Thinking About Biology An Introductory Biology Laboratory Manual

by Bres, Mimi; Weisshaar, Arnold

• ISBN13: 9780136330332
• ISBN10: 0136330339
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-12-30
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings

Summary

This self-guided introductory biology lab manual features a full range of activities that show how basic biological concepts can be applied to a wide variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is designed to help readers (including those who are academically underprepared) acquire the basic knowledge needed to make informed decisions about biological questions that arise in everyday life, develop the problem-solving skills that will lead to success in a competitive job market, and learn to work effectively and productively as a member of a team. Focuses on the scientific method -- requiring readers to develop hypotheses, set up experiments, collect data, record their data in graphs and charts, and draw conclusions from their experimental results. Offers opportunities to transfer content knowledge to real life applications through questions interwoven into each activity. Each laboratory includes a brief discussion of background information, hints for solving problems, important safety information, Comprehension Checks and Self Tests (with answers). For anyone beginning a study of biology, including those who are academically underprepared or from an ESL background.

Table of Contents

Exercise 1. Introduction to the Scientific Method.
Exercise 2. Interdependency Among Organisms.
Exercise 3. Windows to a Microscopic World.
Exercise 4. Functions and Properties of Cells.
Exercise 5. Investigating Cellular Respiration.
Exercise 6. Nutrient Analysis of Foods.
Exercise 7. Functions of Tissues and Organs I.
Exercise 8. Functions of Tissues and Organs II.
Exercise 9. Introduction to Anatomy: Dissecting the Fetal Pig.
Exercise 10. Organs of the Abdominal Cavity.
Exercise 11. The Circulatory System.
Exercise 12. Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction.
Exercise 13. Connecting Meiosis and Genetics.
Exercise 14. Useful Applications of Genetics.
Exercise 15. Introduction to Molecular Genetics.
Exercise 16. Biotechnology: Old and New.
Exercise 17. Using Biotechnology to Assess Ecosystem Damage.
Appendix I. Self-Test Answers.
Appendix II. Landfill Report.