CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

1.1 The Study of Biology

1. The word ‘Biology’ comes from the Greek words ‘bios’ which means life and ‘logos’ which means study.
2. Thus, Biology is the study of living things, their life processes as well as their interactions with the
environment.
3. The study of Biology is very wide. It comprises the study of the biosphere to the study of the microscopic
world of cells and molecules.

The Importance of Biology

1. Biological research, which is a very important aspect of Biology, has brought many benefits to our lives and
to the environment. Some of these includes:
i. a better understanding of how the human body functions
ii. finding cures for diseases
iii. saving endangered species which are on the verge of extinction

The different fields of study in Biology

1. Genetics – study of genes and heredity
2. Biotechnology – application of biological processes to produce materials use in medicine and industry
3. Zoology – Study of animals
4. Taxonomy – Study of the classification of plants and animals
5. Histology – Study of tissues
6. Cytology – Study of cells
7. Microbiology – Study of microorganisms
8. Physiology – Study of biochemical process in the body
9. Mycology – Study of fungi
10. Entomology – Study of insects
11. Anatomy – Study of the structure of organism
12. Ecology – Study of the environment and its relationship with organism
13. Botany – Study of plants
14. Ichthyology – Study of fish
15. Ornithology – Study of bird

Careers related to Biology

1. Biology is the core study subject for a variety of careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy,
veterinary, health care, agriculture, forestry and many more.
2. Biotechnologist – apply biotechnological knowledge and techniques or use living organisms to develop
useful products, also modify genetic in living cells to make them produce new functions.
3. Environmental engineers – apply principles of biology and chemistry to solve environmental problems.
4. In health care, biologist work as radiographers, occupational therapist, pharmacists, physiotherapists,
nurses, opticians and doctors.
5. A biomedical scientist applies biological and physiological principles to clinical practice and help doctors
analyse samples taken from patients.
6. In agriculture and forestry, biologist work in livestock farm, forest research institutes and plantations.
7. In marine and freshwater biology, biologists carry out research into fish farming and conservation of
marine life.

1.2 The Scientific Investigation

1. The learning of biology requires use of scientific skills. Scientific skills can be divided into two components:
science process skills and manipulative skills.
2. Science process skills are thinking skills that enable scientists to systematically question and answer to the
observation of a specific phenomenon. Examples: observing, classifying, inferring, interpreting data,
controlling variables.
3. Manipulative skills are psychomotor skills that enable scientists to carry out an investigation. Examples:
handling specimens cautiously and correctly, handling chemical substances and equipment delicately,
performing cleaning of bench regularly, storing reagents systematically.

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 Scientific Skills

Science Process Skill Science Manipulative Skill

 Observing  Using and handling
 Classifying science apparatus and
 Measuring and using laboratory substances
numbers correctly
 Inferring  Handling specimens
 Predicting correctly and carefully
 Communicating  Drawing specimens,
 Using space-time apparatus and laboratory
relationship substances accurately
 Interpreting data  Cleaning science
 Defining operationally apparatus correctly
 Controlling variables  Storing science apparatus
 Hypothesising and laboratory substances
 Experimenting correctly and safely

The scientific method

1. Scientific method is a process of obtaining a fact about a phenomenon using a method recognized by the
scientific community.
2. Steps involved in a scientific method:
i. Identifying a problem
ii. Forming a hypothesis
iii. Planning the experiment
iv. Identifying and controlling variables
v. Conducting the experiment
vi. Collecting data
vii. Recording data
viii. Analysing data/Analysing data
ix. Drawing conclusions
x. Writing a report

Identifying a problem
1. All scientific investigation begins with an observation of a specific phenomenon.
2. Observations enable scientists to formulate questions which lead to problem statements such as ‘Does
light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?’
3. This will lead to arrive of an inference (a logical conclusion or possible interpretation for an
observation). Inference is not a fact, it is only one of the many possible interpretations derived from an
observation.

Forming a hypothesis
1. Hypothesis is a general statement about an observed phenomenon, the validity of which has not been
proven yet.
2. It provides a clear link between a manipulated variable and responding variable.
3. Hypotheses are tested in laboratory by carry out experiments.

Planning an investigation

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 1. An investigation involves collecting relevant information about an experiment, determining apparatus
and materials needed, identifying variables and planning the procedures of the experiment.

Identifying and controlling variables

1. Variables are factors or conditions which influence the outcome of an investigation. Variables can be
controlled, changed and measured during experiment.
2. Three types of variables:
a) Manipulated variable – is a factor that causes an observable event or a phenomenon. It is an
independent variable which is controlled at different values to test a hypothesis. Only one variable is
tested each time. The values of a manipulated variable must be set within a suitable range.
Example: in the experiment to study the effects of temperature on the rate of enzyme action, the
manipulated variable (temperature) should range from 0°C to 60°C.

b) Responding variable – is the dependent variable which is the outcome of an experiment. It is the
result obtained due to the changes in the manipulated variable. It can be observed or measured and
recorded in the form of data.

c) Fixed or constant variables – are factors which have significant effects on the outcome of
investigation and must be kept constant throughout the experiment.
Conducting the experiment
1. Experiment is repeated a three times to obtain a more precise and reliable average or mean reading.
2. When conducting experiments, apparatus, materials and specimens used must be handled correctly and
safely.
3. The experimental design should include a control experiment for comparison. The control experiment
is similar in every aspect to the test experiment except that the manipulated variable is kept constant.

Collecting data or experimental data

1. The results of an experiment are referred to as data, and are obtained by means of observation and
measurement.

Recording data
1. Data can be presented in the form of tables, graphs, charts or diagram.

Analysing data
1. Analysing data may include calculations of a result. Proper workings of the calculations should also be
included.

Making conclusions
1. At the end of the experiment, the results must be interpreted. A rational conclusion is drawn as to
whether the results support or refute the hypothesis. An inaccurate hypothesis does not mean that failed
in the investigation. It just means that the prediction of the outcome is probably incorrect. New
hypotheses can be formulated and tested.

Writing a report
1. Results of experiment must be presented in writing.

Scientific Attitudes and Noble Values

1. When conducting scientific experiments, it is important for a Biology student to inculcate positive scientific
attitudes and noble values.
2. Examples of scientific attitudes and noble values are:

 Having interest and curiosity towards the environment

 Being honest and accurate in recording data
 Being responsible about the safety of oneself, others and the environment

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  Being objective
 Being systematic
 Being cooperative
 Daring to try
 Being confident and independent
 Having critical and analytical thinking
 Thinking rationally
 Appreciating the balance of nature
 Being thankful to God
 Being kind-hearted and caring
 Realising that science is a means to understand nature

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(a) (i) Based on the Diagram 1, record the maximum height in each measuring cylinder. [3m]

(ii) Draw a bar graph of the height of the mixture (ml) against the types of sugars. [3m]

(b) (i) State two observations from this experiment. [3m]

(i)________________________________________________________________________________
(ii)________________________________________________________________________________

(ii) State one inference for each of the observations made in (b)(i). [3m]
(i)_________________________________________________________________________________
(ii)________________________________________________________________________________

(c)
Variables: Method to handled:
a) Manipulated

b) Responding

c) Constant

[3m]

(d) Formulate a suitable hypothesis for this experiment. [3m]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(f) If the apparatus set up is left for 5 hours, predict what will happen to the height of the foam in cylinder A.
Explain why. [3m]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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