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Peer Review

Novel Gene Therapy Approaches

Reviewed:

Nov 26, 2013 by Biology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 4.8 stars
Effectiveness: 4.8 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

Novel Gene Therapy Approaches is an open access textbook published in 2013 consisting of 15 chapters. Each chapter is written in the format of a peer-reviewed journal article. Topics range from targeted gene transfer to the use of vectors for vaccine development. Most of the chapters are on cancer gene therapy. Authors hail from research institutions in Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Australia. The book is available as pdf and is free for download but can also be purchased as a hard copy.
Type of Material:

This is an online textbook that contains figures and images. It is read and manipulated directly at the material website.
Recommended Uses:

  • the sole textbook for a course in gene therapy
  • a supplement in other courses covering the development and practical applications of this technology today.
  • in-class homework
  • a resource for beginning research students and seasoned researchers.
Technical Requirements:

Adobe Reader is required if the user wishes to download each chapter as a PDF file for viewing. This resource can be accessed with any browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:

The student will learn a variety of gene therapy topics-- from gene delivery to practical applications of this technology today. The developers have created this textbook to read like a peer-reviewed journal article, with citations and figures from actual gene therapy trials and studies.
Target Student Population:

  • graduate or professional programs ranging from microbiology, to genetics, to cell biology.
  • an upper-level Cancer Biology course at the undergraduate level as well.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

  • A solid background in genetics, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and familiarity with research protocols is required to read and comprehend the material presented.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The information is accurate and citations are fairly recent.
  • Easy access to primary literature cited in every chapter.
  • Presenting a collection of interrelated works by scientists from different regions of the world in one volume is a testament to the rapid globalization of knowledge.
  • The figures are clear, concise, and accurate.
Concerns:

  • The chapters may need to be supplemented with peer-reviewed journal articles that have just recently published to fully cover up-to-date information.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The information presented is very thorough, clearly written-- albeit at a very high level of mastery.
  • Excellent resource on current research activities worldwide pertaining to novel approaches and barriers encountered when delivering gene therapies.
  • The content of the chapters can be used as readings and springboard for discussion in upper division or graduate level courses in Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology.
  • Diagrams, illustrations, and tables are appropriately placed and presented in support of the chapter content.
Concerns:

  • This textbook may be too high level for most undergraduate courses, but particular chapters may be highly effective.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The content is laid out in a clear manner.
  • The chapters flow from introductory information to higher level application concepts in gene therapy practices.
  • All chapters are easily accessible with any mainstream web browser.
  • Information presented is supported by images, diagrams, illustrations, and tables.
  • Easy access to references which are presented as active links to the primary literature.
Concerns:

  • It is easier to view the chapters in PDF format due to the width of the online version's reading area.
Other Issues and Comments:

The range of institutions and institutional affiliation of the authors in this volume creates an international learning community for the exchange of ideas and future collaboration.
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