...Biology From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Biology (disambiguation). Biology deals with the study of the many varieties of living organisms. Clockwise from top left: Salmonella typhimurium, Phascolarctos cinereus, Athyrium filix-femina, Amanita muscaria, Agalychnis callidryas, and Brachypelma smithi Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.[1] Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines. Among the most important topics are five unifying principles that can be said to be the fundamental axioms of modern biology:[2] 1. Cells are the basic unit of life 2. New species and inherited traits are the product of evolution 3. Genes are the basic unit of heredity 4. An organism regulates its internal environment to maintain a stable and constant condition 5. Living organisms consume and transform energy. Subdisciplines of biology are recognized on the basis of the scale at which organisms are studied and the methods used to study them: biochemistry examines the rudimentary chemistry of life; molecular biology studies the complex interactions of systems of biological molecules; cellular biology examines the basic building block of all life, the cell; physiology examines the physical and chemical functions of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of an organism; and ecology...
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...Is ‘Synthetic Biology’ Exciting or Terrifying? Synthetic biology is often referred to as being a combination of engineering, chemistry and biology. Synthetic biology is defined as being either the design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems or the re-design of existing, natural biological systems. This means that a wide range of experimental and tested techniques are used to alter existing biological systems or create new ones. This could mean altering the DNA of a bacterium or inhibiting a material with microorganisms, the possibilities really do stretch even the wildest of imaginations. There are many different levels of synthetic biology, based on the size of the structures involved ranging from a molecular level to multiple organism system. This does not necessarily affect complexity though, all synthetic biology research is proving to be very complicated and difficult but interesting and exciting none-the-less. There are some very interesting and very exciting ideas that scientists have deemed theoretically possible and are currently researching. A lot of these ideas are potentially very beneficial, some to the environment, some to human and animal health, and some to manufacturing. Although still very much unexplored, these theories seem exciting and interesting and make synthetic seem as though it is the future of science. However, there are some ideas that become more ethically and morally controversial, not to mention may have negative...
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...including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.[1] Modern biology is a vast and eclectic field, composed of manybranches and subdisciplines. However, despite the broad scope of biology, there are certain general and unifying concepts within it that govern all study and research, consolidating it into single, coherent fields. In general, biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the synthesis and creation of new species. It is also understood today that all organisms survive by consuming and transforming energy and by regulating their internal environment to maintain a stable and vital condition. Subdisciplines of biology are defined by the scale at which organisms are studied, the kinds of organisms studied, and the methods used to study them: biochemistry examines the rudimentary chemistry of life; molecular biologystudies the complex interactions among biological molecules; botany studies the biology of plants; cellular biologyexamines the basic building-block of all life, the cell; physiology examines the physical and chemical functions oftissues, organs, and organ systems of an organism; evolutionary biology examines the processes that produced the diversity of life; and ecology examines how organisms interact in their environment.[2] HistoryThe term biology is derived from the Greek word βίος, bios, "life" and the suffix -λογία, -logia, "study of."[3][4] The...
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...PAMANTANSAN NG LUNSOD NG MAYNILA CS THIRD YEAR BIOLOGY STUDENTS A. Background of the Study BS Biology students have the burden of memorizing technical/scientific terms, different defining characteristics of representative species from different phyla, long and confusing life cycles of different organisms and such. Many have failed in recalling key details and important information during examinations and majority of that is because of the technicality of the information they need to digest. The change made by the new administration of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila regarding the grading system has motivated the students to study harder to acquire the maintaining grade or to get a higher one. This has driven students to create their own techniques regarding memorizing or understanding overwhelming information and data. In the case of the BS Biology students in PLM, they deal with scientific terminologies, numerous characteristics of different organisms and the like which are hard to put in mind. Different techniques are being used to make the students remember as many information as possible. To make the future students acquire needed values, viewpoints, strategies and forms of knowledge to live creatively in the world of future, new trends in educational area have been needed(Koutselini, 1997). For that reason, together with these new ideas and triggered by the changes in educational arena, various approaches, theories, and trends have appeared, applied, and been...
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...Philosophy of Science In his article about "Bad management theories are destroying good management practices", Sumantra Ghoshal gives a considerable number of examples to explain what he sees as bad management practices that ruin the management world of today. He criticises the way companies have behaved in the past (see Enron, Tyco etc.) and points out different causes such as faulty pedagogy, the false pretence of knowledge and the methodology used to describe existing theories on social sciences but also the narrow environment in which new management models could be constructed. In the year 2010 The Economist published a response to Sumatra's article, suggesting that other ways of conducting experiments in the field of management are being tested, mainly through the use of more discrete factors (such as an individual's DNA structure and hormone panels) and through more practical methods (the twin-studies). In Dr Cosmides and Dr Tooby research they attempt to give "scientific" meaning to management by "applying the rigor of biology" ('The biology of business' p. 1). Scientists have looked at twin-studies for answers regarding the difference between upbringing and pure genetic material. After discovery of deception from one of the fields pioneers, Sir Cyril Burt, the twin-studies have lost part of their popularity. Needless to say that the differences between twins and normal brothers are still an interesting approach and can still yield verisimilar results if preformed correctly...
