Lecture 2: Introduction to Environmental Science

What is Science and how does it work?

• A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding of it
• The accumulated body of knowledge that arises from this dynamic process

The Scientific Method

What is it?

• Testing ideas through observation, questioning and experimentation
• Assumptions:
• Idea that the universe works according to natural law
• Events arise from causes, and cause other events
• We use logic, systematic testing, and our senses to understand natural law

Key Element of Science

• Make observations and ask questions
• Formulate hypotheses (explanations)
• Use hypotheses to generate predictions (specific statements that can be tested)
• Interpret test results (support or reject hypothesis)

Part of a Larger Process

• The scientific method is part of a larger process
• The process includes peer review, publication and debates
• Uncertainty is a fundamental part of the scientific process
• A consistently supported hypothesis becomes a theory