This handbook provides an authoritative guide to investigation and diagnosis. It describes key symptoms and signs, alongside appropriate tests, and highlights pitfalls in interpreting results. It also describes a clear, rational method of investigation in order to aid quick and efficient diagnosis, and prevent over-investigation of patients.

An investigative approach actively involves students in the process of scientific discovery by allowing them to make observations, devise techniques, and draw conclusions. Twenty carefully chosen laboratory topics encourage students to use their critical thinking skills to solve problems using the scientific method.

Agroecology is defined as the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable food systems. Offering step-by-step guidance for structured investigation, Field and Laboratory Investigations in Agroecology, Second Edition reviews ecological concepts and principles in an agricultural setting and provides in-depth, practical experience. From background information to procedures and suggestions for writing up the results, the book covers 24 different agroecological investigations, each designed to provide all the information needed to plan and execute experimental or comparative studies. It deals with how an individual plant responds to the environment, how environmental factors are measured and characterized, and how environmental factors affect individual plants. The manual investigates how populations of organisms act in agroecosystems, focuses on the level of the community, and explores the between-species interactions of the organisms that make up crop communities. Examining whole farms or systems within farm boundaries, investigations touch on the complexity with which farmers manage agroecosystems. In the last section, the book addresses components of the food system at a local level. Comprising both basic and complex topics, Field and Laboratory Investigations in Agroecology, Second Edition presents a broad scope of issues relevant to agroecology today. This edition facilitates hands-on, experiential learning that involves close observation, creative interpretation, and constant questioning of findings.

Crime Scene Investigation offers an innovative approach to learning about crime scene investigation, taking the reader from the first response on the crime scene to documenting crime scene evidence and preparing evidence for courtroom presentation. It includes topics not normally covered in other texts, such as forensic anthropology and pathology, arson and explosives, and the electronic crime scene. Numerous photographs and illustrations complement text material, and a chapter-by-chapter fictional narrative also provides the reader with a qualitative dimension of the crime scene experience.

Modern medicine is highly complex and investigations are a key part of the diagnostic process. With major advances in technology there are thousands of clinical and laboratory tests available. This book provides a patient-oriented approach to investigation. The first chapter describes key symptoms and signs along with tests that may be of value in reaching a diagnosis. The remainder of the book is specialty-centred and provides a comprehensive review of all available tests within a given subject. The aim is of the book is to provide a more rational method of investigation and prevent over-investigation which is expensive for the hospital and unpleasant for the patient. It emphasises which tests are of value, when tests are not likely to be helpful, along with pitfalls in the interpretation of results. This new edition has been updated throughout to incorporate current investigations and management of disease. Chapters on rheumatology, radiology, and renal medicine have been extensively revised. With contributions from active clinicians who are engaged in medical practice, the book will be of value to senior medical students facing finals examinations, and junior doctors who are responsible for ordering tests on their patients.