Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation.
• Aims to explain the natural world and its phenomena.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of the natural world.
   • Fields:
     • Physics: Study of matter, energy, and forces.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Abstract concepts and systems.
   • Fields:
     • Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
     • Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation.
     • Computer Science: Study of computation and information systems.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Fields:
     • Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
     • Sociology: Study of social behavior and structures.
     • Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

• Systematic approach to inquiry consisting of:
  1. Observation: Gathering information through the senses.
  2. Question: Identifying problems or patterns.
  3. Hypothesis: Formulating testable predictions.
  4. Experiment: Testing the hypothesis through controlled methods.
  5. Analysis: Interpreting data and results.
  6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions and sharing findings.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the universe and natural phenomena.
• Drives technological advancements and innovation.
• Informs public policy and guides decisions in health, environment, and education.
• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
• Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe aspects of the universe.
• Data: Information collected through observation or experimentation.
• Peer Review: Process of evaluation by experts in the field to ensure the validity and quality of research.

Interdisciplinarity

• Science often overlaps between disciplines, leading to fields like:
  • Biochemistry: Intersection of biology and chemistry.
  • Astrophysics: Intersection of astronomy and physics.
  • Environmental Science: Incorporates elements from various scientific fields to study environmental issues.

Ethical Considerations

• Responsible conduct of research and ethical treatment of subjects.
• Importance of transparency and reproducibility in scientific findings.

Definition of Science

• Science is a systematic process for building and organizing knowledge.
• It aims to explain the natural world and its phenomena through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences focus on the study of the natural world.
  • Physics studies matter, energy, and forces.
  • Chemistry studies substances, their properties, and reactions.
  • Biology studies living organisms and life processes.
• Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts and systems.
  • Mathematics studies numbers, quantities, and shapes.
  • Logic studies reasoning and argumentation.
  • Computer Science studies computation and information systems.
• Social Sciences focus on human behavior and societies.
  • Psychology studies the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology studies social behavior and structures.
  • Economics studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry.
• It involves:
  • Observation: gathering information through the senses.
  • Question: identifying problems or patterns.
  • Hypothesis: formulating testable predictions.
  • Experiment: testing the hypothesis through controlled methods.
  • Analysis: interpreting data and results.
  • Conclusion: drawing conclusions and sharing findings.

Importance of Science

• Science enhances our understanding of the universe and natural phenomena.
• It drives technological advancements and innovation.
• It informs public policy and guides decisions in areas like health, the environment, and education.
• Science promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Key Concepts in Science

• Theory: a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, supported by evidence.
• Law: a statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes aspects of the universe.
• Data: information collected through observation or experimentation.
• Peer Review: a process of evaluation by experts in the field to ensure the validity and quality of research.

Interdisciplinarity

• Science often overlaps between disciplines, leading to fields like:
  • Biochemistry: combines biology and chemistry.
  • Astrophysics: combines astronomy and physics.
  • Environmental Science: incorporates elements from various scientific fields to study environmental issues.

Ethical Considerations

• Responsible conduct of research includes ethical treatment of subjects.
• Transparency and reproducibility of scientific findings are crucial.

This quiz explores the definition of science and its three main branches: natural sciences, formal sciences, and social sciences. Each section covers key fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology. Test your understanding of the systematic study of the natural world and human societies.