The Study Of Biology

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology

Learning Area - The Study of Biology
Learning Objective - Understanding the study of Biology
Learning Outcomes - A student is able to :
• state what the study of Biology is,
• explain the importance of Biology,
• list the different fields of study in Biology,
• list the careers related to Biology,
• state various ways of studying Biology.

Definition of Biology
Biology is derived from 2 Greek words "bios" and "logos". "Bios" means life and "logos" means life.
Biology means the study of living things,their life processes and their interaction with each other and their interaction with the environment.

The Importance of Biology
1. Enables us to understand life.
2. Helps us to understand how each species fit into the dynamic pattern of life on Earth.
3. Enables the discovery of many important advances in biotechnology, medicine and genetic engineering.
4. Help us in preserving and managing the environment

Benefit of Biological Research
1. A better understanding of how human body function.
2. Finding cures for diseases.
3. Saving endangered species which are on the verge of extinction.
4. A better management of problems related to the environment.

Fields of Study in Biology
1. Zoology = study of animal
2. Botany = study of plant
3. Ecology = study of ecosystem
4. Biotechnology = study the use of microorganism to perform specific industrial processes
5. Physiology = study of functions of living organism and its part
6. Taxonomy = study of classification of organism
7. Microbiology = study of microorganism
8. Anatomy = study of internal structure and organization of organism

Careers Related to Biology
1. In fieldwork such as ecological researcher
2. In laboratory work such as testing of products, quality control of pharmaceutical and health care products
3. In health care such as radiographers, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses, optician, doctors and surgeons.

Various Ways of Studying Biology
1. Use of technology
2. Project work
3. Fields trips
4. Group discussion
5. Doing experiment