Topic 1

What is Science? What Qualifies as Science? Why

does it Matter? Who Practices it? Introduction to
Important terminology: Fact, Hypothesis, Theory &
Law

Science
Science is derived from Latin Word “Scientia” meaning Knowledge.
It is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural &
physical world through observation, experimentation and testing of
theories against obtained evidences to gain knowledge and better
understand the natural world.
There are two types of science
Natural Science
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Geophysics,
Meteorology
Social Science
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Media & Mass
Communication
The Scientific methods is the process to get accurate information
about the natural phenomena through the following steps;
1) Observation
2) Hypothesis
3) Experimentation
4) Data Analysis
 5) Conclusion
6) Repetition
What Qualifies as Science?
The study that is established using the scientific method can be
qualified as science.
In simple words, science uses facts and accurate data to measure
things in the natural world. So, for something to be qualify as
science, it should be observable. After forming theories, the
experiments should be able to be carried out and proven right and
wrong by analyzing the data/facts.
And it should give the same answer after being repeated by anyone
at any given time to prove its reliability.
Fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy meet these criteria
but social sciences like psychology are called unscientific by many but it is
scientific as it uses empirical methods, theories are tested, experiments are
conducted as well as random surveys.

Why Modern Science Matters?

Modern Science since the 16 last centuries has developed the world we
live in right now.
It has opened the gateway to a brighter future.
Scientific advancement in the field of technology and medicine has
improved the quality of lives of the human beings as compared to our past
when people used to die from minor disease or minor injuries.
In this era, the field of medicines and surgeries have become very
advanced, where surgeries are being performed by using remote-
controlled surgery bots. Medicines are made in abundance in a matter of
hours. Life-saving drugs are being made approachable to low earning
people as much as they can.

The mode of transportation has become easy, as well as communication

because of the scientific advancement in technologies. A person can travel
from one place to another using airplanes, chartered jets or fighter jet to
reach their destination in a matter of minutes to hours.
The Invention of Energy, Mobiles Phones and Internet has made
communication from one part of the world with the other a piece of cake.
Science is also helping us in tackling the global issues around the world
such as climate change, undrinkable waters, drought and food crisis by
providing us the solution using data analysis.
Science has also helped us understand about ourselves, how our body
performs its functions and ways to improve our life and health.
The Innovations in technologies has given boost to make more Industries
that are not only proving with job opportunities but also boosting the
economy.
Science has broadened the human mind into thinking about everything,
why they occur and also helping by providing ways to solve all types of
issues.
So, science matters because it has helped humanity in all ways possible
and made the human strive for a better standard of living life by
improving healthcare, technological advancements, economic boost and
solutions to the global challenges. Science teaches us to become civilized
and create a great future by innovation and working together.

Who Practice Science?

People who practice science are called scientist, but there are many fields
which practice different branches of science but they all follow the
scientific methods.
Such as the following below;
Engineers: They develop technological tools and system in their
respective fields by following the scientific principles. For example,
software engineers develop software while the mechanical engineers make
the machine.
Doctors & Medical Professionals: They learn from the scientific
knowledge about medicines, surgeries and methods to diagnose the
diseases/illness and treat the patients. For example, Surgeons perform
surgeries, doctors give medicines while nurse tend to the patient and
pharmacists make the medicines.
Applied Scientist: Biologist, Physicist, Chemists are the specialist in
applied science field who do research then perform experiments and
make new discoveries.
Professors: They work in universities, teach students & other fellow
researchers and also perform experiments to explain the various studies
using the scientific knowledge they have to create future scientists.
Government Officials: All Governments in the world have their own
departments of public health & disaster managements. People working in
that department have particular specialist in the fields such as
environmental and climate who help them in making policies & ways to
solve problem during disasters.

Important Terminologies
1. Fact
A fact in science is a basic observation about the world around us that is
repeatedly confirmed through evidence. Facts are often simple statements
of reality that can be objectively verified by observation or measurement.
Characteristics of a Fact:
• Observable and Verifiable: Facts are supported by empirical
evidence that can be observed and measured.
• Universally Accepted: Facts are generally agreed upon by scientists
because they are based on reliable, repeatable observations.
• Example: "Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level" is a fact because
it can be consistently observed and measured under specific
conditions.

2. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for an
observable phenomenon, based on limited evidence. It is the starting
point for further investigation, and it must be testable and falsifiable—
meaning it can be supported or disproven through experiments and
observations.
Characteristics of a Hypothesis:
• Testable: A hypothesis must be capable of being tested through
experimentation or observation.
• Falsifiable: It must be possible to prove a hypothesis wrong. If a
hypothesis cannot be disproven, it is not scientific.
• Provisional: Hypotheses are tentative explanations that can be
revised or discarded as new evidence is collected.
 • Example: "If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow faster"
is a hypothesis that can be tested by conducting experiments with
plants in varying light conditions.

3. Theory
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural
world that is based on a body of evidence from multiple experiments and
observations. Theories are broader than hypotheses and are used to
explain why or how phenomena occur. In science, a theory is an
established framework that has withstood rigorous testing and scrutiny.
Characteristics of a Theory:
• Comprehensive Explanation: Theories explain a wide range of
observations and facts, connecting them into a coherent
understanding of a phenomenon.
• Supported by Evidence: Theories are based on a large body of
evidence, often from multiple sources, and have been repeatedly
tested and confirmed.
• Predictive Power: Theories can be used to predict future
observations or outcomes, making them a critical tool for scientific
advancement.
• Subject to Revision: Theories can be modified or refined as new
evidence emerges, but they are rarely completely discarded.
• Example: The theory of evolution explains how species change over
time through natural selection, supported by extensive fossil records,
genetic data, and observations from biology.
4. Law
A scientific law describes a statement about an observed phenomenon or
a unifying concept, often expressed mathematically. Laws describe what
happens under certain conditions.

Characteristics of a Law:
• Descriptive, Not Explanatory: A law states what happens without
explaining the underlying mechanisms.
• Based on Repeated Observations: Laws are derived from consistent,
repeatable observations and experiments.
• Universal Application: Laws are generally considered to apply
universally under the same conditions, without exceptions.
• Example: Newton's law of universal gravitation describes the force of
attraction between two masses but does not explain the nature of
gravity itself (that explanation is given by the theory of general
relativity).