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...CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Background to the Problem Education has been very important through the ages and it can be defined as an organized and sustained instruction designed to communicate a combination of knowledge, skill and understanding valuables for all activities of life. Numerous groups during this century have identified what they believe the goals of education should be. One of the most widely cited reports is that of the commission on the reorganization of secondary education which in 1918 stated the goals of education as the seven cardinal principles: health, command of fundamental processes, worthy home membership, vocation, citizenship, worthy use of leisure and ethical conduct. Although neither science nor any of the other school subjects was included as one of the seven principles, the role and importance of science in achieving the seven cardinal principles is obvious. The world is fast becoming scientific in thinking and behaviors that without good knowledge of science, it might be difficult for people to adequately function in it. The purpose of exposing children to science instruction right from primary school level is not necessarily to turn them into scientist per se but to provide favorable scientific attitudes of ‘finding out’ and ‘hands-on‘ and to enable them raise questions about things that intrigue them. In a study on the impact of science on the society, Bertrand & Russell (1952) have shown that our time is an age of science. Science...
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...THE SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY WHAT IS BIOLOGY? Literally means “study of life” The science that deals with structures, functions, and relationship of living things and their environment. A broad science that can be studied in various levels – molecular, cellular, organismal, population, community, or ecosystem BASIC STRUCTURE OF SCIENCE Biology has evolved as a field of science since it was first studied in ancient civilizations Science is a process that requires the testing of ideas using evidence gathered from the natural world. Science is iterative in nature and involves critical thinking, careful data collection, rigorous peer review, and the communication of results. Science also refers to the body of knowledge produced by scientific investigation. SCIENTIFIC METHOD Refers to the working habits of practicing scientist. Involves rigorous application of common sense to the study and analysis of data. Refers to the model for research developed by Francis Bacon (15611626) SCIENTIFIC METHOD a. Observations - lead to questions that require answers. b. Hypothesis - a testable statement proposed to answer a question. c. Experiments - (often with controls and variables) are devised to test hypotheses. d. Analysis of the results of an experiment will lead to the hypothesis being accepted or rejected. SCIENTIFIC REASONING Inductive Reasoning from specific observations to broader generalization & theories. “bottom-up”...
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...Biology guide First assessment 2016 Biology guide First assessment 2016 Diploma Programme Biology guide Published February 2014 Published on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Organization, a not-for-profit educational foundation of 15 Route des Morillons, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland by the International Baccalaureate Organization (UK) Ltd Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate Cardiff, Wales CF23 8GL United Kingdom Website: www.ibo.org © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 The International Baccalaureate Organization (known as the IB) offers four high-quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to create a better, more peaceful world. This publication is one of a range of materials produced to support these programmes. The IB may use a variety of sources in its work and checks information to verify accuracy and authenticity, particularly when using community-based knowledge sources such as Wikipedia. The IB respects the principles of intellectual property and makes strenuous efforts to identify and obtain permission before publication from rights holders of all copyright material used. The IB is grateful for permissions received for material used in this publication and will be pleased to correct any errors or omissions at the earliest opportunity. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted...
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...Material Appendix B Fundamentals of Biology Worksheet You are beginning a journey in the world of biology. Completing this worksheet will prepare you with the background knowledge necessary for understanding this world! What Are the Major Theories of Biology? The major theories of biology have been tested over years and provide information helping you to understand the science of biology. For each theory, list the name of the person or persons known for scientifically testing each theory, the approximate date they experimented with the theory, and a sentence or two to describe the theory. Bioenergetics: Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, late 18th century, it’s the study of science that explains the energy used to operate life Biological classification: Carolus Linneaus, late 18th century, it’s the way living organisms are classified according to similarities and differences Cells: Matthias Schleiden & Theodor Schwann, beginning of the 17th century, all organisms are made up of these tiny units that come from preexisting cells and make up living organisms Ecosystems: discovered by a wide range of scientists, 20th century, this is where organisms interact with other organisms in their environment and the changes they experience while in this environment Evolution by natural selection: Charles Darwin, , the theory that species change or evolve over time Homeostasis: Claude Bernard, mid-19th century, the theory that organisms tolerate widely varying...
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...TRANSITIONS IN TEACHING STRATEGIES OF HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH Mark Joseph C. Diaz Jerah Mae G. Gilos Kenneth P. Guilan Nerissa E. Sorolla Chapter 1 Introduction to the Study Chapter One has five parts: (1) Background and Theoretical Framework of the Study, (2) Statement of the Problem, (3) Significance of the Study (4) Definition of Terms, and (5) Scope and Delimitation of the Study. Part One, Background and Theoretical Framework of the Study, justifies the need for the investigation, describes the origin of the study, discusses the importance of selecting the problem, and the reason for conducting it. Part Two, Statement of the Problem, presents the purpose and enumerates the problems answered in the study. Part Three, Significance of the Study, states and tells the importance and benefits that may be derived from the findings. Part Four, Definition of Terms, clarifies the meaning of the terms used in this investigation. Part Five, Scope and Delimitation of the Study, sets the limit and scope of the investigation. Background of the Study Throughout the history, societies have sought to educate people to produce goods and services, to respond effectively and creatively to their world and to satisfy their curiosity and aesthetic impulses. Education involves theory and empirical sets of knowledge and learning as well. Teaching is the process of helping their learners economically and efficiently. It is...
