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Overview of “General Biology” . Definition of science Inductive and deductive reasoning Experimental process Methods of data analysis Properties of living organisms. Definition of Science. Science A way of understanding the physical universe Through observation and experiment
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Overview of “General Biology” • Definition of science • Inductive and deductive reasoning • Experimental process • Methods of data analysis • Properties of living organisms
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
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
Experimental Process • 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
Experimental Process • 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
Experimental Process • Collect and analyze data • Repeat experiments • Publish results
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)
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
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