Underpinning 1-3

Introduction to Geology and Physical Sciences

• The course is designed to ground geological sciences within the context of the physical sciences, satisfying the GE physical science lecture requirement.

Basic Nature of Physical Sciences

• Covers all physical sciences: geology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and atmospheric sciences.

• Consists of laws governing mass and energy in the universe.

• Earth sciences apply these laws to make observations, explanations, and predictions regarding subsystems on Earth.

• Science seeks to predict outcomes by testing observable data.

Lecture Organization

• Importance of taking good notes and rewriting them.

• An outline will be utilized for each lecture topic according to the syllabus.

• Helps relate subtopics effectively.

Core Concepts of Science

• Science predicts using observable data and builds models as foundational tools for predictions.

• Models inform scientists about the systems they study.

Types of Models in Science

1. Conceptual Models

• A working concept or understanding of a system’s operations.

• Example: Water cycle understanding derived from elementary knowledge.

• Essential for professionals, e.g., hydrologists, to grasp fundamental concepts of systems.

• Also referred to as paradigms in scientific discourse.

2. Physical Models

• Physical replicas of systems to understand their operations.

• Example: The San Francisco-San Joaquin River Delta model used for water management in California.

• Physical models help visualize and conduct experiments on complex system behaviors.

3. Mathematical Models

• Utilize algebra, statistics, and calculus to quantitatively describe systems.

• Critical for detailed predictions and resource management decisions.

• Example: Modeling evaporation from Lake Murray to predict water levels based on various environmental factors.

Scientific Theories and Predictions

• Distinguishing features of scientific theories: validity based on rigorous testing and comparison of predictions with actual outcomes.

• Important to note that merely predicting outcomes is not sufficient; they must be tested for validity.

The Testing Process

• Emphasis on observation and testing as cornerstones of scientific methods.

• Scientific inquiry relies on empirical evidence and observation of mass and energy.

• The approach is termed methodological materialism, asserting the need for observable and testable claims.

Characteristics of Valid Scientific Theory

• Must be testable and potentially falsifiable.

• Exemplified by geology's claims about dinosaur fossils through the geologic time scale.

• Predictions must be based on concrete data and experimentation.

Evolution of Scientific Theories

• Scientific theories are provisional and adapt with new data and improved observational capabilities.

• Example: Transition from Newtonian mechanics to Einsteinian relativity based on observable celestial phenomena and data.

The Scientific Process as a Durable Model

• Contrasts the quick-changing nature of human culture with the stability of scientific models.

• Despite technological changes, established scientific models retain durability and reliability in practical applications.

Challenges to Science in Society

• Emphasis on improving scientific understanding in light of societal misconceptions.

• The need for the scientific process to be emphasized and understood, combating public skepticism and misinformation.