Thinking Like a Biologist

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes, focusing on biology, the scientific method, reasoning in science, and the ethical aspects of scientific research.

What is the focus of biology as a science?

Biology is the study of life, from microscopic cells to ecosystems.

What are the two main types of science described in the lecture?

Basic science and applied science.

What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is a systematic approach to experimentation, observation, and analysis to understand phenomena.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a testable suggested explanation for an event.

How does inductive reasoning work?

Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from a series of observations and data.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

A hypothesis is a suggested explanation that can be tested, while a theory is a tested and confirmed explanation for observations.

What role does serendipity play in scientific discovery?

Serendipity refers to fortunate accidents or lucky surprises that can lead to important discoveries.

What structure is typically found in scientific papers?

Scientific papers typically include an abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion.

What is the purpose of peer review in scientific work?

Peer review ensures that scientific work is original, significant, and logical.

What ethical considerations must scientists keep in mind?

Scientists must prevent harm, avoid bias, and consider legal and safety aspects in their research.