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Home 〉Course 〉Foundational Biology / Foundational Chemistry 〉Introduction to Biology / Introduction to Chemistry

Contents

• What is Science?

• Scientific Method

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What is science?

Science is a dynamic and rigorous process, requiring a combination of curiosity, critical thinking, and systematic investigation—at its core, it's about curiosity and investigation.
Scientists seek to understand how the world works by making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. Science isn't limited to specific fields like biology or chemistry; it's a broad discipline based on the understanding of data of anything that can be recorded.

By understanding and applying the scientific method, scientists can uncover the principles that govern the natural world and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

As we delve deeper into specific scientific topics, keep these foundational principles in mind—they are the bedrock of all scientific endeavor.

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Observing the natural world is the starting point of scientific inquiry. Whether it's noting the behavior of animals, the chemical reactions of substances, or the patterns in data, observation is crucial.

2. Questioning:

3. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. It's essentially an educated guess about what might be happening.

4. Experimentation: Experiments are designed to test hypotheses. By manipulating variables and controlling conditions, scientists can gather data to support or refute their hypotheses.

5. Analysis: Data collected from experiments is analyzed to determine whether the results support the hypothesis. This can involve statistical analysis, comparison of data, and interpretation of results.

6. Iteration: Science is an iterative process. Based on the results, hypotheses are refined, new questions are asked, and further experiments are conducted.

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• The Nature of Scientific Knowledge: Understanding that scientific knowledge is empirical, based on observation and experimentation, and is subject to change as new evidence emerges.

• Critical Thinking and Analysis: Developing skills to critically evaluate scientific claims, differentiate between correlation and causation, and identify biases and assumptions in scientific research.

• Interdisciplinary Connections: Exploring how science intersects with other fields such as mathematics, engineering, technology, and social sciences, and understanding the collaborative nature of scientific advancements.

• Ethics in Science: Discussing ethical considerations in scientific research, including issues related to experimentation, data integrity, and the impact of scientific discoveries on society and the environment.

• Historical Perspectives: Reviewing significant milestones and figures in the history of science, which helps illustrate the evolution of scientific thought and the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.

• By the end of the module, students will have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts and methodologies of science, preparing them for more advanced studies and fostering an appreciation for the role of science in everyday life and its contribution to societal progress.

A nucleon is either a proton or a neutron, considered in its role as a component of an atomic nucleus.

Definitions

Nuclei is plural for nucleus.

Electron Orbitals

The exact location of electrons are impossible to predict so we say that they are found in "electron clouds", which surrounds the nucleus of an atom.

the mass of an Electron is 1/1836th

Each orbit, or energy level, is quantized, meaning electrons can only occupy specific orbits at distinct energy levels. This model, while simplified and not fully accurate according to modern quantum mechanics, remains a foundational visualization in the teaching of atomic structure due to its historical significance and its ability to convey basic atomic concepts.

Atoms of an overall neutral charge are typically the most stable configuration, so if the number of electrons is different from the charge of the nucleus, the overall charge of the atom wouldn't be electrically neutral, thus, it would be considered an ion (The charge of regular nuclei is always positive, due to containing no negatively charged particles).

Ions, Isotopes & Radiation

Each orbit, or energy level, is quantized, meaning electrons can only occupy specific orbits at distinct energy levels. This model, while simplified and not fully accurate according to modern quantum mechanics, remains a foundational visualization in the teaching of atomic structure due to its historical significance and its ability to convey basic atomic concepts.

Reference List

• Gaur, A. (2022). Bohr Atomic Model- Diagram, Formula, Postulates and Limitations. [online] adda247. Available at: https://www.adda247.com/school/bohr-atomic-model/.

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