Biology 1113: Introduction to Biology and the Scientific Method

Course Overview and Structure

Instructor and Support Staff

This course is taught by Dr. Lubomira Cubonova, with support from lab instructors and a course coordinator. Student hours and contact information are provided for academic support.

• Lab Instructors: Jamie Hamon, Grace Humbert, Olivia Roumaya, Priya Dhawale

• Course Coordinator: Cameron Jamshidi (handles logistics, lab section changes, SLDS, makeup exams)

Course Materials

• Textbook: Biological Science (access via Carmenbooks)

• Online Resources: My Lab Mastering Biology assignments and readings

Grading and Assignments

• Exams: 4 exams (100 pts each), covering lectures, readings, homework, and activities

• Top-hat Points: 60 pts (classroom response system)

• Lecture Activities: 40 pts (lowest two scores dropped)

• MB Read: 100 pts (23 graded, 3 dropped)

• MB Homework: 100 pts (10 graded)

• Lab Grade: Part of overall course grade; details provided in lab manual

Point Distribution Table

Category	Lecture	Lab/Recitation
Exam I-IV	400	-
Final Exam	100	-
Mastering Biology Interactive Reading	100	-
Mastering Biology Homework	100	-
Top Hat Questions	60	-
Lecture Activities	40	-
SALG	5	-
Lab Safety	-	5
Microscope Proficiency	-	3
Lab Reading/Pre-lab	-	30
Lab Exercises/Activities	-	152.5
Lab Quizzes (2 Quizzes @ 15 pts)	-	30
Paraphrasing Assignment	-	20
Virus Poster Assignments	-	62.5
Overall Lab Performance	-	20
Subtotal	705	348
TOTAL	1053

Study Tips for Success

Recommended Study Cycle

• Prior to class: Preview learning outcomes, read textbook, take light notes, complete MB read (20-30 mins)

• During class: Actively attend lecture, take notes, highlight key points

• After class: Review lecture slides and notes ASAP, add questions (15-20 mins)

• Practice: Complete homework and textbook questions (15-20 mins)

• Fill gaps: Attend student hours for questions and discussion

Biology: The Study of Life

Defining Life

Biology is the scientific study of life. There is no single, universally accepted definition of life, but living things are recognized by their activities and characteristics.

• Cells: All organisms are made up of membrane-bound cells

• Replication: All organisms are capable of reproduction

• Information: All organisms process hereditary information encoded in genes and respond to environmental information

• Energy: All organisms acquire and use energy to stay alive

• Evolution: Populations of organisms are continually evolving

Example: Humans, plants, and bacteria all share these five fundamental characteristics.

The Nature of Science

Scientific Thinking and Limitations

Science is a systematic way of thinking that seeks to answer questions about the natural world. It is open to challenge and is self-correcting. However, science cannot address moral values, subjective experiences, or supernatural phenomena.

• Science is: Open to challenge, self-correcting

• Science cannot: Determine moral right/wrong, explain feelings, address supernatural beings

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is the process by which scientific knowledge is produced. It follows a standard sequence:

• Observation/Question: Noticing and describing phenomena

• Hypothesis: A testable statement explaining observations

• Prediction: A measurable or observable result expected if the hypothesis is valid

• Experiment: Testing the effect of a factor on a phenomenon

• Analysis and Conclusion: Supporting or rejecting the initial hypothesis

Key Terms

• Observation: Description, measurement, or record of any object or phenomenon

• Hypothesis: Testable statement explaining something observed

• Prediction: Expected result if hypothesis is valid

• Experiment: Procedure to test hypothesis

• Analysis and Conclusion: Interpretation of results to support or reject hypothesis

Designing Experiments

Elements of Well-Designed Experiments

• Variables: Characteristics that can change; independent variable is manipulated, dependent variable responds

• Control Group: Maintained under standard conditions, no change in independent variable

• Treatment Group: Experimental group, independent variable is manipulated

• Blind/Double-Blind Strategies: Subjects do not know which treatment they receive

• Randomization: Subjects are randomly assigned to groups

Publishing Results

• Communicate Results: Share findings with the scientific community

• Peer Review: Research is evaluated by experts before publication to prevent mistakes, misinterpretation, and fraud

Example: The Food Competition Hypothesis

Case Study: Giraffe Neck Length

• Hypothesis: Long necks evolved in giraffes to reach food unavailable to other mammals

• Prediction: Giraffes with longer necks will feed at higher levels than those with shorter necks

• Experiment: Simmons and Scheepers measured feeding heights in male and female giraffes

• Analysis: Data compared average feeding heights

• Alternative Hypothesis: Other factors (e.g., sexual selection) may explain neck length

Example Table: Giraffe Feeding Heights

Sex	Average Feeding Height (meters)
Male	Higher
Female	Lower
Additional info:	Data suggest males feed higher, but alternative explanations exist

Process of Science: Flowchart

• Observe and ask questions

• Suggest a hypothesis

• Generate predictions

• Design and test predictions

• Analyze results

• Communicate results

• Accept, reject, or modify hypothesis

Practice: Designing Your Own Experiment

Example Question

• Does taking Echinacea reduce the intensity or duration of the common cold?

• Formulate an observation, hypothesis, prediction, and design an experiment to test this question

Additional info: This example illustrates the application of the scientific method to a real-world health question.