Branches of Science Overview

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
- Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, reactions, and the changes they undergo.
- Biology: Study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Formal Sciences
- Mathematics: Abstract science dealing with numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
- Computer Science: Study of algorithms, programming, and data structures.
- Logic: Study of principles of valid inference and correct reasoning.
Social Sciences
- Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Study of social behavior, structures, and communities.
- Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Scientific Method

Observation: Gathering data and noticing patterns or anomalies.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable statement based on observations.
Experimentation: Conducting tests to validate or refute the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting the results of the experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on analysis, which confirms or modifies the hypothesis.
Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community for peer review.

Key Concepts in Science

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed.
Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe.
Experiment: A controlled procedure carried out to discover, test, or demonstrate a fact or general truth.
Variables: Factors that can change in an experiment; includes independent (manipulated), dependent (measured), and controlled (kept constant).

Importance of Science

Drives innovation and technology advancements.
Informs public policy and health decisions.
Encourages critical thinking and skepticism.
Enhances understanding of the natural world.

Ethical Considerations in Science

Integrity in research and data collection.
Transparency in methods and findings.
Responsibilities towards safety and environmental impacts.
Ethics in human and animal experimentation.

Definition of Science

Science is a systematic process for understanding the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences focus on the physical world, including:
- Physics explores matter, energy, and fundamental forces.
- Chemistry studies substances, their properties, reactions, and transformations.
- Biology investigates living organisms and their interactions.
Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts, including:
- Mathematics studies numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
- Computer Science focuses on algorithms, programming, and data structures.
- Logic explores principles of valid reasoning.
Social Sciences examine human behavior and societies, including:
- Psychology investigates the mind and behavior.
- Sociology studies social interactions, structures, and communities.
- Economics analyzes production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

The Scientific Method

Observation is the initial step, gathering data and noticing patterns.
Hypothesis is a testable statement formulated based on observations.
Experimentation involves controlled procedures testing the hypothesis.
Analysis interprets the results of experiments.
Conclusion draws conclusions based on analysis, confirming or modifying the hypothesis.
Communication involves sharing findings with the scientific community for review.

Key Concepts in Science

Theory is a well-supported explanation based on the scientific method, repeatedly tested and confirmed.
Law is a statement describing an aspect of the universe based on repeated observations.
Experiment is a controlled procedure conducted to discover, test, or demonstrate a concept.
Variables are factors that can change in an experiment, including:
- Independent variables are manipulated.
- Dependent variables are measured.
- Controlled variables are kept constant.

Importance of Science

Science drives innovation and technological advancements.
It informs public policy and health decisions.
Science encourages critical thinking and skepticism.
It enhances our understanding of the natural world.

Ethical Considerations in Science

Researchers must maintain integrity in data collection and research.
Transparency in methods and findings is crucial.
Scientists have responsibilities towards safety and environmental impact.
Ethical considerations are vital in human and animal experimentation.

Description

Explore the various branches of science, including natural, formal, and social sciences. This quiz covers key disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and sociology. Test your understanding of how these fields contribute to knowledge and society.