1.1 - Fields and Careers in Biology

What is Biology?

• Bios: life.
• Logos: study.
• Biology: the detailed study of living things in the natural environment.
• Biology explains the structure and function of organisms and the relationships and interactions between organisms and their environment.

Fields of Biology

• Botany: study of plant life.
• Physiology: study of the function and mechanisms in organisms.
• Ecology: study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Genetics: study of inheritance and genetic variation.
• Microbiology: study of microorganisms.

Developments in Biology

• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting prints and forms artificial tissues and assists modern medical engineering.
• A Malaysian technological innovation produces biological scaffolds derived from shellfish for dental treatment.
• Researchers from public and private universities and research institutions spearhead technological innovation in Malaysia.

Contributions of Biology in Everyday Life

Medical Field

• In vitro fertilisation, family planning, plastic surgery and gene therapy.

Pharmaceutical Field

• Production of synthetic vitamins, vaccines, insulin and synthetic enzymes.

Food Production Field

• Use of microorganisms to produce cheese, soy sauce, tapai and tempe.

Agriculture Field

• Transgenic crops and animals.
• Hydroponic and aeroponic technology.

Careers in Biology

• A bioinformatician uses information technology in the production of medicines.
• A wildlife biologist studies wildlife.
• Zoology is a suitable field for studying wildlife.