Science Of Living Things SS1 Biology Lesson Note

BIOLOGY AS AN INQUIRY IN SCIENCE

Science is the study of nature (living and non-living things).  Biology is a science that studies living things in nature. Biology was formed from the Greek words “Bio” (meaning life) and “logos” (meaning, study of).

The organisms studied in biology are generally classified into plants and animals. Therefore, biology is a science subject that can be subdivided into two main branches or subjects namely:

Botany –the study of plants.

Zoology – the study of animals.

Other branches of biology include zoology, botany, microbiology, parasitology, anatomy, physiology, biotechnology, etc.

 PROCESS OR METHOD OF SCIENCE

This is a systematic approach used to investigate enquiries arising from any observation made in nature. Therefore, the scientific method is the tool used to unravel the mysteries of life. The scientific methods include the following steps:

1. Observation
2. Classification
3. Inference
4. Measurement and Identification
5. Hypothesis
6. Experiment
7. Control or Conclusion
8. Theory of Law

The starting point of the scientific method is observation which involves the use of the senses to describe what one has seen or felt about an object. The observation then leads to classification, then to inference (logical reasoning) and later to measurement and identification of the existing problem. 

This is followed by a hypothesis which is a reasonable explanation for an observation made and which can be tested experimentally. A tested hypothesis may be accepted, rejected or modified to form a new hypothesis. A tested hypothesis that is found to be repeatedly true within the limits of available evidence becomes a theory. 

A theory is therefore an aggregate of many verified hypotheses. An extensively tested and proven theory becomes a law or principle which is still subject to change due to continual experimentation or research. To carry out a successful experiment (void of false conclusions), a parallel experiment called a controlled experiment is usually set up. This is done by keeping constant all factors affecting the result of the main experiment and varying the factor being tested.  

Experiments should be reported following a generally accepted pattern laid down by scientists. The pattern includes:

a) Aim: the purpose of the experiment.

b) Apparatus/ materials required.

c) Method /procedure followed

d) Observation made.

e) Conclusion based on the observation made and the final result obtained. 

Note: Precaution or care that should be taken against dangers/hazards can also feature during experimentation.

RELEVANCE OF BIOLOGY

Biology has found great applications in many areas of human life, some of which include: 

Medicine: Production of drugs and vaccines for preventing and curing many diseases e.g. penicillin, organ transplant e.g. kidney (renal) transplant, in-vitro fertilization in infertile couples.

Agriculture: Production of hybrid (crops and animals with desired qualities), use of biological pestis. ideas to control agricultural pests

Bioremediation i.e. use of naturally occurring bacteria to clean up oil spills and toxic chemicals.

Biotechnology: Use of genetic engineering to fight genetic diseases.

Food production: Production of single-cell protein (SCP) to reduce protein deficiency problems, food storage and preservation

ASSIGNMENT:

1. “Biology is a science that studies life”. Explain.
2. State the various professions practicable with adequate knowledge of biology.
3. How relevant is biology to you as a living organism? 
4. What is a scientific method?
5. Describe the pattern followed during experimentation in a scientific study.