Half a century of research has resulted in machines capable of beating the best human chess players & humanoid robots that can interact. But can machines really think? Is the mind just a complicated computer program? Introducing Artificial Intelligence" focuses on the issues behind one of sciences most difficult problems." ...

A complete update to the popular Autodesk Official Training Guide for Maya Maya is the industry-leading 3D animation & effects software used in movies visual effects games cartoons & other animation. This bestselling official guide is a must for 3D beginners who want a thorough grounding in this dynamic & complex software. Fully updated for the newest version of Maya the book explains the interface & the basics of modeling texturing animating dynamics visualization & visual effects. Fun & challenging tutorials lead you through the nuances of the software & offer plenty of chances to practice what youve learned. The Autodesk Official Training Guide for Maya endorsed & promoted by Autodesk to its 2 500 Authorized Training Centers worldwide Maya is the 3D animation & effects software used in the film game & advertising industries; its a complex program & this book gives beginners the knowledge & confidence they need Shows how to master the interface & the basics of modeling texturing animating & visual effects Step-by-step tutorials offer realistic professional challenges for those new to 3D & those switching from another 3D application Materials are available for instructors who want to use this guide with their students Introducing Autodesk Maya is the perfect guide to get you up & running on the worlds most popular professional 3D application. ...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Practical Guide" by Elaine Iljon Foreman & Dr Clair Pollard gives you straightforward proven techniques from experts in this life-changing therapy. It's full of practical exercises to help you feel happier overcome your fears & think in a more helpful way. You can understand your behaviour & how to change negative patterns. You can learn to relax & put your worries into perspective. You can manage negative emotions to help you think differently. You can feel better about yourself & start achieving your goals again." ...

Cultural Studies signals a major academic revolution for the 21st century. But what exactly is it & how is it applied? It is a discipline that claims not to be a discipline; it is a radical critical approach for understanding racial national social & gender identities. Introducing Cultural Studies" provides an incisive tour through the minefield of this complex subject charting its origins in Britain & its migration to the USA Canada France Australia & South Asia examining the ideas of its leading exponents & providing a flavour of its use around the world. Covering the ground from Gramsci to Raymond Williams postcolonial discourse to the politics of diaspora feminism to queer theory technoculture & the media to globalization it serves as an insightful guide to the essential concepts of this fascinating area of study. It is essential reading for all those concerned with the quickening pulse of old new & emerging cultures." ...

Freud revolutionized the way we think about ourselves. His psychoanalytic terms such as Id Ego libido neurosis & Oedipus Complex have become a part of our everyday vocabulary. But do we know what they really mean? Introducing Freud" successfully demystifies the facts of Freuds discovery of psychoanalysis. Irreverent & witty but never trivial the book tells the story of Freuds life & ideas from his upbringing in 19th-century Vienna his early medical career & his encounter with cocaine to the gradual evolution of his theories on the unconscious dreams & sexuality. With its combination of brilliantly clever artwork & incisive text this book has achieved international success as one of the most entertaining & informative introductions to the father of psychoanalysis." ...

Geomorphology is the study of the earths landforms & the processes that made the landscape look the way it does today. What we see when we look at a scenic view is the result of the interplay of the forces that shape the earths surface. These operate on many different timescales & involve geological as well as climatic forces. Adrian Harvey introduces the varying geomorphological forces & differing timescales which thus combine: from the global which shape continents & mountain ranges; through the regional producing hills & river basins; to the local forming beaches glaciers & slopes; to those micro scale forces which weather rock faces & produce sediment. Finally he considers the effect that humans have had on the worlds topography. Introducing Geomorphology provides a structured & easily accessible introduction to the science of geomorphology for those with an adult curiosity about the landscape & for those contemplating a course of formal study in physical geography geology or environmental studies. As with sister volumes technical terms are kept to a minimum & a glossary is provided. ...

Introducing Hinduism is the ideal starting point for students wishing to undertake a comprehensive study of this fascinating religion. This lively introduction explores the complexities of Hinduism including its social structures especially its caste system its rituals & many scriptures its vast mythology & varieties of deities & its religious philosophies. Hillary Rodrigues an experienced teacher of the Hindu tradition emphasises the importance of Hindu rituals & practice subjects of particular interest in contemporary scholarship. Illustrated throughout the book also

Includes:: text boxes summary charts a glossary & a list of further reading to aid students understanding & revision. The accompanying webstie to this book can be found at http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/0415392691.

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This is an accessible & lively introduction to the human resource management focusing on the frameworks of people management strategies & covering the basic operational areas & practices of HRM. The sixth edition continues to explore ideas & themes in an engaging style with reference to real-life examples & offers student-friendly features & activities. This edition

Includes:: new coverage of well-being equality & diversity & offers a greater international perspective throughout. It is aimed at students taking an HRM option on a Business Degree or those studying for an HND Foundation Degree or CIPD qualification.

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Compact INTRODUCING guide to a boundlessly intriguing topic. The Ancient Greeks were so horrified by the implications of an endless number that they drowned the man who gave away the secret. A German mathematician was driven mad by the repercussions of his discovery of transfinite numbers. How will you fare? Brian Clegg & Oliver Pughs brilliant graphic introduction to Infinity is the unique endlessly fascinating guide... ...

This book guides the reader through the international development of social work & discusses how aspects of globalisation are making it an increasingly international activity & profession. Individual chapters locate the UK population historically & currently as a multicultural community & explore the international issues that social workers in the UK confront in their daily practice with children & families people with mental health issues & older people. This text helps students meet the academic benchmarks & National Occupational Standards that require them to locate social work practice in a European & international context. ...