Introduction to Science and Its Methods

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Utilizes empirical methods to study the natural world.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Identifying phenomena or problems.
2. Question: Formulating a question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation.
4. Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Analysis: Analyzing data and results.
6. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on analysis.
7. Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Study of the natural world (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology).
• Social Sciences: Study of societies and human behavior (e.g., sociology, psychology).
• Formal Sciences: Study of abstract concepts (e.g., mathematics, logic).
• Applied Sciences: Practical application of scientific knowledge (e.g., engineering, medicine).

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world (e.g., theory of evolution).
• Law: A statement that describes an observable occurrence (e.g., Newton's laws of motion).
• Variables: Factors that can be changed in an experiment (independent, dependent, controlled).

Importance of Science

• Advances knowledge and understanding of the universe.
• Drives technological and medical advancements.
• Informs public policy and decision-making.
• Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ethics in Science

• Importance of ethical conduct in research (e.g., honesty, integrity).
• Consideration of the impact of scientific work on society and the environment.
• Adherence to guidelines for human and animal research.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Collaboration between different scientific disciplines (e.g., biochemistry, environmental science).
• Integration of knowledge from various fields to solve complex problems.

Definition of Science

• A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge about the natural world.
• Employs empirical methods for investigation and understanding.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Initial step involves identifying a phenomenon or problem to investigate.
• Question: Formulating relevant questions based on observations to guide inquiry.
• Hypothesis: Developing a testable explanation for the observed phenomena.
• Experimentation: Performing experiments to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Examining the collected data and results from the experimentation.
• Conclusion: Making informed conclusions derived from the analysis process.
• Communication: Disseminating findings to the scientific community for review and discussion.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Focus on the physical world and natural phenomena; includes areas such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Social Sciences: Investigate human society and social relationships; examples are sociology and psychology.
• Formal Sciences: Explore abstract concepts and logical structures; includes fields like mathematics and logic.
• Applied Sciences: Concentrate on practical application of scientific knowledge; relevant fields include engineering and medicine.

Key Concepts

• Theory: An extensively tested and validated explanation of certain natural phenomena, e.g., evolution theory.
• Law: A universally observed principle that describes consistent natural occurrences, e.g., Newton's laws of motion.
• Variables: Essential components of experiments, including independent (manipulated), dependent (measured), and controlled factors.

Importance of Science

• Contributes to advancements in understanding of the universe and its complexities.
• Fuels technological progress and improvements in healthcare.
• Shapes public policies through informed decision-making processes.
• Promotes critical thinking and enhances problem-solving abilities in individuals.

Ethics in Science

• Emphasizes the necessity of ethical standards in research practices, such as honesty and integrity.
• Addresses potential impacts of scientific research on society and the environment.
• Necessitates compliance with ethical guidelines concerning human and animal subjects in research.

Interdisciplinary Nature

• Encourages collaboration across various scientific disciplines creating fields like biochemistry and environmental science.
• Integrates diverse knowledge areas to address complex challenges effectively.