Biology: Semester I

Sections:

Introduction | Section 1 | Section 2

Biology: The Nature of Science and Biology: Introduction Consider the following questions:     What does biology offer to me? What is required to be alive? What do scientists and biologists do? What is the scientific method? This section provides answers to these and other questions you may have about science and biology and answers “What does biology mean to me?” Objectives Below is a list of things that you should know and be able to do when you complete Unit 1 Section 1.  Quizzes, exams, and assignments throughout the lesson will evaluate your progress on these objectives.      Explain the unifying themes of Biology. Describe the stages common to scientific investigations. Define the term "hypothesis". Define the word "theory" as used by a scientist. How do developments in biology impact our everyday lives? Biologists recently identified the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bases that make up the human genome. Our genes may determine why individuals are likely to get certain illnesses or even behave the way they do. DNA sequences also have played major roles in criminal cases. They have helped reverse death penalties and identify missing children. We constantly search through news headlines warning us about food safety problems. Other headlines report potential benefits of foods like cooked tomatoes. We listen to infomercials advertise weight-loss drugs that adjust one’s metabolism. Also, many Americans use herbal remedies to ease arthritis pain or to improve memory and mood. Can a biology book give you the answers to these questions? No, but it will enable you learn how to sift through the biases of investigators, the press, and others in a quest to critically evaluate the question. To be honest, five years after you are through with Biology it is doubtful you would remember all the details of metabolism. However, you will know where to look and maybe a little about the process of science that will allow you to make an informed decision. Will you be a scientist? Yes, in a way. You may not be formally trained as a science major, but you can think critically, solve problems, and have some idea about what science can and cannot do. Graded Assignments Journal: Conducting an Experiment—25 points Discussion: Unifying Themes—20 points Journal: Characteristics of Life—25 points Lab: The Scientific Method—100 points The Scientific Method Lab Quiz—20 points The Nature of Science and Biology Quiz—50 points Chemistry of Life Quiz—50 points The Nature of Science and Biology Unit Exam —100 points Now go on to the next section.

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