Overview of “General Biology”

A. Definition of scienceB. Inductive and deductive reasoningC. Experimental processD. Methods of data analysisE. 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 data4. Repeat experiments5. 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 miningHazard analysis critical control points (HACCP)

E. Properties of Living OrganismsHierarchical 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 conditionsReproductionHeredityEvolution