Introduction to Science

• Science is from the Latin word "Scientia," meaning knowledge.
• It's a systematic body of knowledge seeking plausible explanations and predictions about the universe.
• Explanations are based on a rigid methodology and verifiable evidence.

Main Fields of Science

• Natural Sciences
• Formal Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Applied Sciences

Natural Science

• Studies the physical world through controlled experimentation.
• Controlled variables are used to determine measurable results.
• Known as "hard sciences" due to high control, objectivity, accuracy, and result replicability.

Branches of Natural Science

• Physical Science studies non-living components, subdivided into Physics and Chemistry.
• Earth and Space Science studies Earth's physical constitution and the universe, often included in Physical Science.
• Life Science studies living components, with Biology as its centerpiece.

Formal Science

• Disciplines dealing with formal theoretical systems like Mathematics, Statistics, Logic, Computer Science, and Information Theory.
• Methods of study are considered a priori, knowledge from self-evident propositions.

Branches of Formal Science

• Mathematics is considered the language of science due to quantitative scientific concepts being expressed mathematically.
• Defined as the science of numbers, their operations, interrelations, combinations, and generalization.
• Statistics is a specific branch of Mathematics focused on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical or quantitative data.
• Computer Science is an interdisciplinary field that aims to understand the nature of computations for more efficient computing.
• Information Theory is a branch of Mathematics that overlaps with applied and social sciences, aiming to discover mathematical laws governing data behavior when encoded, stored, transmitted, or retrieved.

Social Science

• Studies the institutions and functioning of human society and interpersonal relationships.
• Referred to as "soft sciences."
• Focuses on intangible aspects and relates to animal or human behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and interactions.
• Variables are hard to control, influencing study results.

Branches of Social Science

• Psychology studies the relationship between human mental processes and behavior.
• Sociology studies institutions and social relationships.
• Philosophy studies knowledge and the meaning of life.
• History studies the past from chronological records.
• Anthropology studies human beings and ancestors across time and space, focusing on biological and cultural aspects.
• Geography studies the interaction of physical, biological, and cultural features on Earth.
• Political Science studies governance systematically.
• Economics analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Applied Sciences

• Concerned with technological applications and development, disciplines converting scientific knowledge to practical applications.
• Medicine applies biological, biochemical, and biophysical knowledge for disease diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention.
• Allied Health Sciences encompass studies providing medical services and patient care with Medicine, including Nursing, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Radiologic Technology.
• Engineering applies scientific and mathematical methods for the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of structures, machinery, equipment, devices, systems, and processes.
• Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering are among the fields.

Technology

• Refers to devices, systems, or methods with practical applications.
• Often results from applying existing scientific knowledge, but can precede it.

Innovation

• Introducing new ideas, devices, processes, or methods that are more creative, effective, and efficient.
• Can be brought about by research and development, discovery, or even failure.
• Functions as a driver for growth, potentially leading to new fields or industries.

Scientific Method

• Scientific method is the standard for investigating the natural world to arrive at plausible explanations to observed natural phenomenon.
• An empirical method involving careful observation, and recording of patterns and behavior during experimentation and generalization.

Observation

• Recognizes an occurrence in nature through physical senses.
• Observations may arise from experience, thoughts, and/or readings.

Asking Questions

• Very important to any scientific inquiry.
• The desire to know the answer is the driver for an investigation.

Literature Search

• Scientists conduct a literature search.
• Find relevant and updated studies related to the phenomenon of interest.
• Internet has made literature search faster, requiring analysis to find relevant info.

Hypothesis Formulation

• An "educated guess" or "tentative assumption" made to predict the outcome of an experiment.
• Should be testable if the predicted outcome is determined by variable manipulation. If results are contrary to the prediction it should also be falsifiable.

Experimentation

• A series of systematic actions test a hypothesis.
• Any experiment should have an independent and dependent variable.
• An independent variable is a factor that you can control in the experiment
• Dependent is a factor that is affected by the independent variable.

Data Analysis

• Systematic and sound processing of obtained data to determine results.

Conclusion

• Conclusion is the confirmation or rejection of the postulated hypothesis.
• The process starts again

Scientific Theory

• Defines as a generalized, coherent, and systematic idea or set of ideas explaining an observed phenomenon.
• Theories are not an absolute truth.
• They are testable and falsifiable just like a hypothesis.

Scientific Law

• Defnies the general rule that describes a certain phenomenon.

Interactions of Science, Technology and Society

• Science provides technological advancements.
• Technology aims to enhance quality of life.
• The advancement and growth depends on developments.
• The applications has enhanced well-being.
• However, the careless and haphazard applications resulted in degradation, upheavals, and calamities.