UNO-R Launches Innovative Biology and Physics Books

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Two instructional materials, Biology: A Laboratory Manual and the College Physics 1 Laboratory Manual, were officially launched on July 16 at the President’s Hall of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.

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UNO-R CAS Faculty Ronnie Gicana and Dr. Vilma Azucena displays their newly-launched books, Biology: A Laboratory Manual and College Physics I Laboratory Manual

Authored by College of Arts and Sciences faculty Ronnie Gicana and Dr. Vilma Azucena, respectively, the manuals were designed for three-hour instruction per week.

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Book authors Gicana and Dr. Azucena, together with the College deans and RPDO director (L-R): Dean Christopher Taclobos, Dr. Roy John dela Torre, Dean Jasmin Parreño, Dean Ofelia Posecion, Dean Shiela Arnibal, and Dean Nieves Hibaler-Pepito

Gicana’s new Biology manual, which is  now on its second edition and has thirteen original experiments, is devised for the not-so-sophisticated laboratory setting, when availability of laboratory equipment, instruments, glass wares, reagents and prepared specimens are a consideration.

Biology experiments on basic techniques in microscopy, survey of the diversity of cells, introduction to the biochemistry of cells, and the use of scientific method in studying characteristics of life are included in the manual.

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Book authors together with the UNO-R faculty and staff attending the book launching

Moreover, it included the basic life processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction and development, cell division and mitosis, and organization in plants and animals as well as the structure and function in animals. Protocol for the content and structure of a scientific paper and the safety Do’s and Don’ts in the Biology (and Chemistry) Laboratories are also featured.

As to the new Physics manual, aside from the simple experiments illustrating the applications of basic physics concepts, principles, and laws, Dr. Azucena also provided  activities in the form of puzzles, games, and some challenging problems to make the learning process more interesting to students.  

UNO-R Vice-President for Academics Fr. Joel Alve, OAR, in his acknowledgement and inspirational message during the launching program, recognized the perseverance and passion of the authors for the knowledge and wisdom they share especially with the students, and likened the book launching to the birthing of the new born, who after the sacrifices of the mother, “brings (us) new messages and good news.”

Dr. Roy John de la Torre, Director of Research, Publication and Development Office of UNO-R, validated the two manuals.

CAS Dean Nieves Hibaler-Pepito gave the welcome message, while UNO-R Chaplain Fr. Excel Saycon, OAR, led the prayer of dedication.

Emceed by CAS faculty Pinky Prudente, the book launching program ended with the authors' book signing.

Gicana is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology, major in Microbiology, of University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and a Master of Science in Environmental Biology from UP-Visayas. He is president of the Philippine Society of Microbiology – Visayas.  Besides General Biology, he teaches Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Human Genetics, Microbiology, and Research.

On the other hand, Dr. Azucena is a Bachelor of Chemistry graduate of the now West Negros University, a Master of Arts in Teaching General Science from Carlos Hilado Memorial State College,  and a Master of Arts in School Administration and Supervision from WNU.  Having been conferred with the Most Outstanding Academic Excellence Award, she was a distinguished graduate of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management of UNO-R.  As CAS faculty, she teaches Physics, Chemistry, Ecology, and Earth Science. She had been a recipient of Philippine Physics Society 2009 Galileo Award.

Both laboratory manuals are available at the UNO-R Book Store, or through the contact numbers of the authors, 09286371745(Gicana), 09173305872 (Dr. Azucena).#