functional genomics.'

Source: http://www.sgm.ac.uk/pubs/micro_today/book_reviews/MTNOV06/MTN06_31.cfm

'The book would be ideal for biologists who wish to gain a grasp of the different analysis techniques available to the microarray user.'

Source: http://www.sgm.ac.uk/pubs/micro_today/book_reviews/MTAUG04/MTA04_13.cfm

'Awareness of bioinformatics is essential in a modern microbiological qualification and as this subject matures there are an increasing number of texts available. Essential Bioinformatics is a welcome addition to this area, by having a broad general approach that I think is particularly suitable for the undergraduate teaching.'

Gavin Thomas - University of York