Science (from the Latin word scientia, meaning "knowledge") is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.The earliest roots of science can be traced to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in around 3000 to 1200 BCE. Their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine entered and shaped Greek natural philosophy of classical antiquity, whereby formal attempts were made to provide explanations of events in the physical world based on natural causes. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, knowledge of Greek conceptions of the world deteriorated in Western Europe during the early centuries (400 to 1000 CE) of the Middle Ages, but was preserved in the Muslim world during the Islamic Golden Age. The recovery and assimilation of Greek works and Islamic inquiries into Western Europe from the 10th to 13th century revived "natural philosophy", which was later transformed by the Scientific Revolution that began in the 16th century as new ideas and discoveries departed from previous Greek conceptions and traditions. The scientific method soon played a greater role in knowledge creation and it was not until the 19th century that many of the institutional and professional features of science began to take shape; along with the changing of "natural philosophy" to "natural science."Modern science is typically divided into three major branches that consist of the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, and physics), which study nature in the broadest sense; the social sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, and sociology), which study individuals and societies; and the formal sciences (e.g., logic, mathematics, and theoretical computer science), which deal with symbols governed by rules. There is disagreement, however, on whether the formal sciences actually constitute a science as they do not rely on empirical evidence. Disciplines that use existing scientific knowledge for practical purposes, such as engineering and medicine, are described as applied sciences.New knowledge in science is advanced by research from scientists who are motivated by curiosity about the world and a desire to solve problems. Contemporary scientific research is highly collaborative and is usually done by teams in academic and research institutions, government agencies, and companies. The practical impact of their work has led to the emergence of science policies that seek to influence the scientific enterprise by prioritizing the development of commercial products, armaments, health care, public infrastructure, and environmental protection.
I'm currently a sophomore (finishing up my second year) and want to get some of your guys's opinions on this matter. I'm on track to finish a degree in CS while finishing premed requirements, and then head off to med school after graduating. The thing is, I don't like CS. I'm close to finishing...
I am going to be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I (for-sure) plan on majoring in astrophysics as it is my foremost passion. I also happen to have a liking for the computer related fields and having those skills makes myself more marketable for jobs. I plan on adding...
I'm an upcoming senior at a small, private college that has a good reputation for science. My major is in physics with a minor in mathematics, but I originally was in biochemistry. My freshman year didn't go so well (2.6 GPA), and I ended up switching to physics my sophomore year. I have a low...
Hi PF members,
I'm writing code for OpenWorm this summer. Our goal is to simulate the entire worm C. elegans for the purposes of testing biophysical models at the level of single cells, of systems of cells, and of interaction with the worm's environment. Our current focus is on the nervous...
If I add Angostura Bitters to a glass and then add tonic water it fizzes up far faster than tonic alone, at some stages it produces a foam with large (1/4 to 1/2 inch dia), can anyone explain what's happening?
Hello everyone,
I teach Physics at a local high school. I designed a simple lab to determine the relationship between net work and kinetic energy. The diagram is shown below:
In this experiment, students release the cart from rest, while keeping displacement constant. A Vernier motion...
Can I get a Phd in physics after bachelor in computer science I would like know if I'll be eligible for applying to physics or applied physics PhD programs? And if yes, do I have any realistic chance of getting into one?
XKCD is a really funny site with comics intended for math and science people. Some of them are mildly humorous and others are spit-my-drink-onto-my-keyboard hilarious (for me). Below is a recent TED talk that the comic writer gave. It is an ok talk in my opinion - it's more interesting just to...
I've been contemplating the possibility of pursuing a minor (or maybe even a dual major, but probably not) in Computer Science to go along with my Physics major. But I must wonder, is it worth it? Will it help me at all when I look for a job in tens of millions of years after getting a PhD...
I don't know what I should major in, to keep it brief I've already took a year of calc, chemistry, a semester of ordinary diff eq, and physics.
