Copy of Biology Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Science of Biology

1.1 What is Science?

  • VOCAB:

    • observation

    • inference

    • hypothesis

    • controlled experiment

    • dependent variable

    • control group

    • data

    • theory

  • Main Concepts:

    • The Nature of Science

    • Goals in Science

    • Scientific Methodology

    • Theory vs. Hypothesis

1.2 The Nature of Science

  • Definition of Science:

    • Latin "Scientia" means "to know".

    • A method of constructing explanations and predictions based on evidence.

    • It generates knowledge through a process of observation, questioning, testing, and analyzing.

  • Process of Science:

    • Organizes observations

    • Asks questions

    • Tests explanations

    • Gathers and analyzes data

    • Constantly evolving with new discoveries

  • Goals of Science:

    • Understand the universe and our place in it.

1.3 The Scientific Method

  • Steps:

    1. Identify the problem/question

    2. Gather information/research

    3. Develop a hypothesis

    4. Conduct experimentation with controls and variables

    5. Collect qualitative and quantitative data

    6. Draw conclusions

    7. Verify & report results

  • Variables:

    • Independent Variable: Manipulated variable.

    • Dependent Variable: Measured variable.

  • Controls & Constants:

    • Control Group: Group not manipulated.

    • Constants: Conditions kept the same.

1.4 Types of Data

  • Quantitative Data: Numerical measurements.

  • Qualitative Data: Descriptive characteristics.

1.5 Observations, Inferences, and Hypotheses

  • Observation: Initial data collection.

  • Inference: Logical interpretation based on prior knowledge.

  • Hypothesis: Tentative explanation based on observations.

1.6 Hypothesis vs. Theory

  • Hypothesis: Testable prediction.

  • Theory: Well-tested explanations encompassing multiple hypotheses.

1.7 Science in Context

  • Characteristics of Science:

    • Curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, creativity.

    • Free from bias.

  • Limitations of Science:

    • Objective measurement only; cannot address moral judgments.

    • Science explains the natural phenomena but not the "why" of existence.

  • Scientific Characteristics:

    • Progressive, self-correcting, replicable, competitive, and cooperative.

1.8 Patterns of Life

  • Biology Definition: The study of life encompassing relationships within living systems.

  • Characteristics of Living Things:

    • Made of cells

    • Reproduce (sexual/asexual)

    • Based on genetic code (DNA)

    • Grow and develop

    • Metabolism (energy use)

    • Respond to the environment

    • Maintain homeostasis

    • Evolve/change over time

1.9 Big Ideas in Biology

  • Main Themes:

    • Cause and Effect

    • Systems and Models

    • Stability and Change

    • Energy and Matter

    • Structure and Function

1.10 Types of Science

  • Categories:

    • Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Physics

    • Natural Sciences: Biology

    • Social Sciences: Psychology

  • Pure vs. Applied Science:

    • Pure Science: Knowledge for understanding.

    • Applied Science: Practical applications of scientific knowledge.

1.11 Scientific Measurement

  • International System of Units (SI): Metric system for scientific measurement.

    • Length: meters, kilometers

    • Temperature: Celsius, Kelvin

    • Volume: liters, milliliters