Introduction to Science

Systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world.
Based on observation, experimentation, and evidence.

Natural Sciences
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
- Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, reactions, and formation.
- Biology: Study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, and evolution.
Formal Sciences
- Mathematics: Study of numbers, shapes, and patterns.
- Logic: Study of reasoning and argument structure.
Social Sciences
- Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Study of society, social relationships, and cultures.
- Economics: Study of production, consumption, and distribution of resources.

Observation: Gathering data and noticing phenomena.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable prediction.
Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test hypotheses.
Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on data; may affirm or reject the hypothesis.
Peer Review: Sharing findings with the scientific community for validation.

Advances knowledge and technology.
Helps in understanding and solving real-world problems.
Informs policy and decision-making for societal issues (e.g., health, environment).

Theory vs. Law:
- A theory explains why something happens (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
- A law describes what happens under certain conditions (e.g., Law of Gravity).
Empirical Evidence: Information acquired by observation or experimentation, foundational to scientific inquiry.
Reproducibility: The ability for experiments to be repeated with consistent results, crucial for validating findings.

Interdisciplinary Research: Combines methods, insights, and techniques from multiple scientific disciplines.
Citizen Science: Engagement of the public in scientific research, data collection, and analysis.
Sustainability Science: Focus on sustainable development and resource management in light of environmental challenges.

Ethical considerations in research (e.g., human and animal testing).
Impact of funding and commercialization on research agendas.
Public understanding and acceptance of scientific concepts (e.g., climate change, vaccinations).

Science is the systematic study of the natural world, including the behavior of matter and energy.
It relies on observation, experimentation, and collecting evidence.

Natural Sciences study the physical world:
- Physics investigates matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
- Chemistry studies the properties of substances, their reactions, and how they are formed.
- Biology studies living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and evolution.
Formal Sciences deal with abstract systems:
- Mathematics studies numbers, shapes, and patterns.
- Logic studies reasoning and the structure of arguments.
Social Sciences focus on human societies and behavior:
- Psychology studies the mind and behavior.
- Sociology studies society, social relationships, and cultures.
- Economics studies the production, consumption, and distribution of resources.

Science advances knowledge and drives technological innovation.
It helps us understand and solve real-world problems, improving our lives.
Science informs policy and decision-making on issues like health and the environment.

Theory vs. Law:
- A theory explains why something happens (e.g., the Theory of Evolution).
- A law describes what happens under certain conditions (e.g., the Law of Gravity).
Empirical Evidence: Information gathered through observation or experimentation is crucial for scientific inquiry.
Reproducibility: The ability for experiments to be repeated with consistent results is essential for validating scientific findings.

Interdisciplinary Research: Combines methods, insights, and techniques from multiple scientific disciplines, leading to more comprehensive understanding.
Citizen Science: Involves the public in scientific research by collecting data and participating in analysis, broadening scientific engagement.
Sustainability Science: Focuses on sustainable development and resource management to address environmental challenges.

Ethical Considerations: Scientific research often raises ethical concerns, especially in areas like human and animal testing, requiring careful consideration and regulation.
Funding and Commercialization: Funding sources and commercial interests can influence research agendas, potentially affecting the objectivity of scientific inquiry.
Public Understanding and Acceptance: Public misconceptions or resistance to scientific concepts (e.g., climate change, vaccinations) can hinder progress and policy adoption.