Introduction to Science

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

Natural Sciences
- Focus on the natural world (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Formal Sciences
- Study abstract concepts (e.g., Mathematics, Logic, Computer Science).
Social Sciences
- Examine society and human behavior (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology).
Applied Sciences
- Use scientific knowledge for practical applications (e.g., Engineering, Medicine).

Observation: Gather information through the senses.
Question: Identify a problem or question based on observations.
Hypothesis: Propose a testable explanation or prediction.
Experiment: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyze data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on data; support or refute the hypothesis.
Communication: Share results with the scientific community.

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.
Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe some aspect of the world.
Variable: Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types.
- Independent Variable: The factor that is changed or manipulated.
- Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured and affected.

Responsible conduct in research (e.g., honesty, integrity).
Importance of peer review and reproducibility in studies.
Consideration of the impact of scientific research on society and the environment.

Science often overlaps with other fields, leading to sub-disciplines (e.g., Biochemistry, Astrophysics).
Collaboration among scientists from different fields enhances research quality and innovation.

Systematic endeavor that organizes and builds knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Natural Sciences: Investigate the natural world, encompassing areas like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Formal Sciences: Concentrate on abstract concepts, including Mathematics, Logic, and Computer Science.
Social Sciences: Explore societal dynamics and human behaviors, represented by fields such as Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology.
Applied Sciences: Utilize scientific principles for practical applications, seen in areas like Engineering and Medicine.

Observation: Involves gathering information using sensory perception.
Question: Identifying problems or inquiries that arise from observations.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable prediction or explanation.
Experiment: Creating and conducting experiments to evaluate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting data obtained from experiments.
Conclusion: Making determinations based on analyzed data to support or contradict the hypothesis.
Communication: Disseminating findings to the scientific community for validation and review.

Theory: A well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon based on substantial evidence.
Law: A statement that consistently describes an aspect of the world through repeated observations.
Variable: Elements that vary in amount or type within experiments.
Independent Variable: The variable manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable: The variable measured to assess the effects of the independent variable.

Emphasizes responsible research conduct, including honesty and integrity.
Highlights the significance of peer review and the need for reproducibility in research.
Considers the broader societal and environmental impacts of scientific inquiry.

Science frequently intersects with other fields, fostering sub-disciplines like Biochemistry and Astrophysics.
Collaboration across diverse scientific domains enhances research quality and drives innovation.

Growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research approaches.
Increased focus on sustainability and environmental science.
Technological advancements and data science revolutionizing research methodologies.