1: Biology Basics
- Page ID
- 24727
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- 1.1: Introduction
- Scientists use a methodology for systematically investigating natural phenomena. This method uses existing information or observations to acquire new information or validate previous knowledge. These knowledge types come from empirical (experiential) or measured information. Empirical and measured data (or knowledge) are referred to as observations. While empirical data comes from experiences, science has developed into a mode of inquiry using experimentation.
- 1.2: Microscopy
- In 1665, Robert Hooke published Micrographia, a book that illustrated highly magnified items that included insects and plants. This book spurred on interest in the sciences to examine the microscopic world using lenses but is also notable for Hooke’s observations of cork where he used the word “cell” in a biological sense for the first time.
- 1.3: Units of Measure
- The metric system is an internationally agreed-upon measurement system based on decimals or powers of 10. Scientists use a refined version called the International System of Units (abbreviated SI). In biology, you will often find a need to describe measurements of length, volume, mass, time, temperature or amount of substance.
- 1.4: Quantitative Skills
- Experimental science looks at cause and effect types of relationships. Controlled experiments vary one of the factors or traits to observe the effect on another factor or trait. These factors are called variables. A dependent variable is something that is observed and expected to change as a result of modifying another factor in the experiment. That is to say, the outcome depends on another factor.
- 1.5: Reporting On Science
- This page contains detailed information on how to write your lab report.