The use of molecular data (of the type covered by Reading the Story in DNA) pervades many different whole organism courses, including those on evolution and ecology. This is the kind of text that is an ideal reference for students throughout the early years of their degree, even if it doesn't map perfectly to a particular unit.
Reading the Story in DNA is aimed at people interested in "whole organism" biology, rather than molecular biology, biochemistry or computational biology. Many biology undergraduates are scared of maths and statistics, and do not believe they can succeed in a field that relies on equations. Reading the Story in DNA will bring bioinformatics to these students through discussion, diagrams and case studies. The central theme will be that in order to get ecological or evolutionary information out of molecular data, you must understand the way that the molecular data evolves and the influence that the assumptions you make have on the answers you get.
1. The Story in DNA: what kind of information can I get from DNA?
2. The Immortal Germline: how do I get DNA samples?
3. We are all Mutants: how do I genotype individuals?
4. Endless Copies: how do I amplify DNA?
5. Descent with Modification: how do I detect selection?
6. Origin of Species: how do I align DNA sequences?
7. Tree of Life: how do I make phylogenies?
8. Tempo and Mode: how do I estimate molecular dates?
"This is a thoroughly engaging beginners textbook on molecular evolution. Bromhams use of modern, colorful examples rather than equations will capture both the attention and the imagination of readers, providing a clear and thorough introduction into a highly sophisticated field without requiring advanced mathematical knowledge."
– The Quarterly Review of Biology