Introduction to Science and Biology

Science

• Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
• It's a process of inquiry, observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Main branches include physics, chemistry, biology, and others.
• Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving as new discoveries and technologies emerge.
• Scientific methods typically involve a cyclical process of hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data analysis, conclusion drawing, and potential revision of the hypothesis.
• The scientific method fosters a systematic and rigorous approach to understanding the natural world.

Biology

• Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification, and classification.
• It encompasses a broad range of subjects, from molecular biology to ecology.
• Key concepts include cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the diversity of life.
• Biological systems are hierarchical, with atoms forming molecules, molecules forming cells, cells forming tissues, tissues forming organs, organs forming organ systems, and organ systems forming organisms.
• The study of evolutionary relationships between organisms is central to understanding the diversity of life.
• Organisms interact with each other and their environment through complex ecological systems.

Chemistry

• Chemistry is the science that deals with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.
• It's concerned with the elements, compounds, and their interactions.
• Important concepts include atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium.
• Chemistry plays a vital role in various fields, including medicine, materials science, and environmental science.
• Organic chemistry focuses on carbon-containing compounds, whilst inorganic chemistry studies the remaining elements and their compounds.
• Physical chemistry combines chemical principles with physical concepts, like thermodynamics and kinetics.

Physics

• Physics is the fundamental science that studies matter, energy, and their interactions.
• It attempts to explain the physical laws of the universe.
• Key concepts include mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.
• Classical mechanics describes motion in relation to forces and energy.
• Thermodynamics investigates the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy.
• Electromagnetism studies electric and magnetic phenomena.
• Optics explores light and its properties.
• Modern physics includes quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics.
• Physics is crucial for understanding the universe from the smallest particles to the largest structures.