WEEK 1
SUBJECT: BIOLOGY
CLASS: SS1
TOPIC: 1. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY: BIOLOGY AS AN INQUIRY IN SCIENCE
CONTENT:
Meaning of (a) Science and (b) Biology
Scientific method
Experimental pattern
Living And Non Living things
Differences between plants and animals
Levels of organization
Complexity in multicellular organisms.
Sub Topic 1: MEANING OF (a) SCIENCE AND (b) BIOLOGY
Science can be defined as a systematic process of making inquiry about the living and
non-living things in our environment. Science is both an organized body of knowledge and
a process of finding out knowledge.
Biology is the branch of science that studies living things. The word biology is derived
from two Greek words: bios which means life, and logos which means study. Biology
therefore means the study of life or of living things.
Biology has several branches, these include
Botany (study of plants)
Zoology (study of animals)
Morphology (study of the external features of living things)
Anatomy (study of internal structure of living things)
Physiology (Study of how living things function)
Ecology (study of the relationships between living things and their environment),
Genetics (Study of how living things inherit characters from their parents) etc.
The prime purpose of science is research, i.e. finding out about things, so biology involves
finding out or making inquiry about living things, their interaction with themselves and
with nature.
EVALUATION
Define the terms (a) Science (b) Biology
State five branches of biology.
Of what use is (a) science (b) biology to man?
Sub Topic 2: METHOD OF SCIENCE
The method of science involves systematically making inquiries about something under
study. It begins with observation (that is, looking at something carefully with a view to
finding an answer to a question). This involves using all the senses i.e. sight, hearing, touch,
feeling, pressure, taste, etc. and instruments (e.g. ruler, microscope, magnifying lens,
weighing balance, telescopes, barometer, etc.) where necessary.
Observation is followed by a hypothesis i.e. a sensible, reasonable guess which is capable
of being tested or verified.
The hypothesis is tested by an experiment. Experiments usually involve
measurements/counting, as such they have to be carried out as accurately as possible.
Scientific experiments have a control. The control experiment is identical with the
experiment proper, but the factor to be tested is omitted. This gives the investigator a
higher degree of confidence in his result and conclusion.
Results from an experiment are put together and a conclusion (inference/generalization)
is made.
Other scientists may repeat the same experiment and if similar results are obtained then
the generalization is accepted as a theory.
When a theory has been tested extensively, worldwide and found to be consistently true, it
becomes a law e.g. the law of gravity
Sub Topic 3: EXPERIMENTAL PATTERN
Experiments are designed to eliminate all forms of bias so as to avoid making false
conclusions. To achieve this, only the factor being tested is varied, all other factors that may
affect the result are kept constant. These experiments are known as controlled
experiments.
While experimenting, a biologist uses processes of science such as counting, measuring,
classifying, organizing data, communicating, recording and interpreting data.
In recording an experiment/ giving the account of a scientific investigation, the following
pattern is used:
Date of experiment
Aim/purpose of experiment
Apparatus/materials required
Procedure/method used (including control and precautions)
Observations
Inference (deduction from what is already known)
Conclusion.
In biology, experiments are carried out on living things. It may not be possible to get a
sample of test population with identical organisms. This problem can be reduced by using
large test samples and also repeating the experiment many times.
EVALUATION
State and explain the processes involved in making inquiries in science?
In your own words, what are the proper attitudes which should characterize a
scientist?
Enumerate the steps specified in giving account of a scientific investigation.
How is bias taken care of in a biological investigation?
SUGGESTED PRACTICAL
Setting up and using of a light microscope.
Objectives of the practical exercise
Students should be able to
Identify the parts and functions of each part of the microscope
Calculate the magnification of a diagram
Draw and label a light microscope (10 12cm long)
Observe a chosen specimen using the microscope (cells of an onion bulb)
Note: Quality and Details to be graded in any required diagram
Title (TL)
Size (Sz)
Clarity of lines (CL) not broken, not wooly
Neatness of Label (NL) ruled guide lines, horizontal labels `
Details (DL) - depending on the diagram of the specimen
