BIOLOGY (4551)

 PAPER 1 (50 OBJECTIVES) – 50 M

 PAPER 2 (5 STRUCTURES), (4 ESSAY-

CHOOSE ONLY 2 Q) – 100 M

 PAPER 3 (2 QUESTIONS –
STRUCTURED & DESIGN
EXPERIMENT) – 50 M
INTRODUCTION TO
BIOLOGY
 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

 Biology: derived from Greek words

 ‘bios’ = life
 ‘logos’ = study
 BIOLOGY= the study of life

 Organised study of life and living things, and

their interactions with one another and the
natural environment.
 Scope: the study of biosphere,…..the study of
microscopic world of cells & molecules.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BIOLOGY

 Study of living organisms & living

processes:
- enables us to have a better understanding
about life on earth
- Able to appreciate many diverse species
and understand
Hipocrates Aristotle

Galen
 Benefits of biological research:

 A better understanding of how the human

body functions
 Finding cures for diseases
 Saving animal and plant species which are
facing extinction
 A better management of problems related
to the environment
 Latest developments in biological research:

a) Genetic engineering:
- involve the study of genes
and chromosomes
- Advances in DNA technology-
gene therapy used to treat genetic
diseases.

b) Biotechnology and food technology

- Contributed to advances in the fields of medicine,
agriculture, & industry.
 THE DIFFERENT FIELDS OF STUDY IN
BIOLOGY
a) Microbiology
- The study of microorganisms

b) Zoology
- The study of animals

c) Botany
- The study of plants

d) Ecology
- Relationships between living organisms &
their environment , and how they interact with both
e) Taxonomy
- Classification of living and
extinct organisms

f) Biotechnology
- The application of biological
processes and living microorganisms in industry

g) Biochemistry
- Chemistry of living organisms, esp.the structure and
function of their chemical components.

h) Medicine
- Treatment and prevention of diseases
i) Anatomy
- Internal structure and
organisation of living organisms

j) Genetics
- Heredity and genetic variation

k) Physiology
- Physical and biochemical functions and
processes of organisms
 CAREERS RELATED TO BIOLOGY

 Biotechnologists
- Use biotechnological knowledge and technique, use
living organisms to produce products.
- Modify genetic materials in living cells to produce
new substances/perform new functions.

 Env. Engineer
- Apply principle of biology and chemistry to provide
solutions to env.problems.
- Involve in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste
disposal and public health issues
 Health care
- Biologists work as radiographers, occupational
therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists,
nurses, opticians, doctors.

 Biomedical scientists
- Apply biological and physiological principles to
clinical practice.
- Analyse samples taken from patients; results are
used by docs.to diagnose diseases.
 Agriculture and forestry
- Biologists carry out research and into fish
farming and conservation of marine life.

 Marine and freshwater biology

- Biologists work in livestock farms, forest
research institutes and plantation.
 THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

 Involve scientific skill: SPS and manipulative

skills

 SPS:
- critical, creative, and analytical thinking.
- Skills that help scientists to systematically find
answers & explanation to a phenomenon.
 Manipulative skills:
- Psychomotor skills required to carry out a
successful scientific investigation.
 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

 Process of gathering facts based on an

observable event or phenomenon.
 STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

-Identifying a problem-
Observation of a specific phenomenon
Formulate problem statement
Inference (logical conclusion) is made

-Making a hypothesis-
Possible explanation for an observation
Validity- not proven yet
Provide clear link between MV and RV
Tested by conducting experiment- produce results, accept
or reject the hypothesis
 -Planning an investigation-
i) Prepare scientific b/ground of an experiment
ii) Determining the apparatus & materials needed
iii) ID the variables that influence the results of the
experiment
iv) Determine the procedures
v) Determine the observations to be made &
measurements to be taken.
vi) Determine the correct & safe technique
 -Identifying and controlling variables-

i) Manipulated variable- systematically changed to

produce an observation, IV that is controlled at different
value to test the validity of hypothesis

ii) Responding variable- DV which is the outcome of an

experiment, represents the results obtained due to
changes in the value of MV, can be measured &
recorded in the form of data.

i) Fixed/Controlled variable- hv significant effects on the

outcome of an experiment, kept constant throughout
exp.
 -Conducting the experiment-
-Handle apparatus, materials and specimens safely
-Determine all variables, all observations must be made
accurately.
-Experimental design should include a control experiment
foe comparison
-Control exp-MV kept constant
-End of experiment- apparatus should be cleaned
according to the correct procedures & techniques, returned
to the right place.
-Unwanted waste- discarded in a proper manner
- quantitative experiment- repeated 3 times to get precise
mean/average reading.
 -Collecting Data-
- Obtained by means of observation and measurement
vz - data- accurate, objective
-Accuracy- important

-Recording data-
In the form of tables, graphs, charts, or diagram
Presented clearly in a table.
-Each column labeled with the quantity measured & its unit.
- 1st column-shows the values of RV
Graph- shows relationship between MV (x-axis) and RV (y-
axis)
- Simple drawings- drawn based on observation under the
microscope, label various parts, give title.
 -Analysing and Interpreting Data-
- tabulations and calculations
-Proper working of calculations
-Information from the data must be analyzed, explained, &
interpreted in detail.
-Relationship between MV and RV stated clearly.

-Making Conclusion-
-Rational conclusion- accept or reject the hypothesis

-Writing a Report-
-complete report must be written based on the findings of
the experiment
 FRAMEWORK OF A REPORT

Objective State the aim of the exeriment

Problem statement Pose questions about the observations made
Hypothesis Formulate a preliminary explanation or prediction that will be
able to explain what is going to happen during the
experiment
Variables ID and control MV, RV, & FV
Materials and List the selection of materials and apparatus which will be
apparatus used during the experiment
Technique State the technique involved to obtain the results
Procedure Write the instructions to carry out the experiment
Results Present the results in the form of simple diagrams, charts,
graphs, and tables. Include calculations, if there are any.
Discussion Analyse and interpret data , determine the relationship
between the MV and RV
Conclusion Draw a conclusion based on the hypothesis given, whether
the results support or refute the hypothesis.
SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDES AND NOBLE VALUES

 Inquiring mind and keen interest in nature and

environment
 Be cooperative & considerate towards others &
the env.
 Show honesty and accuracy in conducting an
experiment, recording data, validating data
 Conclusion drawn- must be objective &
rational.
 Have a sense of responsibility &
accountability to the community as a whole.