Introduction to Science and Its Branches

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

Physical Sciences
- Study of non-living systems.
- Includes physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology.
Life Sciences (Biological Sciences)
- Study of living organisms and life processes.
- Includes biology, ecology, zoology, and botany.
Earth Sciences
- Study of the Earth and its components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere).
- Includes meteorology, oceanography, and geology.

Observation
- Gathering data through the senses or instruments.
Question
- Formulating a question based on observations.
Hypothesis
- Developing a testable explanation or prediction.
Experimentation
- Conducting controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis
- Interpreting data and forming conclusions.
Communication
- Sharing results with the scientific community for validation.

Interdisciplinary Sciences: Combines disciplines, e.g., biochemistry, environmental science.
Data Science: Utilizes computational methods to analyze and interpret complex data.
Astrobiology: Studies the potential for life beyond Earth.

Theory vs. Law: A theory is a well-substantiated explanation; a law is a statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe.
Peer Review: Process where scientific work is scrutinized by experts in the field before publication.

Integrity in research is crucial.
Plagiarism, data falsification, and conflicts of interest are serious violations.
Ethical considerations in experimentations, especially involving human and animal subjects.

Instruments: Microscopes, spectrometers, and telescopes enhance observation.
Statistics: Essential for analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions.

Sustainability Science: Focuses on the interactions between human systems and natural systems.
Artificial Intelligence: Increasing role in data analysis and model predictions.

Science is an evolving discipline that requires curiosity, systematic inquiry, and collaboration to deepen our understanding of the universe and improve society.

Science is a systematic process that accumulates and organizes knowledge about the universe. This knowledge takes the form of testable explanations and predictions.

Physical Sciences focus on non-living systems, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology.
Life Sciences (or Biological Sciences) study living organisms and life processes, encompassing fields like biology, ecology, zoology, and botany.
Earth Sciences examine Earth and its components like the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, including disciplines like meteorology, oceanography, and geology.

Observation: Gathering information using the senses or instruments.
Question: Formulating a question based on collected observations.
Hypothesis: Developing a testable explanation or prediction to answer the question.
Experimentation: Conducting controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting experimental data and drawing conclusions.
Communication: Sharing the results with the scientific community, allowing for validation and peer review.

Empirical: Scientific knowledge is grounded in observed and measurable evidence.
Falsifiable: Scientific hypotheses and theories can be tested and potentially disproven.
Repeatable: Scientific experiments can be repeated to verify results and ensure accuracy.
Predictive: Scientific knowledge can predict future events based on current understanding.

Interdisciplinary Sciences combine different scientific disciplines, like biochemistry and environmental science.
Data Science uses computational methods to analyze and interpret complex data.
Astrobiology studies the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Theory vs. Law: A theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence, while a law is a statement based on repeated observations that describes an aspect of the universe.
Peer Review: A process where scientific work is carefully examined by other experts in the field before publication, ensuring quality and accuracy.

Integrity in research is crucial for maintaining scientific rigor.
Plagiarism, data falsification, and conflicts of interest are serious ethical violations.
Ethical considerations are paramount in experiments, especially when involving human or animal subjects.

Instruments: Microscopes, spectrometers, and telescopes enhance scientific observation.
Statistics: Essential for analyzing and interpreting data, enabling accurate conclusions.

Sustainability Science: Studies the interaction between human systems and natural systems, focusing on environmental sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence: Plays a growing role in data analysis and model predictions, driving scientific progress.

Science is a dynamic field that requires curiosity, systematic inquiry, and collaboration to deepen our understanding of the universe and improve society.