Introduction to Science

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
- Focus on the physical world.
- Examples: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Examples: Mathematics, Logic, Statistics.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Examples: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Anthropology.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Examples: Engineering, Medicine, Technology.

Scientific Method

Observation
- Gathering information through senses.
Question
- Formulating a question based on observations.
Hypothesis
- A testable prediction that answers the question.
Experimentation
- Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis
- Interpreting data collected from experiments.
Conclusion
- Drawing conclusions based on analysis; hypothesis may be accepted or rejected.
Communication
- Sharing results with the scientific community for validation and further research.

Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

Empirical: Based on observed and experimental evidence.
Replicable: Results can be repeated and verified by others.
Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be testable and potentially disproven.
Dynamic: Open to revision and refinement as new evidence emerges.

Importance of Science

Advances technology and medicine.
Informs public policy and environmental stewardship.
Enhances understanding of the natural world.
Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Major Scientific Theories

Theory of Evolution: Explains the diversity of life through natural selection.
Germ Theory: States that many diseases are caused by microorganisms.
Theory of Relativity: Describes the gravitational effects on the fabric of space-time.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Science often overlaps with various disciplines, leading to fields like biochemistry, astrophysics, and environmental science.

Ethical Considerations

Importance of ethics in research, including issues of integrity, consent, and the impact on society and the environment.

Definition of Science

Systematic approach to building and organizing knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Examine the physical world; includes physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science.
Formal Sciences: Explore abstract concepts; encompasses mathematics, logic, and statistics.
Social Sciences: Focus on human behavior and societal interactions; examples include psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology.
Applied Sciences: Utilize scientific knowledge in practical applications; covers fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

Observation: Collecting data using senses to gather information.
Question: Developing a question informed by initial observations.
Hypothesis: Crafting a testable prediction that addresses the question.
Experimentation: Implementing experiments to evaluate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting the experimental data collected.
Conclusion: Making inferences based on the data analysis; hypotheses may be confirmed or refuted.
Communication: Disseminating findings to the scientific community for scrutiny and collaboration.

Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

Empirical: Rooted in observed and experimental verification.
Replicable: Results must be repeatable and verifiable by other researchers.
Falsifiable: Hypotheses should be structured in a way that allows for potential disproof.
Dynamic: Scientific knowledge evolves and is subject to change as new evidence arises.

Importance of Science

Drives advancements in technology and healthcare.
Shapes public policy and promotes environmental sustainability.
Deepens comprehension of the natural environment.
Encourages critical thinking and enhances problem-solving capabilities.

Major Scientific Theories

Theory of Evolution: Provides insights into life's diversity through the mechanism of natural selection.
Germ Theory: Identifies microorganisms as the causative agents of many diseases.
Theory of Relativity: Analyzes the effects of gravity on the structure of space-time.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Scientific disciplines often intersect, resulting in hybrid fields such as biochemistry, astrophysics, and environmental science.

Ethical Considerations

Emphasis on ethical practices in research, addressing integrity, informed consent, and the societal/environmental consequences of scientific work.

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of science, including its definition, branches, and the scientific method. This quiz covers natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, providing a comprehensive overview of how scientific knowledge is organized and applied.