Introduction to Science and its Branches

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Concerned with the natural world.
- Subdivisions:
  - Physics: Study of matter, energy, and forces.
  - Chemistry: Study of substances and their reactions.
  - Biology: Study of living organisms.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Subdivisions:
  - Mathematics: Study of numbers and patterns.
  - Logic: Study of valid reasoning.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Subdivisions:
  - Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
  - Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
  - Economics: Study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

Observation: Gathering data about the world.
Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
Hypothesis: Proposing an explanation or educated guess.
Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyzing data and results from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions and confirming or refuting the hypothesis.
Publication: Sharing findings with the scientific community for peer review.

Importance of Science

Expands knowledge of the universe and improves technological advancement.
Informs policy-making and addresses global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and resource management.
Encourages critical thinking and skepticism.

Characteristics of Scientific Inquiry

Empirical: Based on observable evidence.
Objective: Minimized personal biases in research.
Repeatable: Experiments can be reproduced yielding consistent results.
Tentative: Knowledge is provisional and open to revision with new evidence.

Current Trends in Science

Interdisciplinary research: Integrating methods and insights from multiple fields.
Focus on sustainability and renewable resources.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and data science.
Exploration of space, including Mars and beyond.
Genetics and biotechnology breakthroughs, including CRISPR technology.

Definition of Science

Science revolves around understanding and explaining the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences focus on the natural world.
- Physics studies matter, energy and forces.
- Chemistry investigates substances and their reactions.
- Biology examines living organisms.
Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts.
- Mathematics analyzes numbers and patterns.
- Logic studies valid reasoning.
Social Sciences explore human behavior and societies.
- Psychology delves into the mind and behavior.
- Sociology investigates social interactions and society.
- Economics examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a structured approach to investigation.
- Observation: Gathering data from the world.
- Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
- Hypothesis: Proposing an explanation or educated guess.
- Experimentation: Conducting tests to assess the hypothesis.
- Analysis: Evaluating data and experimental results.
- Conclusion: Drawing conclusions and confirming or rejecting the hypothesis.
- Publication: Sharing findings with the scientific community for peer review.

Importance of Science

Science expands our knowledge of the universe and drives technological advancements.
It informs policy decisions and helps address global challenges like climate change, health crises, and resource management.
Science promotes critical thinking and encourages skepticism.

Characteristics of Scientific Inquiry

Empirical: Scientific knowledge relies on observable evidence.
Objective: Scientific research aims to minimize personal biases.
Repeatable: Experiments should be reproducible with consistent results.
Tentative: Scientific knowledge is provisional; new evidence can lead to revisions.

Current Trends in Science

Interdisciplinary research: Combining methods and insights from various fields.
Sustainability and renewable resources: Focus on finding sustainable solutions for the future.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and data science: Harnessing the power of AI and data analysis for scientific discovery.
Space exploration: Continued exploration of space, including missions to Mars and beyond.
Genetics and biotechnology breakthroughs: Significant advancements in genetics and biotechnology, including CRISPR technology.

Description

This quiz explores the definition of science, its major branches including natural, formal, and social sciences. Participants will learn about the scientific method and the various fields of study under each branch. Test your knowledge of these foundational concepts in science.