BIOLOGY FORM 4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

Biology is the study of life. Biology tells us about the structure and function of organisms and shows us the interaction between these organisms with each other and with the environment. The study of Biology encompasses the entire biosphere as well as the microscopic world of cells and molecules.

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

The biosphere

Cells

Molecules

The scope of Biology- from the biosphere to molecules within a cell

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

Biology is a wide field of study and is divided into numerous branches.

Microbiology Zoology Botany Ecology Taxonomy B I O L O G Y Biochemistry

Medicine
Anatomy Genetics Physiology

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

Students who study Biology can choose from a wide range of careers.
Physiotherapists Biotechnologists Pharmacists

Nurses
Environmental engineers Dentists Marine biologists Doctors Careers related to Biology Biochemists

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

A doctor diagnoses and treats diseases

A dentist diagnoses and treats diseases of the teeth and gum

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

A nurse is trained to take care sick or injured people

A physiotherapist treats injury or dysfunction with exercises and other physical treatments

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

An environmental engineer apply the principles of biology and chemistry to provide solutions to environmental problems

A pharmacist prepares and dispenses drugs that a doctor prescribes for a patient

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

A marine biologist carry out research on marine life

A pharmacist prepares and dispenses drugs that a doctor prescribes for a patient

1.1 THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY

A biochemist studies about the chemicals and chemical reactions in living organisms

1.2 THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

The learning of Biology requires scientific skills. Scientific skills can be divided into two components: (i) Science process skills - Critical, analytical and creative thinking skills which enable a scientist to formulate questions and find out explanations to a phenomenon in a systematic manner.

1.2 THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

(ii) Manipulative skills - Psychomotor skills that enables scientists to carry out a scientific investigations. Scientists use the scientific method to gather facts by a scientific manner. This involves scientific investigation.

1.2 THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

The steps in a scientific investigation
A smart guess to explain the problem

Identifying a problem Forming a hypothesis

Form a question related to a phenomenon Determine the apparatus, materials, procedure of the experiment and the way to collect data An experiment is carried out as planned Determine the relationship between the manipulated variable and responding variable The results of any experiment must be presented in writing

Determine the manipulated variable, responding variable and constant variable and ways to handle them Data from observation and measurement are recorded in the form of a table, graph or diagram Determine whether the data that has been analysed support or refute the hypothesis

Planning the experiment Identifying and controlling the variables Conducting the experiment Collecting data Analysing and interpreting data Make a conclusion Writing a report

1.2 THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

When conducting scientific investigations, it is important for a Biology student to practise positive scientific attitudes and noble values.
Being systematic Being objective Thankful to God Being cooperative Considerate towards others and the environment

Being honest and accurate in recording data Scientific attitudes and noble values
Critical and analytical thinking