Definition and Branches of Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences: Study of natural phenomena.

   • Physics: Study of matter, energy, and forces.
   • Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
   • Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.

2. Formal Sciences: Use of formal systems to study abstract concepts.

   • Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns.
   • Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation.
   • Computer Science: Study of computation and information processing.

3. Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies.

   • Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
   • Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
   • Economics: Study of the production, consumption, and distribution of goods.

4. Applied Sciences: Practical application of scientific knowledge.

   • Engineering: Application of scientific principles to design and build structures or systems.
   • Medicine: Application of biology and chemistry to health and disease.

Scientific Method

• A systematic approach for investigation:
  1. Observation: Gathering data through senses or instruments.
  2. Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
  3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation or prediction.
  4. Experimentation: Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
  5. Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
  6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the analysis.
  7. Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical: Based on observation and experimentation.
• Repeatable: Experiments should yield consistent results when repeated.
• Provisional: Scientific knowledge is open to revision based on new evidence.
• Objective: Aims to reduce bias and subjective influence in findings.

Importance of Science

• Advances technology and medicine.
• Addresses global challenges (climate change, health, etc.).
• Enhances understanding of the universe and our place in it.
• Contributes to informed decision-making and policy development.

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise aimed at building and organizing knowledge through structured methods.
• Relies on the processes of observation, experimentation, and analysis to uncover information.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences focus on understanding natural phenomena.
  • Physics examines matter, energy, and their interactions through forces.
  • Chemistry explores substances, their properties, and chemical reactions.
  • Biology delves into the study of living organisms and their life processes.
• Formal Sciences utilize formal systems to investigate abstract concepts.
  • Mathematics investigates numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships.
  • Logic focuses on the principles of reasoning and the structure of arguments.
  • Computer Science concerns itself with computation and the processing of information.
• Social Sciences analyze human behavior and societal structures.
  • Psychology studies mental processes and behavior patterns.
  • Sociology investigates social behaviors, institutions, and their interactions.
  • Economics examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
• Applied Sciences involve the practical application of scientific principles.
  • Engineering applies scientific methods to design and construct structures and systems.
  • Medicine integrates biology and chemistry to advance health and address diseases.

Scientific Method

• A structured approach facilitating scientific inquiry:
  • Observation entails collecting data through sensory experiences or instruments.
  • Question involves developing a specific inquiry based on initial observations.
  • Hypothesis proposes a testable explanation to answer the formulated question.
  • Experimentation consists of testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
  • Analysis requires interpreting experimental data to understand outcomes.
  • Conclusion is about summarizing findings and determining their significance.
  • Communication emphasizes disseminating results within the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empirical Nature means findings are grounded in observation and experiment results.
• Repeatability requires that experiments produce consistent results upon duplication.
• Provisional reflects that scientific knowledge is subject to change with new evidence.
• Objectivity aims to minimize biases and subjective influences in scientific findings.

Importance of Science

• Drives advancements in technology and healthcare, improving quality of life.
• Provides strategies for addressing significant global issues like climate change and public health.
• Enhances comprehension of the universe and humanity's role within it.
• Fosters informed decision-making that shapes public policies and societal advancements.

Explore the foundational concepts of science through its definition and various branches. Understand the distinctions between natural sciences, formal sciences, social sciences, and applied sciences. This quiz will test your knowledge about the roles and applications of different scientific disciplines.