The Study of Biology

1. Biology is the organised study of life and living

things, and their interactions with one another
and the natural environment.
2. Living things are also known as organisms.
BIOLOGY
(Greek words)

BIOS LOGOS

LIFE STUDY

‘THE STUDY
OF LIFE’
The Importance of Biology
1. The study of living organisms and their living
processes enables us to have a better
understanding about life on Earth.
2. The important of biological research includes :
a. Provide a better understanding of how the
human body functions
b. Finding cures for diseases
c. Saving animal and plant species which are
facing extinction
d. Provide a better management of problems
related to the environment
The Different Fields of Study in Biology
Living things
Zoology The study of animals
Botany The study of plants
Microbiology The study of microorganisms
Taxonomy Classification of living and extinct species

Living things and environment

Ecology Relationships between living organisms and their
environment, an how they interact with both living and
non-living components in the environment
Biogeography Geographical distribution of organisms

Change and development in living things over time

Genetics Heredity and genetic variation
Palaeontology The study of fossils
Structures and functions of living organisms
Cytology Structure and function of cells
Anatomy Internal structure and organisation of living organisms
Biochemistry Chemistry of living organisms, especially the structure and
function of their chemical components
Morphology Form and structure of organisms
Physiology Physical and biochemical functions and processes of
organisms

Applied Biology
Biotechnology The application of biological processes and living
microorganisms in industry
Medicine and Treatment and prevention of diseases in both humans and
veterinary animals
Biomedicine The application of biological and physiological principles to
clinical practice
Careers Related to Biology
1. Biology is the core study subject for a
variety of careers in medicine, nursing,
dentistry, pharmacy. Veterinary and many
more.
2. Biologists are employed in fieldwork,
agriculture, forestry, laboratory work,
health care, industry, marine and
freshwater biology as well as in teaching
and lecturing.
 Fieldwork
Biologists conduct ecological
research into natural habitats
and study the behaviour of living
organisms. They also study the
impact of human influence on
the environment.
Laboratory work
Biologists involved in testing
products, quality control, and
inspection of production lines.
They also carry out industrial
research into pharmaceutical and
health-care products.

Health care Biologists work as radiographers, occupational

therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists,
nurses, opticians and doctors.

Marine and Agriculture

Freshwater Biology and Forestry
Biologists carry out research Biologists work in livestock
into fish farming and farms, forest research
conservation of marine life. institutes and plantations.
Scientific Investigation
1. The study of Biology requires the use of scientific
skills.
Scientific Skills

Science Process Skills

-Promote thinking in a critical,
creative and analytical manner.
-Help scientist to
systematically find answers and
explanations to a phenomenon.
Manipulative Skills
- It is a psychomotor skills
which is required to carry out
a successful scientific
investigation.

2. The scientific method is the process of gathering

facts based on a observable event or phenomenon.
Scientific Investigation
Identify a Problem
Make a Hypothesis
Plan an Investigation
Conduct an Experiment
Collect Data
Record Data
Analyse & Interpret Data
Make a Conclusions
Write a Report
Identify a Problem
 Observe a specific phenomenon
 Formulate a problem statements
 Make an inference (logical conclusion)

Make a Hypothesis
 Hypothesis is a general statement
 It is use as a basic for further investigation
 Provide a clear link between a manipulated
variables and a responding variables
Plan the Investigation
 Gather information
 Determine apparatus and materials
 Identify variables
 Determine procedures
 Determine observations to be made
 Determine the correct and safe technique to be
used
Identify and Control Variables
 Variables are factors or conditions which influence
the outcome of investigation
 There are three types of variables
- manipulated variables (independent variable)
- responding variables (dependent variable)
- fixed/controlled variables (constant variable)
Conduct an Experiment
 Handle correctly and safely
 Make an accurate observations
Collect Data
 Data is a result of an experiment
 Data can be obtained from observations and
measurement
Record Data
 Handle correctly and safely
 Make an accurate observations
Analyse & Record Data
 Tabulations and calculation of the results
 State the relationship between the manipulated
and responding variables
Make a Conclusion
 Accepted or rejected

Write a Report
 Write the findings of the experiment
 Report must be clear and concise