Transcript Overview of “General Biology”

Overview of “General Biology”
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Definition of science
Inductive and deductive reasoning
Experimental process
Methods of data analysis
Properties of living organisms
A. Definition of Science
Science
–
–
–
–
A way of understanding the physical universe
Through observation and experiment
Provides generalized explanations or models
Makes predictions about how the universe works
B. Inductive and Deductive
Reasoning
Inductive reasoning
– Starting with specific observations of a phenomenon
– The scientist develops generalized explanations
Deductive reasoning
– Starting with a possible explanation for a
phenomenon
– The scientist tests the explanation through controlled
experimentation
C. Experimental Process
1. Develop a hypothesis and predictions
–
–
Hypothesis: A possible explanation for an observed
phenomenon
Prediction: A specific expected outcome or
occurrence that depends upon the validity of a
hypothesis
C. Experimental Process
2. Design experiments to test the predictions
–
–
–
–
Experiment: controlled observations in which the
scientist changes one condition (or variable) in a
system and observes how the change affects other
variables
Independent variable (manipulated variable): what
the scientist changes or manipulates
Dependent variable (responding variable): what
the scientist measures
Controlled variables: variables that are kept
constant throughout the experiment
C. Experimental Process
3. Collect and analyze data
4. Repeat experiments
5. Publish results
D. Methods of Data Analysis
Statistical testing
– Standard deviation
– Tests for significant deviation
– Regression analysis
Graphical analysis
– Graphs
– Maps and geographic information systems
Data mining
Hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP)
E. Properties of Living Organisms
Hierarchical structural organization
– Molecular organization
• Atoms, small molecules, polymers
– Subcellular organization
• Organelles
– Cells
• The simplest structure capable of having all of the properties of
life
– Multicellular organization
• Tissues, organs, organ systems
– Ecosystem organization
• Populations, communities, biomes
E. Properties of Living Organisms
Growth and metabolism
– The ability to assimilate nonliving matter and energy
from the environment
Response and adaptation to environmental
conditions
Reproduction
Heredity
Evolution