Introduction: The Unity & Diversity of Life
Course Syllabus
The Unity of Life
What is "life"?
Organization of LIFE
atoms & molecules
organelles & cells
tissues & organs
organ systems & organisms
populations & communities
ecosystems & biosphere
Characteristics of LIFE
Metabolism
Homeostasis
Response to stimuli
Reproduction
Development & Growth
Movement
The Diversity of LIFE
Organisms & species
Adaptations & change
Evolution: Descent with modification
The classification of LIFE
3 Domains
Archaea
Bacteria
Eukarya
Animals
Plants
Fungi
Protista
Viruses
?
The Scope of Biology
Ecology - the study of how living organisms and their environment interact
Anatomy - the study of an organism's structure
Physiology - the study of how an organism functions
Cell & Molecular Biology - the study of how cells work
Genetics - the study of how genes (DNA) function
The Scientific Nature of Biology
Science is "hypothesis-driven"
Observations
Question
Hypothesis
Prediction
Experiment
Experimental variables
Control group
Data
Evaluation/conclusion
Example of a controlled study
Science & Society
Technology
Bioethics