INTRODUCTION TO

BIOLOGY
IMPORTANCE
• To understand the interactions
• To attain equilibrium in natural environment
• Better understanding on how human body functions
• Cures for disease
• Save endangered species
Fields in Biology
• Microbiology
• Zoology
• Botany
• Ecology
• Taxonomy
• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Medicine
• Anatomy
• Genetics
• physiology
The scientific investigation
• Learning bio requires the method of scientific inquiry which
involves the use of scientific skills
• 2 components: science pr skill (creative thinking) &
manipulative skills (psychomotor skill)
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• The process of gathering facts on an observable event
• Involves scientific principles which carried out systematically
in stages
 Identify problem
Forming hypothesis
Plan the exp
Identify n control variables
Conduct exp
Collect data
Analyse data
Interpret data
Draw conclusion
Write report
Identify problem
• Observation – 5 senses
• Pose Qs – stating prob
• Making an inference based on past experiences/prior
knowledge
Forming hypothesis
• Possible explanation once an observation has been made
• A general statement abt an observed event
• Validity has not yet been proven
• Allows to make certain predictions
Plan an investigation
• Collect relevant info
• Determine the apparatus and materials needed
• Plan the procedures
Identify and control variables
• variable = factors or conditions which can influence the
outcome of the investigation
• Can be controlled, changed or measured
• 3 types : manipulated, fixed, responding
Conducting the experiment
• Quantitative exp is repeated a few times to precise and
reliable mean reading
• Should include a control exp.for comparison so that any
observable changes in responding variable can be detected
• All app must be cleaned and kept
• Unwanted materials be disposed in proper manner
Collecting data
• Should be logical and objective rather than subjective
• Accuracy is the important aspect of data collection
Recording data
• Often in the form of table – organised
• Column is labelled with quantity measured and its unit
• Can also be represented in the form of graph, realistic and
simple diagram(label)
Making conclusion
• After studying the results, only one rational conclusion is
drawn
• An inaccurate hypothesis does not necessarily mean that you
have failed in the investigation
Writing a report
• Results must be presented in writing
• A complete report must be clear, results presented accurately,
truthfully and objectively
• Framework:
- objective, prob statement, hypothesis, variables, materials &
apparatus, technique, procedure, results, discussion,
conclusion
Module 1
• Write an essay : WHY STUDY BIOLOGY