Introduction to Science Overview

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Utilizes observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Sciences

   • Study of the physical world.
   • Includes physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences.

2. Formal Sciences

   • Study of abstract concepts.
   • Includes mathematics, logic, and statistics.

3. Social Sciences

   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

4. Applied Sciences

   • Practical application of scientific knowledge.
   • Includes engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Identify a phenomenon or problem.
2. Question: Formulate a question based on observations.
3. Hypothesis: Propose a testable explanation.
4. Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Analysis: Examine data and draw conclusions.
6. Reporting: Share findings with the scientific community.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the world.
• Peer Review: Process where research is evaluated by experts before publication.

Importance of Science

• Drives technological advancement.
• Informs public policy and decision-making.
• Enhances understanding of the universe and our place in it.
• Addresses global challenges such as health, environment, and sustainability.

Ethical Considerations

• Responsible conduct in research.
• Importance of integrity, honesty, and transparency.
• Consideration of societal impacts and ethical implications of scientific discoveries.

Definition of Science

• Systematic process for building and organizing knowledge.
• Employs techniques of observation, experimentation, and analysis to explore phenomena.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences: Focuses on the study of the physical universe; includes disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences.
• Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract concepts; encompasses mathematics, logic, and statistics.
• Social Sciences: Analyzes human behavior and societal structures; includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
• Applied Sciences: Involves the practical application of scientific principles; includes fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Begin by identifying a phenomenon or specific problem.
• Question: Develop a question based on initial observations.
• Hypothesis: Formulate a testable explanation to address the question.
• Experimentation: Create and perform experiments to evaluate the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Review the collected data and derive conclusions from the findings.
• Reporting: Communicate the results and insights to the scientific community for evaluation.

Key Concepts

• Theory: A comprehensive explanation rooted in substantial evidence that clarifies aspects of the natural world.
• Law: A descriptive statement generated from consistent experimental observations that define a specific phenomenon.
• Peer Review: Evaluative process involving experts critiquing research before it is published, ensuring credibility and scientific rigor.

Importance of Science

• Catalyzes advancements in technology and innovation.
• Provides foundational knowledge for informed public policy and decision-making.
• Aids in comprehending the universe and humanity's role within it.
• Addresses critical global issues, including health, environmental concerns, and sustainability.

Ethical Considerations

• Promotes responsible conduct in research practices.
• Emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and transparency in scientific endeavors.
• Considers the social impacts and ethical ramifications of scientific research and discoveries.