...Journal Article Review Andrea Kennedy 9/24/15 SCE 4360 Practical Work in Science: Misunderstood and Badly Used. By: Johnathan Osbourne This article tackles the issue of practical work or experimental processes within the science teaching field. Specifically, Osborne questions the usefulness and degree to which it is used. Most science classes are taught in a lab and are only deemed valid if a hands on activity, lab, or experiment is used in teaching the lesson. In my opinion maybe this is because we need a measurable way to assess students' understanding and without a gradable lab report, this would be difficult. This leads to the main point in Osborne's article, that to understand and appreciate science we must also understand that science in itself is rooted in ideas, sometimes as Osborne states, "crazy" ideas. Osborne observes that most students when asked to name famous scientists, names such as Galileo, Einstein, Bohr, etc., are the main ones mentioned, all of which became famously known because they had a wild, crazy idea. He lists six "postulates" which have been determined to explain what students should learn in science classes. None of which include development of ideas, which he believes should be the basis for science teaching. His stand on practical work is that it is useful, but not in the way science teachers currently use it. Practical work has become the lesson in itself, rather than part of a larger lesson, and is being taught as a skill and method that should...
Words: 1061 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 3394 - Pages: 14
...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...
Words: 3754 - Pages: 16
...The genetics of S. cerevisiae Biology 2 Genetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Part 1: Introduction & Determination of Phenotypes Overview You will be given three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (named A, B, and C), each with a different genotype. The hypotheses for this study are (1) identify the phenotypes and genotypes of the three strains in regards to their ability to synthesize leucine, and uracil; and (2) determine whether these genes follow Mendel’s Second Law and assort independently. Goals and objectives of this project: • • • • • Learn how to work with S. cerevisiae, a model organism that is powerful for genetic research Experimentally explore genetic concepts (auxotroph vs. prototroph, genes vs. alleles, diploid vs. haploid, complementation, segregation and independent assortment, meiosis vs. mitosis, genotype vs. phenotype) Develop and test scientific hypotheses Learn to work with a microscope, micropipettor, microcentrifuge and hemacytometer Learn about the genetics of metabolism How this project will be graded: 1. Your scores for Question Sets 1, 2, and 3 will be combined into a single grade. That grade will be included in your Lab Average for the course. Your Lab Average will be included in your final semester average as described in the syllabus for this course. (the deadline for the question submission will be determined in class depending on the progress of the lab) 2. Your scores for Question Sets 4, 5, and 6 will...
Words: 4873 - Pages: 20
...| | |College of Natural Sciences | | |SCI/230 Version 7 | | |Introduction to Life Science | Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course applies a broad, conceptual understanding of biology. Students are introduced to scientific ideologies and concepts that not only shape our biological world, but also shape us as humans. Students examine the scientific method, evolution and biodiversity, the biology of cells, energy systems, the dynamics of inheritance, and the effect humans have on the environment. The text emphasizes methods and the theoretical foundations of ideas, while minimizing isolated facts. It stresses the integration of ideas, making connections that form our understanding of the living world. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum...
Words: 2438 - Pages: 10
...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,...
Words: 924 - Pages: 4
...GENERAL BIOLOGY I FOR NON-SCI. MAJORS 1308/1108 CALENDAR – SPRING 2015 Week of: Lecture Chapters Lab Exercises Jan 19 Martin Luther King’s Day – No classes 21 Introduction #2 Metric Measure Jan 26 Ch. 1 Biology, Study of Life #2 Microscopy 28 Ch. 2 Basic Chemistry #3 Chem. Comp. of Cells Feb 2 Ch. 2 Properties of Water #3 Chem. Comp. of Cells/Unknown Quiz 4 Ch. 3 Organic Molecules #4 The Cells Feb 9 Lecture Exam 1 (Chs 1-3) #4 pH and Cells 11 Ch. 4 Structure and Function of Cells #4 Diffusion and Osmosis Feb 16 Ch. 5 Dynamic Activities of Cells Review 18 Ch. 5 Dynamic Activities of Cells Lab Practical 1 Feb 23 Ch. 6 Photosynthesis #5 Enzymes 25 Ch. 6 Photosynthesis #6 Photosynthesis Mar 2 Lecture Exam 2 (Chs 4-6) #7 Cellular Respiration 4 Ch. 7 Cellular Respiration Group Project Case Study Mar 9 Ch. 8 Cellular Reproduction #8 Mitosis 11 Ch. 9 Sexual Reproduction #8 Meiosis Mar 16-19 Spring Break! Mar 23 Ch. 10 Genetic Inheritance #9 Mendelian Genetics 25 Ch. 10 Genetic Inheritance #9 Mendelian Genetics Mar 30 Lecture Exam 3 (Chs 7-9) Review Apr 1 Ch. 11 Molecular Biology of Inheritance Lab Practical 2 Apr 6 Ch. 11 Molecular Biology of Inheritance #10 Human Genetics 8 Ch. 12 Regulation of Gene Activity #11 DNA Biology Apr 13 Ch. 13 Biotechnology ...
