Unit 1
Chapter 1
What is Biology?
Biology: the study of life
Characteristics of living things:

Living things have an orderly
structure
Characteristics of living things:

Living things
produce
offspring
Characteristics of living things:

Living things grow & develop
Characteristics of living things:

Living things
adjust to
changes in the
environment
Methods of Biology

Scientific Method


As series of steps to solve a problem
Experiment

An investigation that
tests a hypothesis
by the process of
collecting information
under controlled
conditions
Methods of Biology

Hypothesis


Control


An explanation for a question or a problem that
can be formally tested
The group in which all conditions are kept the
same
Theory

An explanation that is supported by a large body
of scientific evidence obtained from many
different investigations
Methods of Biology


Independent variable
 The condition in an
experiment that is
changed
Dependent variable
 The condition that
results from changes
in the independent
variable
Data
(information obtained from investigations)

1) Quantitative


Numerical data
that may be
analyzed by
comparison
Ex: used to
make a graph or
table
Data
(information obtained from investigations)

2) Qualitative


Observational data,
not easily expressed
as quantitative
information
Ex: written
descriptions of some
phenomena
Tools used by Biologists
Beaker
Bunsen burner
Tools used by Biologists
Cork
Cover slip
Tools used by Biologists
Digital balance
Dissecting tray
Tools used by Biologists
Dropper bottle
Flask
Tools used by Biologists
Forceps
Funnel
Tools used by Biologists
Graduated cylinder
Hot plate
Can you read the graduated cylinder?
Tools used by Biologists
Inoculating loop
Meter stick
Using an inoculating loop
(by flaming for sterilization)
Tools used by Biologists
Microscope
Microscope slide
Using a Compound Light Microscope
Tools used by Biologists
Mortar & pestle
Petri dish
Tools used by Biologists
Pipettes: micropipettes & dropping pipettes
Improper use of serological pipette
Never
pipette
by
mouth!!
Tools used by Biologists

Ring stand (& clamps)
(uses)
Tools used by Biologists
Scalpel
Stereoscope
Tools used by Biologists

Spatula & Stirring rod

Thermometer
Tools used by Biologists
Test tube
Test tube clamp
Test tube rack
Use Test Tubes safely!
Tools used by Biologists
Triple beam balance
Weight boat
Can you read this Balance?