Introduction to Science

Definition of Science

• Systematic study of the natural world.
• Based on observation, experimentation, and evidence-based conclusions.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Biology: Study of living organisms.
   • Chemistry: Study of matter and its interactions.
   • Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Mathematics: Study of numbers, structures, and patterns.
   • Logic: Study of reasoning and argument structure.

3. Social Sciences

   • Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
   • Sociology: Study of society and social behavior.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Engineering: Application of scientific principles to design and build.
   • Medicine: Application of biological sciences to health.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Identify a phenomenon or problem.
2. Question: Pose questions based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Formulate a testable explanation or prediction.
4. Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses.
5. Analysis: Evaluate data and results.
6. Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on analysis.
7. Publication: Share findings for peer review and advancement of knowledge.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe.
• Peer Review: Process in which scientific work is evaluated by experts in the field before publication.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the universe.
• Drives technological advancements and innovation.
• Informs public policy and health decisions.
• Addresses societal challenges and environmental issues.

Challenges in Science

• Reproducibility: Difficulty in replicating results.
• Bias: Potential for personal or funding-related bias in research.
• Ethical considerations: Issues surrounding testing and implications of scientific work.

Interdisciplinary Science

• Combines insights from multiple scientific disciplines to solve complex problems (e.g., biochemistry, environmental science).

Definition of Science

• Science is the systematic study of the natural world.
• It relies on observation, experimentation, and evidence-based conclusions.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences study the physical world, including:
  • Biology: Living organisms and their functions.
  • Chemistry: Matter and its interactions.
  • Physics: Matter, energy, and their interactions.
• Formal Sciences deal with abstract systems and structures:
  • Mathematics: Numbers, structures, and patterns.
  • Logic: Reasoning and argument structure.
• Social Sciences study human societies and behavior:
  • Psychology: The mind and behavior.
  • Sociology: Society and social behavior.
• Applied Sciences use scientific knowledge for practical applications:
  • Engineering: Design and build using scientific principles.
  • Medicine: Health and biological sciences.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Identifying a phenomenon or problem.
• Question: Formulating questions based on observations.
• Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation or prediction.
• Experimentation: Designing and conducting experiments to test hypotheses.
• Analysis: Evaluating data and results.
• Conclusion: Reaching conclusions based on analysis.
• Publication: Sharing findings for peer review and advancement of knowledge.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon.
• Law: A statement based on repeated observations describing a natural phenomenon.
• Peer Review: An evaluation of scientific work by experts in the field before publication.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the universe.
• Drives technological advancements and innovation.
• Informs public policy and health decisions.
• Addresses societal challenges and environmental issues.

Challenges in Science

• Reproducibility: Difficulty in replicating research results.
• Bias: Potential for personal or funding-related bias in research.
• Ethical Considerations: Issues related to testing and implications of scientific work.

Interdisciplinary Science

• Combines knowledge from multiple disciplines to solve complex problems.
• Examples include biochemistry and environmental science.