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...Biophysics, and Cell Respiration Sian Hall What is biophysics? To answer this question we first must explore biology, and what exactly it entails. Biology is the study of living organisms, with many different, interacting fields. Biology is an important branch of science, as it is essentially the study of life in the world around us. Without biology we would not be able to examine the growth, structure, origin, function, evolution or distribution of living things. Four principles form the basis of biology; cell theory, evolution, genetics, and homoeostasis. Physics, on the other hand, is the branch of science that explores the nature and properties of energy and matter, including mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, electricity,...
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...Associate Level Material Appendix B Fundamentals of Biology Worksheet You are beginning a journey in the world of biology. Completing this worksheet will prepare you with the background knowledge necessary for understanding this world! What Are the Major Theories of Biology? The major theories of biology have been tested over years and provide information helping you to understand the science of biology. For each theory, list the name of the person or persons known for scientifically testing each theory, the approximate date they experimented with the theory, and a sentence or two to describe the theory. Bioenergetics: Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier Late 18th century Chemistry of Life was placed in a context of a larger understanding of chemistry and energetic. Biological classification: Carolus Linneaus late 18th century Organisms are classified according to their similarities and differences. Cells: Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann beginning of the 17th century All organisms are made of cells and all cells are made of preexisting cells. Ecosystems: no identifiable parent but a group of people- 20th century Organisms interact with each other and other things in their environment and changes in their environment change other things as well. Everything works together to keep that environment going right. Evolution by natural selection: Charles Darwin- mid 19th century Species are able to evolve over time and only the strongest will...
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...Factors in the Performance of Biology Subject in Secondary Schools in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya Wabuke Joy Mukhwana Chepkoilel University College, Department of Science Education, P. O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya. ___________________________________________________________________________ Abstract This paper focuses on the student-related factors that influence performance of students in Biology in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Eldoret municipality. The study was conducted through an ex-post facto design. A total of ten secondary schools were sampled. Target respondents were Form Three students and teachers of Biology (those teaching Form Three) within the municipality. The study sample (which was made up of 225 respondents; 200 students and 25 teachers) was obtained using stratified sampling. Simple random sampling was then used to choose the streams and particular students who participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to obtain only the students who study Biology. The data was collected using questionnaires, observations and interviews and analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer programme. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was established that student-related factors affecting performance of Biology in Eldoret Municipality are: primary school Science which provides a requisite background for Biology at secondary school level; interest in Biology (theory and practical) provides...
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...What are Personality Theories? Michael J Falls PSY/405 June 23, 2014 Bernard Wakley There are several different personality theories that attempt to explain how people act and who they are. Theories categorize people on characteristics or traits, and then try to describe the effect that this has on a person’s behavior in certain situations. Personality theories are supposed to focus on how people differ from one another; theories select behaviors or characteristics to determine their taxonomies or categories. Biological theories of personalities focus on genetics as well as biological relationships in physiological arousal and the neurochemistry in our brains. The biological approach to studying a person’s personality would be the differences in brain chemistry in extrovert and introverts. Theorist use biological processes to fill in the gap between personality and genetics by theorizing biological effects with behaviors. This anatomical approach examines the functions of brain structures. One of the biggest pioneers in the field was Eysenck; he attempted to relate personality to biology. Eysenck theory is complex, but it has grown over the years, one basic assumption is the brain has excitatory and inhibitory neural mechanisms. The balance between these two produces levels of psychological arousal at any given time. The dispositional theory is the classic or traditional way of psychological study of personalities. Since the early Greeks, maybe even longer it has been recognized...
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...Aristotle As an important figure head in the field of philosophy, Aristotle and his numerous influences will be detailed. Identification and evaluation of key concepts and analyses that comprised his theories will be discussed along with identification and description of his contributions to the field of philosophy will also be offered. Lastly, further discussion will focus on how the culture and the time period influenced his ideology. Metaphysics Metaphysics is a branch philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being. It is considered to be one of the greatest philosophical works. It kind of piggy backs off of Plato’s theory of forms. Plato believed that the nature of things is eternal and doesn’t change, but we know from just living in this world that things are always changing daily. Aristotle wanted to reconcile these contradictory statements of the views of the world. Aristotle used the influence of both Heraclitus and Parmenides. One believed that things appear to be permanent but they are really gradually changing all the time. Parmenides, argued certain conclusions could be reached by using reason alone and making no use of senses. After studying at the Academy, Aristotle would turn against his teaching and felt that there was a connection between the abstraction of existence and the science of nature. Aristotle described substance as material reality and formal and discusses the connection between actuality and potentiality. According to...
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