This exciting new introductory level Microbiology text will serve the needs of college level instructors and students in a wide variety of life science, health science, and applied science programs. The authors introduce topics in microbiology via engaging biological problems and case studies rather than the normal "shovel-ware" approach of other texts. The recurrent theme in this text is the delicate balance between microbes and humans, and how recent changes in that balance may bring about the "emerging infectious diseases" and resistant microorganisms so much in the news today.