Bacteria has been written for courses in colleges and universities, and assumes no previous knowledge of bacteria. It starts with the 'core' aspects of bacteriology needed by all students: structure, growth, differentiation, metabolism and genetics/molecular biology.

It continues with applied aspects - recombinant DNA technology, medicine, food, ecology, waste-water treatment, etc - and also covers classification/identification, disinfection, sterilization, culture, microscopy and other areas of practical bacteriology. The Appendix contains mini-descriptions of 70 genera of bacteria - useful for rapid orientation, and is helpful to those new to bacterial names.

. Bacteria is intended for courses in biotechnology, medical, health and environmental sciences, food science, general biology and microbiology.