Words: 317 - Pages: 2
...A2 Biology Unit 5 page 1 AQA A2 Biology Unit 5 Contents Specification Human Nervous system Nerve Cells The Nerve Impulse Synapses Receptors Muscle Animal Responses Control of Heart Rate The Hormone System Homeostasis Temperature Homeostasis Blood Glucose Homeostasis Control of Mammalian Oestrus Plant Responses The Genetic Code Protein Synthesis Gene Mutations Stem Cells Control of Gene Expression Biotechnology DNA sequencing Southern Blot In vivo cloning Genetically Modified Organisms Gene Therapy Genetic Screening and Counselling 2 4 6 0 14 17 24 28 30 33 34 38 42 44 48 50 54 57 63 66 71 76 80 85 89 92 Molecular Genetics These notes may be used freely by A level biology students and teachers, and they may be copied and edited. Please do not use these materials for commercial purposes. I would be interested to hear of any comments and corrections. Neil C Millar (nmillar@ntlworld.co.uk) Head of Biology, Heckmondwike Grammar School High Street, Heckmondwike, WF16 0AH Jan 2010 HGS Biology A-level notes NCM 8/09 A2 Biology Unit 5 page 2 Biology Unit 5 Specification Control Systems Organisms increase their chance of survival by responding to changes in their environment. The Nerve Impulse The structure of a myelinated motor neurone. The establishment of a resting potential in terms of differential membrane permeability, electrochemical gradients and the movement of sodium and potassium ions. Changes in membrane permeability lead to depolarisation and the...
Words: 26586 - Pages: 107
...MCDB1A Lecture Schedule, Fall 2013 Part 1: Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dr. Stuart Feinstein Email: stu.feinstein@lifesci.ucsb.edu Office: Bio II, Rm. 5123; Office Hours: T and F after Lecture, in front of Campbell Hall and by appointment (after Oct. 22, T at 9 AM in Bio II, Rm. 5123). Approximate Lecture Schedule for Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Date | TOPIC | Reading in Text*[chapter (pages)] | | | | 9/27 | Introduction to class and Biochemical Principles | 1 (1-20); 2 (21-37) | | | | 9/30 | Introduction to Macromolecules/ Lipids and Polysaccharides | 3 (39-42; 51-61);6 (105-109) | | | | 10/1 | Macromolecules: Polysaccharides and Proteins | 3 (42-51) | | | | 10/2 | Macromolecules: Proteins and Nucleic Acids | 4 (62-67);13 (259-280) | | | | 10/4 | Macromolecules: Nucleic acids as Genetic Material | 13 (259-280) | | | | 10/7 | The Central Dogma: DNA Replication | 13 (259-280) | | | | 10/8 | The Central Dogma: Transcription and Translation | 14 (281-303) | | | | 10/9 | The Central Dogma: Translation and Mutations | 14 (281-303)15 (304-308) | 10/10 | First Honors Meeting | | 10/11 | The Central Dogma: Post-Translational Modifications, Alternative RNA Splicing and MicroRNAs | 14 (300-304;312-313) 16 (346-349) | | | | 10/14 | Energy, Enzymes and Metabolism | 8 (144-164) | | | | 10/15 | Chemical Pathways that Harvest Chemical Energy | 9 (165-184)...
Words: 726 - Pages: 3
...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”...
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
...The World of the Cell Seventh Edition Wayne M. Becker Lewis J. Kleinsmith Jeff Hardin Gregory Paul Bertoni Chapter 1 A Preview of the Cell Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.. Chapter 1--Cell The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms The smallest structure capable of performing the essential functions characteristic of life The study of cells •Began with the invention of microscopes in the 17th century •Using a microscope to look at cork, Robert Hooke described little box-like compartments and named them cellulae (little rooms) in 1665 (Micrographia) •Actually, the cellulae were dead plant cells •Limited by the microscope resolution Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Developed superior lenses that had 10-fold better resolution than Hooke’s. Looked at algae, protists, minerals, fossils, animals using a microscope. First to describe bacteria: "I then most always saw, with great wonder, "an unbelievably great there wereof living that in the said matter company many very animalcules, a-swimming more nimbly than little living animalcules, very prettily a-moving. any Ibiggest sort. . . up to this time. The The had ever seen had a very strong and biggest sort. .and shot through into water (or swift motion, . bent their body the curves in going forwards. . . does through the water. The spittle) like a pike Moreover, the other animalcules were in suchspun round numbers, second sort. . . oft-times enormous like a top. that allthese were.far more in number...
