This document provides notes on biology for a first year class. It begins with definitions of biology and classifications of living organisms. It then discusses the key kingdoms - Monera, Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Later sections cover branches of biology, biological methods, examples like malaria, concepts like cloning and hydroponics, and levels of biological organization from subatomic particles to the biosphere. It concludes by discussing biochemistry and the important properties of water for biological functions.