BIOLOGY CHAPTER 1 NOTES
1.1 The Nature of Science
Why Study Science?
Skepticism is born out of the need to observe-A skeptic thinks “Seeing is Believing”
Science is a form of reductionism which relies on analysis.
Levels of Scientific Certainty
Hypothesis: A hypothesis isn’t just an educated guess though we often suggest this.
A hypothesis is a prediction made which must be tested through experimentation
Scientific Theories have a lot of data to support them from different branches but are not definitive, or
often can never be definitive, they are in essence hypotheses with lots of supportive evidence and they are
Predictive-that is they can predict outcomes accurately
Scientific Laws have no evidence that disputes or calls into question their validity or predictive accuracy
1.2 The Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Observe a phenomenon and pose a question.“What is the relationship between X and Y”?
(x and y are variables with an assumed relationship.)
2. Formulate a Hypothesis (an answer to your question)“I think that the relation ship between X & Y is……..(direct/indirect relationship)”
3. Test Hypothesis-Most often we survey existent data (do research) but we can also…
Experiment -A Good Experimental design isolates variables using strictly defined parameters
The Controlled or Dependent Variable-is the thing you change
TheUncontrolled or Independent Variable- is the thing that changes in response
Control Setup = Experimental Setup – Controlled Variable
4. Data Collection and Analysis We collect and display datea using Tables & Graphs,
We analyze data using Statistical instruments like mean median, mode , % Error , X 2(chi square
analysis), and the Student T test
5. ConclusionA conclusion is a concise explanation as to whether your data supports or does not support your hypothesis
6. Share your work- Scientists publish results and make sure they are replicable
1.3 Tools and Techniques
The Metric System- is based on root 10 or decimal system
Important Suffixes to know
Kilo (k) = 1000
Deci (d ) = 1/10
Centi (c) = 1/100
Milli (m)= 1/1000
Micro(
Nano (n) = 1/1000000000
1.4 What is Biology?
We measure the following quantities
Mass = grams
g
Length = meter m
Temperature = oC (oCelsius)
Volume solid = meter3
Volume liquid = liter l
Its the study of life
Other Branches of Biology include...(this is a short, very incomplete list)
Biochemistry- macromolecules like proteins, lipid, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids
Cytology- the study of cells, cell types, their structures and metabolism
Genetics- the study of inherited traits
Microbiology – the study of unicellular organisms, archaebacteria , eubacteria, protists and fungi
Evolution- the study of the change in species over time
Botany - plants
Zoology – animals
Ecology – the relationship between living and nonliving
The Characteristics of Living things (According to this book) CHRRGM (CHARGEM!!!)
All organisms share the common characteristics
Homeostasis- the maintenance of a stable internal environment
Metabolism- the cycling of matter and energy
Reproduction- asexual v. sexual
Cells- unicellular v. multicellular, and prokaryotic v. eukaryotic
Heredity – pass traits form parent to offspring via DNA
Response- homeostasis, irritability, evolution
Growth and Development- cell division and cell differentiation
BIOLOGY CHAPTER 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
1.1
INTRODUCTION
SKEPTICISM
THEORY
LAWS
1.2
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
O
H
T
C
C
S
1.3 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
Measurement SI v. SAE
Mic
Ster
Rem
Safety
1.4 BIOLOGY
Branches OF Biolgy (a short list)
Bioch
Eco
Cyt
Gen
Evo
Mic
Bot
Zoo
Phy
7 Characteristics of Life
Ce
Hom
Met
Rep
Res
Her
Gro