Words: 1895 - Pages: 8
...Organisation of the human body OrgaOOrgavdfdgdfws Lesson objective: To outline the funstions of the main cell components TASK –research each of following and reference useful websites in order to create the poster Key term | Definition / Function | Cell & Cell membranehttp://www.ivyroses.com/Biology/Cells/Cell-Membrane-Function.php | Cell Membrane - a thin structure that is also known as the plasma membrane.The main functions of the cell membrane are:to maintain the physical integrity of the cell - that is to mechanically enclose the contents of the cell, and alsoto control the movement of particles e.g. ions or molecules, into and out of the cellCell - is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms. A cell is the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently, and cells are often called the "building blocks of life" | Electron microscopehttp://www.ivyroses.com/Biology/Techniques/What-is-an-Electron-Microscope.php | An electron microscope is a microscope (i.e. an imaging device used to view very small items or areas) that uses beams of electrons instead of rays of visible light to form larger than "real life" images of tiny areas, materials or biological specimens. | Photomicrographhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrograph | A photomicrograph is a photograph or digital image taken through a microscope or similar device to show a magnified image of an item. This is opposed to a macrographic image, which is at a...
Words: 1203 - Pages: 5
... | | |Principles of Biology | Copyright © 2010, 2008 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course is designed to introduce biology at an entry level by examining the hierarchy that ranges from the fundamentals of cell biology to the physiology of organisms, and the interactions among those organisms in their environment. The topics in this course include cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, physiology, and ecology. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Simon, E. J., Reece, J. B., & Dickey, J. L. (2010). Essential biology with physiology. (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. All electronic materials are available on...
Words: 1401 - Pages: 6
...Report on the connection between the Central dogma of Molecular Biology/ Bioinformatics, Model Organism and Drug Designing. The basis of the central dogma of molecular biology is the expression of the genetic information in any call. It is a universal process that occurs in every cell. The genetic information is stored in the DNA. During gene expression DNA is transcript to RNA and these RNA are transcribed to proteins. Bioinformatics deals with the genetic information which involves collecting, analyzing, manipulating and predicting etc. For the functioning of bioinformatics it is essential to know the genetic information that is stored in DNA. Therefore sequencing of DNA, genes or genomes is the fundamental need in bioinformatics. Organisms that are used in biological experiments in laboratories are called ‘model organisms’, of which most genomes are sequenced at present (rat, yeast, Arabidopsis; plant model organism) These sequenced genomes could be analyzed using bioinformatics tools in order to identify genes of significance as in drought tolerance genes in plants etc. Information revealed from sequencing could be studied using bioinformatics tools to understand its underlying mechanisms and to generate models that could be used in further studies. This information could also be used in evolutionary studies, micro array analysis, identification of genetic disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy etc.) ...
Words: 414 - Pages: 2
...environment. Anthropology – The study of human culture and evolutionary aspects of human biology that includes: cultural, archeology and physical or biological anthropology. Applied anthropology – the practical application of anthropological and archeological theories and techniques. Artifacts – Objects or materials made or modified for use by modern humans and their ancestors. Biocultural evolution – The mutual interactive evolution of human biology and culture. The concept that biology makes culture further influences the direction of biological evolution. Bipedally – on two feet walking habitually on 2 legs. Culture – behavioral aspects of adaptation including technology, traditions, language religion, marriage. Data – Facts from which conclusions can be drawn scientific information. Empirical – relying on experiment or observation. Ethnographies – Detailed descriptive studies of human societies – ugsaatnii zui Ethnocentrism – Viewing other cultures from the inherently biased perspective of one’s own culture – undestnii deerengui uzel Evolution – A change in the genetic structure of a population. The term is also frequently used to refer to the appearance of a new species. Forensic anthropology – An applied anthropological approach that deals with legal matters. Forensic anthropologists work with coroners, police and others in identifying and analyzing human remains. Genetics – the study of gene structure and action and the patterns of inheritance of traits (ontslog...
Words: 1620 - Pages: 7
