ESES-411
Introduction to Everyday
Science
Lecture 2: Introduction to the course
Introduction to Everyday Science
• This course examines key scientific areas that significantly impact our daily lives and
the well-being of communities and societies, both nationally and globally, covering
essential topics in the Physical, Biological, Environmental Sciences, and
Technology. Students will engage with concepts such as celestial events, radioactivity,
modern materials, biomolecules, renewable and non-renewable energy resources,
global warming and climate change, wireless communication, and satellites, thereby
enhancing their understanding of everyday phenomena and the natural world's
operations. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate key scientific
concepts and relate science to personal and community well-being and global
sustainability.
Regularity and punctuality are highly
acknowledged. The university’s attendance
policy will be followed strictly.
Students are expected to behave professionally
Important when attending lectures, taking exams, and
participating in interactive sessions.
Instructions
No mobile phones/ smart gadgets are to be used
in the classroom.
Plagiarism in written assignments, cheating, or
using other unfair means during assessments
will be strictly penalized.
TextBooks
• The GALE Encyclopedia of Science, 3d edition, Vol. 1
• General Science and Ability 2018 by Prof. Muhammad Akram Kashmiri
• Exploring Life Science 1975 by Walter A. Thurber, Robert E. Kilburn, Peter S. Howell
• Useful Websites
• www.nationalgeographic.com
• www.sciencedaily.com
• www.compoundchem.com
• www.nasa.com
Science
Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the
natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on
evidence.
Key Aspects of Science
Curiosity & Inquiry: Science begins with curiosity and a desire to ask questions about how the
world works, translating these questions into testable hypotheses.
Systematic Methodology: Science follows a systematic process to test hypotheses and build
knowledge, relying on empirical evidence.
Observation & Experimentation: It involves objective observation and careful experimentation
to gather data about the world around us.
Testable & Falsifiable Explanations: Scientific explanations are testable, meaning they can be
proven wrong through data, allowing for corrections and advancements in understanding.
Pursuit of Knowledge: The goal of science is to gain knowledge and understanding about
phenomena, which can lead to tangible benefits and enrich our understanding of the world.
• Observation: Scientists observe a natural phenomenon and develop
a sense of wonder or curiosity about it.
• Question: They formulate a specific question about why or how the
phenomenon occurs.
• Hypothesis: An educated guess is formed as a possible answer to
Scientific the question.
Method • Experimentation/Testing: The hypothesis is tested through careful
observation and experimentation to collect data.
• Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to determine if it supports
or refutes the hypothesis.
• Conclusion: Conclusions are drawn, contributing to the collective
body of scientific knowledge.
Branches of Science: Natural and Social Sciences
• Science is divided into different disciplines based on the subject matter, such as
• Natural Sciences: deals with the study of the natural world. They include
• Physical Sciences: deals with the study of the physical world. They include Mathematics, Statistics,
Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry.
• Biological Sciences: deals with the study of the biological world. They include Animal Sciences,
Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Plant Sciences.
• Applied Sciences: use the knowledge base of basic science to devise solutions, often technological,
to specific problems—for example, Engineering, Forensic Science, Agricultural Science, and
Environmental Science.
• Social Sciences: deals with human communities, behaviors, and relationships. They include
sociology, the mother of Social Sciences, as well as Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, Political
Science, and Criminology.
Natural Science Vs. Social Science
Natural Science Social Science
Subject of Study: Subject of Study:
The physical and biological world, including natural Human behavior and society, including social structures,
phenomena such as cosmology, geology, chemistry, and cultural aspects, and human interactions
biology
Methodology: Methodology:
Employs quantitative data collection and analysis, often using Utilizes a range of approaches to collect both qualitative and
controlled laboratory experiments quantitative data, including surveys, case research, and
ethnographic studies.
Career Paths: Career Paths:
Opportunities in healthcare, environmental conservation, Roles in research, data analysis, policy development,
pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data science community outreach, education, and social work
Approach: Complexity:
Natural sciences are characterized by a more objective Social sciences deal with more complex and subjective human
Approach, rigidness, predictability, and precision. behaviors and interactions, which can make objective
observation challenging compared to the natural world
Fruits of Science for Societies
Change in Information, Communication
and Transportation Technology
Scientific and technological progress has shifted the paradigms by which society
operates. One example of such a paradigm-shifting technology is Information and
Communications Technology (ICT), powered by the Internet.
