What is Science?
The observation,
identification,
description,
experimental
investigation [scientific method],
and
theoretical explanation
of
natural phenomena.
What method does science use to explain natural phenomena?
Deductive Reasoning
n
Concluding a reason/or cause for a natural
phenomenon based upon a general principle
"Newton's Law says
that everything that goes up must come down. And so, if you kick the ball up,
it must come down."
Inductive Reasoning
n
Using a observations of natural phenomena to
formulate a general principle
"I've noticed
previously that every time I kick a ball up, it comes back down, so I guess
this next time when I kick it up, it will come back down, too."
Scientific Method
What are Science Laws and Theories?
n
A theory attempts to explain why nature behaves as it does.
Theories are sometimes called "models" for
this reason.
n
A law describes how nature behaves without
explaining why nature behaves that way.
Scientific Laws
n
Boyles’ Law
Scientific Theory
Scientific Community
n
How do scientists exchange ideas?
n
Publish the results of experiments in peer
review journals.
n
How is scientific research organized or directed?
n
Funding goals from granting organizations
§
NSF (National Science Foundation)
§
NIH (National Institute for Health)
NSF – Funding Goals
Research Science
Biology
n
The study of living organisms
(Study of life)
§ What
is life?
n
Composed of cell(s)
isolated from external
environment by a
membrane
n
Metabolism
living things need energy
n
Homeostasis
maintain a stable
internal environment
n
Reproduction
able to produce
another organism
similar to themselves
n
Heredity
possess a genetic system
which is preserved by
replication and
duplication
(DNA)
Biology Themes
n
Evolution -
a change in the frequency of alleles between generations.
§
Mechanisms – gene flow, genetic drift, natural selection, mutation.
n
Ecologists, Physiologists, Paleontology,
Behavioral ecologists, Microbiologists, etc…
Biology Themes
n
Flow of Energy
§
Ecosystems
§
Interactions between species
n
Ecologists and Physiologists
Biology Themes
n
Cooperation
§
Formation of social systems
§
Interspecies relationships
Behaviorists,
Behavioral ecologists
Biology Themes
n
Structure determines function
§
Organisms are limited or can survive in new environments given their
genetic expression of traits.
n
Physiologists, Comparative anatomists,
Evolutionary biologist.
Homeostasis
n
The maintenance of a stable internal environment.
n
Excreting waste products
n
Acquiring food
n
Maintaining body functions
Physiologists, ecologists