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Biology LibreTexts

1.1: Unit 1 Introduction

  • Page ID
    108039
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    Unit 1 Introduction

    Biology is the study of life and living organisms’ interactions with the environment. Western science seeks to know and often follows a process of steps, known as the scientific method, to understand the nature of life and the universe. Observation, questioning, controlled experimentation, modeling, and reasoning are hallmarks of the process of science. Indigenous science recognizes the knowledge inherent in each culture and understanding nature is a process of ‘coming to know’ which is a journey of wisdom in action rather than a process of discovery. Science in all its forms is a hallmark of humanity and critical to culture and society worldwide. Each section of text in this Unit is reinforced through embedded media and special call-out features.

    Unit 1 Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:

    • Classify living organisms;
    • Understand and articulate the principles and processes of scientific inquiry;
    • Think critically about the principles of biology studied; and
    • Communicate your thinking clearly and concisely in speaking and in writing.

    Unit 1 Table of Contents

    1.1. Introduction

    1.2. Themes and Concepts of Biology

    1.3. The Nature of Science

    1.4. The Role of Science in Society

    1.G. Glossary

    1.S. Summary

    This unit introduces learners to the basic principles of life, the process of science, and the relationship between science and society.

    Unit 1 Assessments

    If you are a TRU student using this resource, all of your assessed learning activities and assignments are in your course Moodle site.

    Please click on the blue arrow on the right to start Unit 1: Chapter 1.2. If you are on a mobile device, use the navigation links at the bottom of this page.

    Cover Photo: "Introduction" (Larah McElroy, CC BY-NC 2.0)


    This page titled 1.1: Unit 1 Introduction is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tara Jo Holmberg.

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