BIOL_1500 - 2.1 Science and the Scientific Method & STUDY QS

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University of Guelph *

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Course

1500

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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pdf

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Uploaded by ssmf22dr

NOTES - A clear example of society's misunderstanding of science and scientists is the popular image of the "mad scientist", for example, in various movies about Dr. Frankenstein or, more recently, in the Jurassic Park movies. - Scientists have been responsible for many fascinating discoveries throughout history. - The word science is derived from the Latin word Scientia meaning "to know." - Science is also described as a way of knowing or seeking reliable but not infallible knowledge about the real, observable, natural and physical world - Science gathers, processes, classifies, analyzes, and stores information on anything and everything observable in the universe - Evidence is required for acceptance - Evidence implies that any subject of scientific enquiry is measurable - In contrast, value judgments such as beauty or morality are not measurable in an objective way (every person will have a different opinion of them) and are, therefore, not considered science Why understanding science matters 1. Almost all of your material surroundings and activities are a result of science – the food you eat, the appliances you use, the materials your home is made from. We use science every day, and its products keep the economy, educational system, and society running. In short, one of the defining characteristics of our culture is science. Therefore, it is in our interest to have some people who want to become scientists and to have a general public that understands and supports science. 2. Having some understanding of science will help you to make intelligent consumer choices about products and services. For example, it will enable you to make wiser decisions about your diet, exercise, health care, and environmentally sustainable products. 3. Scientifically literate citizens can ensure that scientific research is being used properly by the government to make decisions on environmental, social, economic, and military policies. Understanding science will enable you to evaluate claims and distinguish truths from misinformation. Scientific Disciplines - Physical science deals with the nature of matter and energy. It includes disciplines such as physics and chemistry. - Earth science, including geology and astronomy, studies non-living matter on earth and in the universe. - Behavioural science examines human behaviour and organization either within individuals (psychology) or groups (social sciences). - Biological science, such as zoology and botany, investigates living things. ** - Many types of science cross the boundaries between these disciplines - For example, anthropology (the study of the human race, its origins, development, customs, and beliefs) can be both a biological and behavioural science. Geography is a combination of earth science and behavioural science.

- Sub-disciplines: zoology is one branch of biological science that studies the structure, function, and way of life of animals. Zoology has traditionally been subdivided further into specializations based on the group of animals that the researchers study. For example: - Entomology is the study of insects - Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles - Ornithology is the study birds - Mammalogy is the study mammals - Ichthyology is the study of fish - Zoology can also be divided based on more specific topics of study, for example animal development, evolution, ecology, physiology, and behavior -

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