Learning Outcomes
(A) Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire knowledge and develop understanding of :
- the nature and history of biology
- biological terms, biological facts, biological concepts and principles;
- biological practical skill (e.g. use of microscope) ;
- the application and uses of biology in everyday life;
- the implications of biology for society and the environment; and
- current issues and development in biology.
(B) Scientific Process Skills
Students will acquire or develop the following skills so that they can study biological phenomena through the scientific process :
- developing scientific thinking and problem-solving skills;
- planning and performing investigations; formulating working hypothesis and devising tests for them, using controls where appropriate;
- searching, collecting and organising information from various sources; communicating and presenting them in a clear and logical form; and evaluating and applying them to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar situations;
- analysing and interpreting data;
- observing and describing objects and phenomena accurately;
- interpreting drawings and photographs of biological structures;
- using instruments and apparatus to the limits of accuracy appropriate to a given problem; and
- performing common laboratory techniques, and handling chemicals, instruments, apparatus and biological materials carefully and safely.
(C) Values and Attitudes
Students will develop the following values and attitudes :
- an interest and enjoyment in study living organisms and their interrelationships;
- a responsible regard for both the living and non-living components of the environment;
- ethical behaviour;
- a critical and inquiring mind;
- an objective attitude towards evidence;
- interpreting drawings and photographs of biological structures;
- an awareness that the scientific knowledge may be tentative and is subject to change if new evidences are found;
- an awareness of the need for appropriate safety procedures;
- an awareness of both the usefulness and limitations of hypothesis in making predictions and explaining biological phenomena; and
- a desire of critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science and recognising their responsibilities to conserve, protect and maintain the quality of all environments for future generations.