Definition and Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Focus on the physical world (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology).
- Subfields:
  - Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
  - Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
  - Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.
Formal Sciences
- Focus on abstract systems and logic (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science).
- They provide tools for other sciences.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics).
- Investigate interactions and structures in social contexts.
Applied Sciences
- Use scientific knowledge for practical applications (e.g., engineering, medicine).
- Often interdisciplinary, combining multiple fields of science.

Observation: Gather information through the senses.
Hypothesis: Formulate a testable explanation for the observations.
Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyze data to determine if it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on the analysis, leading to potential new hypotheses.
Replication: Repeat experiments to validate findings.

Advancements in Technology: Development of new technologies and innovations.
Understanding the Universe: Provides insights into the nature of the universe and existence.
Problem Solving: Addresses global challenges (e.g., climate change, health crises).
Critical Thinking: Encourages analytical and critical thinking skills.

Empirical Evidence: Relies on observable, measurable evidence.
Reproducibility: Results should be replicable by others.
Falsifiability: Hypotheses must be testable and capable of being proven wrong.
Peer Review: New findings are evaluated by experts before publication.

Interdisciplinary Research: Collaboration between different scientific fields.
Data Science and Big Data: Increasing use of data analysis across disciplines.
Sustainability Studies: Focus on environmental impact and sustainable practices.
Artificial Intelligence: Exploration of AI applications in various scientific fields.

Systematic exploration of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
Intended to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and establish theories.

Natural Sciences: Examine the physical universe.
- Physics: Investigates matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Analyzes substances, their characteristics, and chemical reactions.
- Biology: Studies living organisms and their physiological processes.
Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts and logic.
- Fields include mathematics, statistics, and computer science; these provide foundational tools for other scientific disciplines.
Social Sciences: Explore human behavior and societal structures.
- Key areas include psychology, sociology, and economics, focusing on social interactions and frameworks.
Applied Sciences: Utilize scientific principles for practical purposes.
- Includes areas like engineering and medicine, often integrating multiple scientific disciplines.

Observation: Collection of data through sensory experience.
Hypothesis: Development of a testable proposition based on observations.
Experimentation: Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Examination of experimental data to evaluate hypothesis support.
Conclusion: Deriving insights from data analysis, which can lead to new hypotheses.
Replication: Repeating experiments to confirm findings and ensure reliability.

Technological Advancements: Fuels innovation and the development of new technologies.
Understanding the Universe: Enhances knowledge of the cosmos and our place in it.
Problem-Solving: Tackles significant global challenges like climate change and public health issues.
Critical Thinking Development: Fosters analytical reasoning and critical evaluation skills.

Empirical Evidence: Strong reliance on observable and measurable data.
Reproducibility: Findings must be repeatable by independent researchers.
Falsifiability: Scientific hypotheses should be testable and potentially disprovable.
Peer Review: New research undergoes scrutiny by experts to ascertain its validity before publication.

Interdisciplinary Research: Growing collaboration between diverse scientific fields.
Data Science and Big Data: Increased emphasis on data analysis across various sectors.
Sustainability Studies: Concentrates on environmental impacts and practices for sustainable development.
Artificial Intelligence: Expanding exploration of AI’s roles and impacts within various scientific arenas.