Right now I am in generic engineering and can branch out to electrical, industrial, bio medical, or mechanical or possibly transfer to another uni...
I've always had an inferiority complex. In high school, i felt very insecure about my looks and now i feel very insecure about my intelligence.
When i was about 5 and learning to count, my parents told me that I sucked at math, so I am very insecure about my math ability, even though i know...
Going on this weekend in DC. Was anyone able to go? I can't believe I missed it! Next year I'm going to try to get PF a booth!
http://www.usasciencefestival.org/
Does anyone have the scoop on other science fairs/festivals/conferences coming up this year in the US?
Hi there!
Im new to this forum so pardon me if this is the wrong place to post my question.
Basically, I have an idea with regards to doing some modification to phone screens. However, there is no such technology (yet) for this and I have zero knowledge and background pertaining to...
I am considering majoring in statistics. The school (a mediocre state uni, by the way) calls the major "statistics", but the curriculum is that of an "applied statistics" program, in that it requires you to choose an emphasis that you could apply statistics to. I'm going to choose science...
i am well aware that the job field may be narrower in view but would this be a smart move? i didn't do too well the past two semesters and I am being forced to switch majors. the reason i didn't do well was because of a complete lack of interest and effort on my behalf. I couldn't stand...
I am a senior in high school and have a problem..
I want to pursue a career in nanotechnology, therefore I applied for an undergraduate place in MSE.
The problem is that I've recently started reading about quantum physics and the structure of the physics (with theoretical physics) course and I...
Hi all,
I want to read and learn about the contributions minorities and women have made to science so that I can highlight these contributions when I teach and be aware of them. I really am not sure where to look for this information, though.
I was hoping some people on here might be able...
The thing is I love computers, and I think a degree in Computer science can amplify that passion. However, just this time, I began to have interest in Physics to which I have no idea that I have. I am sincerely considering taking a double degree in both of these areas. Unfortunately, I don't...
I was watching Neil De grasse Tyson, and he said the developed countries have an obligation to push the boundaries of science and space exploration. I was thinking do people that have an interest in science have a moral obligation to do science research and make the world a better place, what...
I'm double majoring in Chemistry / Materials Science & Engineering undergrad and I'm wandering yes it has engineering in the title but it also has Science as well. Is this engineering say more theory based than others? I read descriptions saying it designs metal alloys and everything like...
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of some quality materials science resources on the web? I am currently in an intro to materials science and engineering class and have been fascinated by the subject this semester. I was just wondering if there are any "go to"...
I have a 2 year TA offer at UC Irvine for physics (~$18k) where I would focus on Condensed Matter experiment or the chemicals and materials physics program(this program is easier and offers a 10 week summer research program before grad school begins). Degree time is usually 6-7 years.
The...
I'm currently 16, doing second-last year of High School.
For certain reasons, I'm "in the dark" in regard to where I am with my education :P.
It's just like ... when I come here on PF, my breath just gets taken away with the topics and levels of discussion which go on here; makes me kind of...
Hello.
I would like to hear of somebody with experience in the area of materials science (theoretical/computational or experimental) the answer to the following question: What kind of Physics knowledge one must have to work in this area. I mean, how much of the basic Physics stuff you must know...
Hi, I am working on an Egg Drop Contraption as a Physical Science project. I need some help on a 1 page report I need to make.
First, let me explain how my project will work so you can know how to answer my questions.
I will have a box a bit bigger than the egg itself. The walls, floor, and...
Howdy y'all,
I posted a ways back about an interest in science policy, concerning internships.
Now I'm more or less asking about possible classes to take. I am in the process of a political science minor and I need a few classes to take and I'd prefer them to be useful or interesting. If...
Hello good people, new fish here.
A little context for you:
I am a bit of an older student, I am still working on my Associate thanks to my military career slowing down my education with training and overseas duty.
I am currently on tract to get my education in Political Science, specifically...
