Unit 1 -- Introduction to Biology

Biology is the study of Living Things. We will begin our study of Biology by becoming familiar with many of the branches or scientific disciplines that make up the field of Biology. In the process, you will be introduced to Greek and Latin "root words" that make up all biological terms. Next, we will learn about the specific set of characteristics displayed by all living things. We will conclude our introduction to biology by comparing the characteristics of living organisms to those of a virus, which is considered by scientists to be a non-living entity.

SCSh8f. Science disciplines and traditions differ from one another in what is studied, techniques used, and outcomes sought.

SB3d. Compare and contrast viruses with living organisms.

Assignment 1: Examine the table describing areas of study within the field of Biology (Click here to see table). Make flash cards for each discipline with the name of the discipline on one side and the description of the discipline on the reverse side. With a partner (of your choosing), use the flash cards to study for a quiz in which you must match each discipline with its proper description.

Quiz: A (paper) quiz on scientific disciplines.

Assignment 2: Obtain a list of 190 Root Words for Biology from your instructor (click here to see list. Use this list of words to help you define the terms on the Biological Terms worksheet (click here to see worksheet). Afterwords, review your choices with your instructor.

Assignment 3: Watch the video below on "The Characteristics of Living Things." Take notes. Your goal is to write down, study, and learn the various characteristic displayed by all living organisms.




Click here to view another video lesson on the Characteristics of Living Things.

Assignment 4: Viruses: power point presentation. Take notes and participate in class discussion that follows. Click here to access power point.

The following videos entitled "The Viral Lytic Cycle" and "Flu Virus" illustrate how viruses can replicate (reproduce) even though they are considered to be non-living.






Quiz: Introduction to Biology. Quiz (paper) will ask you to identify and define various biological disciplines and terms as well as recognize the characteristics of all living things. In addition, be able to explain why scientists do not consider a virus to be a living organism.