Introduction to Science Concepts

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

Scientific Method:
- Observation
- Hypothesis formulation
- Experimentation
- Data analysis
- Conclusion
- Repeat and refine
Branches of Science:
- Natural Sciences: Study of the natural world (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics).
- Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics).
- Formal Sciences: Study of abstract concepts (e.g., mathematics, logic).
Characteristics of Science:
- Empirical: Based on observable and measurable evidence.
- Tentative: Open to revision with new evidence.
- Objective: Results should be independent of personal feelings.
- Predictive: Capable of making predictions based on theories.

Law vs. Theory:
- Law: Describes what happens under certain conditions (e.g., Newton's Laws of Motion).
- Theory: Explains why things happen (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
Peer Review: Process of subjecting research to scrutiny by experts in the field before publication.

Interdisciplinary research merging fields (e.g., bioinformatics, nanotechnology).
Emphasis on sustainability and climate science.
Advances in artificial intelligence and its applications in various scientific fields.

A systematic approach to building and organizing knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Scientific Method:
- Processes include observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data analysis, conclusion, and iterative refinements.
Branches of Science:
- Natural Sciences: Focus on the natural world, encompassing fields like biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Social Sciences: Analyze human behavior and societies, including psychology, sociology, and economics.
- Formal Sciences: Explore abstract concepts, such as mathematics and logic.
Characteristics of Science:
- Empirical evidence is fundamental and must be observable and measurable.
- Scientific conclusions are tentative and subject to revision with new insights.
- Objectivity ensures that results are not influenced by personal feelings.
- Predictive capability allows theories to forecast outcomes under specific conditions.

Science provides explanations for various natural phenomena.
It drives technological advancements, facilitating innovation across multiple sectors.
Informs public policy and societal decisions by offering evidence-based insights.

Law vs. Theory:
- Law: Describes phenomena consistently observed under specific conditions (e.g., Newton's Laws of Motion).
- Theory: Provides explanations for why these phenomena occur (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
Peer Review: A crucial process that involves scrutiny of research by field experts prior to publication to ensure quality and validity.

Highlighting the necessity of integrity, honesty, and transparency in scientific research practices.
Ethical considerations encompass the treatment of human and animal subjects, as well as environmental impacts of scientific endeavors.

Growth in interdisciplinary research that combines knowledge from various fields (e.g., bioinformatics and nanotechnology).
A strong emphasis on sustainability, particularly in relation to climate change and environmental issues.
Significant advancements in artificial intelligence, impacting diverse scientific fields through innovative applications.