🌐

Overview of Integrated Science

Jul 4, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces Integrated Science, covering its main branches from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences, and defining key subfields.

What is Integrated Science?

  • Integrated Science combines Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and includes fields like Earth Sciences and Meteorology.
  • It involves studying both living and nonliving systems and their interactions.

Branches of Science

Physical Sciences

  • Study of the nonliving world, focusing on universal laws and interactions.
  • Physics explores matter, energy, gravity, light, and time.
  • Chemistry examines the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
  • Astronomy studies the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Earth Sciences

  • Focuses on Earth's physical constitution and atmosphere.
  • Geology investigates Earth’s origin, structure, and changes over time.
  • Oceanography studies the ocean’s physical and biological aspects.
  • Paleontology analyzes prehistoric life using fossils.
  • Meteorology looks at weather, climate, and atmospheric events.

Life Sciences (Biology)

  • Studies living organisms and key life processes.
  • Botany focuses on plants and their life cycles.
  • Zoology covers animals and animal biology.
  • Genetics explores heredity and gene function.
  • Medicine addresses diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
  • Entomology studies insects.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Integrated Science — study combining multiple scientific disciplines.
  • Physics — study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
  • Chemistry — science of matter’s composition and properties.
  • Astronomy — study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Geology — science of Earth's physical structure and history.
  • Oceanography — study of ocean environments.
  • Paleontology — study of ancient life via fossils.
  • Meteorology — science of weather and atmospheric phenomena.
  • Botany — science of plants.
  • Zoology — study of animals.
  • Genetics — study of genes and heredity.
  • Medicine — science of health and treating diseases.
  • Entomology — study of insects.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review definitions and examples of each branch for deeper understanding.
  • Read introductory chapters on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Sciences as assigned.