STRAND 1: CELL BIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY
Sub-strand 1.1: Introduction to Biology
Definition of Biology – What is Biology?
Biology is a branch of science that deals with the study of living things.
- There are diverse forms of life on earth ranging from the invisible microscopic living things to the gigantic life forms. It aims at explaining the living world in terms of scientific principles.
- It is important to note, however, that living things interact with the non living things in the environment as well.
- Biology, therefore also entails the study of non living things as well. The role of human beings in shaping the environment is also investigated in biology.
- In summary, biology deals with the study of origins, types, nature, growth, development, interactions and maintenance of all life forms on earth.
Importance of biology
The study of biology is very important. The knowledge acquired from this study can benefit an individual in myriad ways. The study of biology is important in that:
- The knowledge acquired from the study of biology can be very helpful in solving environmental problems such as food shortage, poor health services, pollution and environmental degradation.
- The study of biology can grant one an entry into various careers such as medicine, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, horticulture and dentistry.
- The study of biology leads to development of scientific skills which are very useful in life. These include skills of observing, identifying, recording, classifying, measuring, analyzing and evaluating. These skills can enable one learn how to make right choices and lead an improved life.
- Through the study of biology man learns the causes of human, plant and human diseases and how best these diseases can be prevented and cured.
- Biological knowledge acquired in the study of biology is very useful in enhancing international cooperation. Some biology related international conventions include:
- Joint development of HIV/AIDS vaccine by Kenyan and British scientists.
- The coordinated fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome involving scientist all over the world.
- The fight to save the ozone layer from depletion through various international agreements such as the Kyoto protocol.
- Management of resources through international treaties such as the CITES (Convention against International Trade on Endangered Species).
Application of Biology in Everyday Life
Biology plays a role in:
Area Example of Application
Medicine & Health Disease diagnosis, drug development
Agriculture Improving crop yield, livestock breeding
Environment Conservation, waste management
Food Industry Fermentation, food preservation
Forensics DNA fingerprinting, crime solving
Research & Tech Biotechnology, cloning, genetic engineering
Branches of Biology
Biology is such a broad field of knowledge. It is divided into two broad branches.
- Zoology – This is a branch of biology that deals with the study of animal life.
- Botany- This is a branch of biology that deals with the study of plant life.
Within the two branches, there exist even smaller branches because the branches (botany and zoology) are very wide and complex.
Key Fields:
Field of Biology Description
Botany Study of plants
Zoology Study of animals
Taxonomy Classification of living things
Anatomy Structure of living organisms
Physiology Functions of body systems
Ecology Relationships in ecosystems
Biochemistry Chemical processes in organisms
Biotechnology Application of biological systems
Genetics Study of heredity and variation
Parasitology Study of parasites
Microbiology Study of microorganisms
Entomology Study of insects
Learner Activity: Use textbooks or internet to research one field of biology.
Share with the class: field name, what it involves, and at least one related career.
Careers Related to Fields of Biology (15 min)
Field Related Career(s)
Botany Botanist, Agricultural Officer
Zoology Zoologist, Park Ranger
Genetics Geneticist, Lab Technician
Biotechnology Genetic Engineer, Biomedical Scientist
Ecology Environmentalist, Ecologist
Anatomy Surgeon, Physiotherapist
Microbiology Microbiologist, Pathologist
Entomology Entomologist, Pest Control Expert
Learner Activity:
- Role-play or create a skit showcasing a professional in a biology-based career.
Influences on Career Choices (10 min)
Positive Factors:
- Personal interest
- Abilities and talents
- Passion and motivation
- Career demand and job availability
Negative Factors (should NOT influence):
- Gender roles/stereotypes
- Cultural beliefs
- Disabilities
- Peer pressure
- Environmental background
Discussion Questions:
- “Why is it important to choose a career based on interest and ability?”
- “Can girls be surgeons or boys be florists? Why or why not?”
Assessment Questions
- Define Biology.
- Mention four careers that come from studying Biology.
- Explain two ways Biology is useful in health and agriculture.
- Motor vehicles move, use energy and produce carbon dioxide and water. Similar characteristics occur in living organisms yet motor vehicles are not classified as living. List the other characteristics of living things that do NOT occur in motor vehicles.
- Give the name to the study of:
The cell
Micro—organisms
The study of differences between parents and their offspring
The study of relationships between organisms and their environment
C. Research/Project Work
In pairs, research and create a poster showing one field of biology and three careers related to it. Present the poster to the class.
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