What Biology Studies and How Science Works

In this opening lesson, Professor Peter Lambert introduces biology as the scientific study of life, from molecules and cells to ecosystems and evolution. Adult learners will learn how biology connects to everyday decisions about health, food, environment, medicine, and technology.

The lesson also explains how science works: scientists ask testable questions, gather evidence, form and test hypotheses, analyze data, and revise explanations when better evidence appears. By the end, learners should understand that biology is not just a list of facts, but a practical way of investigating living systems.