2. The Study of Biology
1. Biology is the organised study of life and living
things, and their interactions with one another
and the natural environment.
2. Living things are also known as organisms.
BIOLOGY
BIOS LOGOS
LIFE STUDY
‘THE STUDY
OF LIFE’
(Greek words)
3. The Importance of Biology
1. The study of living organisms and their living
processes enables us to have a better
understanding about life on Earth.
2. The important of biological research includes :
a. Provide a better understanding of how the
human body functions
b. Finding cures for diseases
c. Saving animal and plant species which are
facing extinction
d. Provide a better management of problems
related to the environment
4. The Different Fields of Study in Biology
Living things
Zoology The study of animals
Botany The study of plants
Microbiology The study of microorganisms
Taxonomy Classification of living and extinct species
Living things and environment
Ecology Relationships between living organisms and their
environment, an how they interact with both living and
non-living components in the environment
Biogeography Geographical distribution of organisms
Change and development in living things over time
Genetics Heredity and genetic variation
Palaeontology The study of fossils
5. Structures and functions of living organisms
Cytology Structure and function of cells
Anatomy Internal structure and organisation of living organisms
Biochemistry Chemistry of living organisms, especially the structure and
function of their chemical components
Morphology Form and structure of organisms
Physiology Physical and biochemical functions and processes of
organisms
Applied Biology
Biotechnology The application of biological processes and living
microorganisms in industry
Medicine and
veterinary
Treatment and prevention of diseases in both humans and
animals
Biomedicine The application of biological and physiological principles to
clinical practice
6. Careers Related to Biology
1. Biology is the core study subject for a
variety of careers in medicine, nursing,
dentistry, pharmacy. Veterinary and many
more.
2. Biologists are employed in fieldwork,
agriculture, forestry, laboratory work,
health care, industry, marine and
freshwater biology as well as in teaching
and lecturing.
7. Fieldwork
Biologists conduct ecological
research into natural habitats
and study the behaviour of living
organisms. They also study the
impact of human influence on
the environment.
Laboratory work
Biologists involved in testing
products, quality control, and
inspection of production lines.
They also carry out industrial
research into pharmaceutical and
health-care products.
Health care Biologists work as radiographers, occupational
therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists,
nurses, opticians and doctors.
Agriculture
and Forestry
Biologists work in livestock
farms, forest research
institutes and plantations.
Marine and
Freshwater Biology
Biologists carry out research
into fish farming and
conservation of marine life.
8. Scientific Investigation
1. The study of Biology requires the use of scientific
skills.
2. The scientific method is the process of gathering
facts based on a observable event or phenomenon.
Scientific Skills
Science Process Skills
-Promote thinking in a critical,
creative and analytical manner.
-Help scientist to
systematically find answers and
explanations to a phenomenon.
Manipulative Skills
- It is a psychomotor skills
which is required to carry out
a successful scientific
investigation.
9. Scientific Investigation
Identify a Problem
Make a Hypothesis
Plan an Investigation
Conduct an Experiment
Collect Data
Record Data
Analyse & Interpret Data
Make a Conclusions
Write a Report
10. Identify a Problem
Observe a specific phenomenon
Formulate a problem statements
Make an inference (logical conclusion)
Make a Hypothesis
Hypothesis is a general statement
It is use as a basic for further investigation
Provide a clear link between a manipulated
variables and a responding variables
11. Plan the Investigation
Gather information
Determine apparatus and materials
Identify variables
Determine procedures
Determine observations to be made
Determine the correct and safe technique to be
used
12. Identify and Control Variables
Variables are factors or conditions which influence
the outcome of investigation
There are three types of variables
- manipulated variables (independent variable)
- responding variables (dependent variable)
- fixed/controlled variables (constant variable)
13. Conduct an Experiment
Handle correctly and safely
Make an accurate observations
Collect Data
Data is a result of an experiment
Data can be obtained from observations and
measurement
Record Data
Handle correctly and safely
Make an accurate observations
14. Analyse & Record Data
Tabulations and calculation of the results
State the relationship between the manipulated
and responding variables
Make a Conclusion
Accepted or rejected
Write a Report
Write the findings of the experiment
Report must be clear and concise
