Introduction
Course objectives Understand how living and non-living environments are interrelated Understand how cells function Understand principles of heredity Understand how the human body functions
Science in Popular Culture
Science and You
Goals Scientific literacy Understanding scientific process & thinking Inference Make informed decisions on biological issues that effect your life
Outline Science Scientific method Scientific experimentation What & how Scientific method Scientific experimentation Patterns in science
What is Science? The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena
Characteristics of Science Methodological activity Inquisitive Inquiry based Critical thinking Empirical evidence Logical reasoning Patterns
Science is a way of investigating nature/ universe
Is Science the Truth Truth has many definitions Scientific truth is fact based What we know and understand based on all currently available information Established by a reliable method Scientific method
Fact Something that has actual existence; an actual occurrence; a piece of information presented as having objective reality
Dogma A principle, belief, or statement of idea or opinion especially one authoritatively considered to be absolute truth
Scientific Method Formal process by which scientists collectively, over time, work to construct an accurate (reliable, consistent, non-arbitrary) representation of the world Fact based Standardized procedures to minimize bias and prejudice Repeatability provides validity
Hypothesis vs Theory
Hypothesis Tentative answer or explanation to a question Based on background information Address cause and effect Simple & reasonable explanation Testable question Falsifiable
Scientific Theory A comprehensive explanation supported by abundant evidence Comprehensive explanation incorporates many tested hypotheses Supported by repeated testing Addresses why
Scientific Method Observation Question Hypothesis Prediction Experiment Conclusion
Scientific Experiment Independent variable Variable that is manipulated Dependent variable Potentially influenced by independent variable Standardized variable Variables held constant Confounding factors Control group Subjects not receiving experimental treatment
Graphs & Figures help identify patterns in data
Graphs & Figures help identify patterns in data
Correlation vs Causation Correlation is a relationship between two variables Causation is relationship between cause and effect http://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
Sample Size Bigger is better!! Random is better too!!
Patterns in Science Scale Form and function Taxonomy Evolution Interconnections within systems Form and function Taxonomy Identification, Organization & understanding Evolution Unity of life
Scale
Scale
Scale
Scale
Scale in Biology Interconnections in Systems
Form and Function
Form and Function
Form and Function and Function
Patterns of Form and Function occurs at all scales of Life
Taxonomy Identification, Organization & Understanding
Taxonomy Identification, Organization & Understanding
Domains are the least inclusive category Prokaryote vs Eukaryote
Unity of life
Evolution
Mechanisms of evolution Darwin Natural selection Differential reproductive success- individuals best suited for a given environment will survive and contribute more off spring to the next generation