Biology is one of the compulsory science subjects. It deals with the life of organisms, fauna and flora, whether useful or harmful to man. If a biologist gets more interested in plants, this is called the study of botany. If he gets interested in animals, this is called the study of zoology.
Importance of Biology
| 1. | Lays a foundation for further studies and future careers such as medicine, dental surgery and biochemistry, among others |
| 2. | Develops skills for everyday use such as classification of organisms, measurements and sampling |
| 3. | Provides knowledge for improving human life through such examples as personal hygiene, disease prevention, food production, life cycles and pest control, and environmental conservation |
| 4. | Creates awareness of the value of cooperation in solving problems, for instance in international cooperation to fight against depletion of ozone layer, eradicate polio, and search for an HIV/AIDS cure |
Subject matter
Biology as a subject has its way of expressing facts. Some of its technical terms are in or derived from Latin or Greek words. Just like other science subjects, biology has its rules and principles about describing or expressing biological concepts and facts which, if not properly followed, will change the biological meaning of the term. One needs to be very specific and systematic to avoid ambiguity. It is this concept that most students fail to develop and maintain, thus making biology the least passed subject at UCE and UACE.
Inspirations
Scientists believe several things:
| 1. | That this world is governed by rules which intelligent individuals must discover |
| 2. | That the results of the study should benefit everybody |
| 3. | That knowledge, even if it brings no obvious benefit to mankind, is of value for its own sake |
Why other subjects?
To make Biology relevant and applicable, it leans on subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; that is why these three subjects are given to a student at ‘A’ Level to pave the way for future research and discoveries.
Scientists of today need concepts, skills, knowledge, laws and rules in order to solve challenges and improve man’s quality of life. This calls for practical approaches in teaching biology to make students aspire and set right their ambitions.