Advancements in science and technology have significantly improved transportation
and communication, facilitating large-scale trade both domestically and
internationally. Roads, trains, ships, and airplanes have made the movement of people
and goods easier. Meanwhile, developments in telephone, radio, television, and other
media, enhanced by satellite communications, have connected people globally,
reducing prejudices and misconceptions through increased interaction.
Since the 1950s, technological advancements have reduced transportation and
communication costs significantly. The jet engine lowered air travel and cargo costs,
while integrated circuits and digital signal processors improved product quality and
affordability. The internet has further decreased information transmission costs and
increased speed, contributing to economic growth and global income.
Transformation in Agricultural
Technology
• The invention of machinery like the mechanical reaper and steam-powered
tractor mechanized agriculture, boosting efficiency and productivity. This
allowed farmers to cultivate larger areas with less labor, increasing food
production for growing populations.
• The 20th century brought significant advancements in agriculture with
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and hybrid seeds, leading to the Green
Revolution, which featured high-yielding crop varieties and increased yields.
Recent bioscience advancements, particularly genetic engineering, have
further transformed agriculture by creating genetically modified crops with
traits like pest resistance and drought tolerance.
• In recent decades, agricultural technology has continued to evolve with the
emergence of precision farming techniques, genetic engineering, and
automation. Precision agriculture utilizes satellite imagery, GPS technology,
and data analytics to optimize inputs, such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides,
maximizing yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Warfare Technology Evolution
• In recent decades, there has been a revolution in warfare
technology with advancements in areas such as unmanned
drones, cyber warfare, and precision-guided munitions. These
technologies have fundamentally changed the nature of
conflict, allowing for more precise targeting and reduced risk
to military personnel.
• The advancement of information technology has led to the
global spread of cyber warfare. The rapid and widespread
impact of cyber-attacks presents new challenges to the
concept of warfare. Cyber weapons, due to their
asymmetrical nature and global reach, have the potential to
significantly influence international relations. Additionally,
cyber weapons can be utilized for positive purposes such as
intelligence gathering and cybersecurity.
Science Diplomacy
The interaction between science, technology, and diplomacy to address
global challenges, advance mutual interests, and strengthen international
relations
Diplomacy for Science: This involves diplomatic actions that facilitate
scientific teamwork between nations, such as creating international
Key agreements for research and development (R&D) or establishing global
research infrastructures.
Approaches
to Science Science for Diplomacy: Science serves as a tool to build trust and
understanding between countries. By promoting scientific cooperation,
Diplomacy
countries can generate goodwill and create a foundation for positive
diplomatic relations.
Science in Diplomacy: This form of science diplomacy directly involves
providing scientific expertise to support diplomatic processes. This can
include offering evidence-based advice for foreign policy, security
decisions, and global challenges like climate change.
International Cooperation: Science diplomacy is crucial for
encouraging and safeguarding international cooperation on
critical issues, from global commons to nuclear
technologies.
Problem Solving: It utilizes scientific teamwork to find
solutions for societal problems that transcend national
borders.
Key Aspects
Strengthening Relations: By aligning scientific goals with
national and international interests, science diplomacy
helps build and maintain alliances between nations.
Soft Power: Science can act as a "soft power," promoting
national interests and fostering understanding between
societies
CERN: A Human Miracle
• CERN is a laboratory established through the collaboration of
Switzerland and France in 1954, later joined by 38 other
countries, 177 universities, and 3,000 scientists. One part of the
chamber, which includes a heavy electromagnetic system, is
associated with the Heavy Mechanical Complex in Pakistan,
which also features the Pakistani flag.
• Its construction took 40 years and was marked by wars,
disasters, and conflicts in the international arena. Despite these
challenges, the scientists remained engaged and focused on their
work.
• CERN has led to technological inventions that have
revolutionized the world, including the Internet, CT scan, and
MRI. It aims to build a computer capable of storing the entire
world’s data.
IPCC
(Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change)
• The IPCC was created to provide policymakers with
regular scientific assessments on climate change, its
implications and potential future risks, as well as to put
forward adaptation and mitigation options. Through its
assessments, the IPCC determines the state of
knowledge on climate change. It also enables nations
to negotiate agreements like the Paris Agreement
based on common scientific understanding.
Virunga National Park:
• The collaboration between Rwanda, Uganda,
and the Democratic Republic of Congo to
manage Virunga National Park, home to
endangered mountain gorillas, highlights
science diplomacy in biodiversity conservation
and resource management.
Suggested Reading
Article: Journey of Science by
Mohsin Fareed
