Building on the modern biology classroom elements of the second edition, Principles of Life, Third Edition, integrates several new features designed to involve students actively in mastering concepts and becoming skilful at solving biological problems, as well as developing the skills needed of modern biologists. A key strategy is to integrate the six "core competencies" laid out in the AAAS Vision and Change report:
1) the ability to apply the process of science2) the ability to use quantitative reasoning3) the ability to use modeling and simulation4) the ability to tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science5) the ability to communicate and collaborate with other disciplines6) the ability to understand relationships between science and society