I am majoring in Computer Science and have wondered, is computer science a science? as in the physical and natural sciences or is more appropriate to call it engineering? If not is it proper to call someone that has a career in Computer Science a Scientist? I am dealing with the terms and...
Hi, I am a high school senior and I am really having a hard time deciding what I should major in. I absolutely love Physics and Computer Science, but I am worried about majoring in Physics, because many people tell me that it is only worth getting if you attend one of the big ivy league schools...
So, I love physics and math. I have my first Science fair coming up, and I've dreamed about this day since I was five. Putting my knowledge into work that my peers can judge, and maybe spark interest in Physics for someone else. What project could I do that is Quantum Physics or really any...
I want to work in ecology and I think it has potential to be a harder science. I like hard sciences and I think sometimes ecology has the image of being a soft science. Does anyone know of the progress being made in ecology? Give me some advice perhaps? Thanks.
Astrophysics...or Planetary Science
Hi Guys,
I need some advice about Astrophysics and Planetary Science. I'm in Columbia U right now, freshman year intending to major in Astrophysics BA.
Recently, I found myself getting more and more interested in Solar Physics. I looked around grad...
In an environmental studies class we were asked what the difference between science and philosophy is. I replied "science is testable and philosophy is not". First of all do others agree with my answer, and does anyone else have something they believe is distinguishing feature? I guess for...
A lot of jobs that I see where you do actual interesting science seem to require having a PhD. Are there reasonable possibilities for doing that with having "only" a Master's in physics? I know that I could increase my employability if I got a PhD, but I'm not looking at getting one at the...
I'm a high school senior and I'm going to tech school in the Fall. I applied and was admitted as an EE major, but I am also interested in possibly getting a degree in computer science or Physics instead. I always thought that EE was cool, but I also would be interested in being a computer...
Electrical Science -- LR Time Constant & Voltage Drops
1. An inductor of negligible resistance and an inductance of 0.2 H is
connected in series with a 330 Ω resistor to a 12V d.c. supply.
Determine:
(a) the time constant of the circuit
(b) the voltage drop across the inductor after two...
I'm not a physics student and haven't done any physics work since high school. I've since then forgot most of what I knew and although while researching this problem, everything looks familiar. It just doesn't fit together in my head. This isn't a marked piece of the coursework it's just...
So I am attempting to establish a club in my school called "Science and Astronomy Club". I am supposed to write and present a proposal to our Director of the student affairs officer. I am almost done with it. It contained the following pointers: General Summary(overview), Posts(positions)...
I am sixteen years old and am a junior in High School. College has been a huge pressure in my life and I don't know what to study for college. I am constantly told to go with my passion, take a career test or you don't need to know now. I am always one for decisive decisions but I can not...
I have been wondering lately, is the field of Data Science/Big Data used in the field of Aerodynamics? I know that Data Science has found great uses in areas like bioinformatics, finance, social media and sports. I am asking because the two fields I have grown interest in them. If you work in...
I'm writing a sci-fi story and I'd like to make it, at the very least, scientifically plausible (in the way that alcubirre warp drives are possible assuming we could get our hands on something with negative mass which, as far as we know, doesn't exist).
The basic assumption for these questions...
Didn't know what forum to post this in..There are some brilliant people on this forum, just wanted to know your thoughts on the P vs NP problem in Computer Science? Do you think it will ever be solved? I think P != NP. That being said, I do believe it could be solved but not with normal...
The strangest science news of 2011 might have been when scientists reported having made a knot of light. I found that hard to believe: doesn't light always go in a straight line? The article was published in a reputable journal though, so it is likely true. Unfortunately in the new era of...
What do you think about computer science? Do you think outsourcing could be a reason not to pursue this career? Online education is perhaps making it too accessible?
Thanks.
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I came here because I was told by a friend that the forums are great for getting help on classwork/homework.
Aside from that, I came here to learn more about science. I always thought that science was about experiments and wearing white lab coats and growing long...