Molecular Biology lies at the heart of all life sciences. This Very Short Introduction provides an account of the development of this important modern field, and considers its modern day applications such as the development of new drugs, genetically modified crops, and forensic science.

Dr Janice Royds has worked in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology for over 35 years. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Pathology at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her broad ranging biomedical research interests relate to cancer biology, while her extensive teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level include pathology, pharmacology, and the molecular biology of cancer. She has previously co-edited the textbook Tools and Techniques in Biomolecular Science (OUP, 2013) with Dr Aysha Divan. ; Dr Aysha Divan has a background in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, and is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK. She has presented at national and international conferences and has authored a number of publications in cancer biology and pedagogical research. She has worked on two textbooks for Oxford University Press: Communication Skills for the Biosciences - a graduate guide (2009) and a Tools and Techniques in Biomolecular Sciences (2013), co-edited with Dr Janice Royds.