ESES-411
Introduction to Everyday
Science
Lecture 2: Introduction
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 or research
reports, 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
What is Science
Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social
world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.
• The scientific methodology includes the following:
• Objective observation: gathers measurable data
• Experiment and observation are benchmarks for testing hypotheses
• Induction: reasoning to establish general rules or conclusions drawn from facts or examples
• Critical analysis
• Verification and testing: critical exposure to scrutiny, peer review, and assessment
Natural and Social Sciences
• 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 living organisms. They include Animal Sciences, Microbiology,
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences
• Applied Sciences: Applied science uses the knowledge base of basic science to devise solutions, often
technological, to specific problems. For example, Engineering, Forensic Science, Agricultural Science,
Environmental Science
• Social Sciences: deals with human communities, behaviors, and relationships. They include Sociology- Mother
of Social Sciences, Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Criminology
Natural
Science Vs.
Social Science
Role of Science
How Science Benefits Individuals
• Science teaches several valuable skills:
• Cognitive Analysis of Data: the ability to analyze a large amount of information concisely is
important for all disciplines. The ability to conclude from evidence is essential and will enable one to
be precise and articulate.
• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts objectively and form a judgment.
Someone with critical thinking skills can think clearly and rationally when the situation demands it.
It allows them to perform problem-solving and decision-making more effectively.
• Connection Between Theoretical and Practical Work: The scientific method outlines a logical
approach to new topics, ensuring that we can connect theoretical and practical work.
Understanding the connection between theories and research has advantages that apply to all
disciplines and areas of life.
How Science and Technology Benefits Societies
Since the late eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution has propelled significant advancements in science and technology
across numerous fields, such as energy, materials, engineering, biotechnology, information and communications, and
medicine. These developments have greatly enhanced people's quality of life and fostered greater prosperity. To build on this
progress, we must continue to support and invest in scientific research, as it not only benefits us today but also paves the way
for future generations.
Increasing Life Expectancy:
The connection between scientific advancements and increased life expectancy in humans is undeniable. In the past, without
knowledge of germs or effective medical treatments, people were highly vulnerable to diseases. From the 1500s to the 1800s,
the average life expectancy in Europe was only between 30 and 40 years. In contrast, life expectancy in Europe had risen to
around 80 years
Cleaner Drinking Water:
Contaminated water and poor sanitation can spread diseases like typhoid, polio, and cholera. Cholera, caused by bacteria, has
been known since the 4th century BCE. Four cholera pandemics occurred between 1852 and 1923, with the deadliest in 1854,
killing 23,000 people in Great Britain. Physician John Snow traced the outbreak to contaminated water from a public well.
Scientific advancements have since improved water supplies and reduced waterborne diseases.
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.
What is the relevance of this course to International Relations?
• Geography plays a crucial role in shaping diplomatic relations between countries, influencing both
their interactions and strategic interests.
• Among the prominent non-traditional security threats that nations face today are:
1. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events threaten ecosystems,
destabilize regional economies, and lead to resource conflicts.
2. Food Security: Ensuring a stable and adequate food supply is essential for national stability. Issues
such as agricultural productivity, trade policies, and climate impacts directly affect food availability
and can lead to social unrest.
3. Water Security: Water scarcity and access to clean water are pressing issues that can incite
tensions between countries, especially in regions where river basins cross national boundaries.
4. Natural Disasters: The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate
change necessitate international cooperation for disaster response and humanitarian assistance,
highlighting the interconnectedness of global security.
4. Energy Crises: The dependence on fossil fuels and emerging energy markets can
create vulnerabilities. Fluctuations in energy prices and access to renewable resources
can influence diplomatic ties and conflicts.
5. Nuclear Security Issues: The proliferation of nuclear weapons and the potential for
nuclear terrorism are significant concerns. Ensuring secure management and non-
proliferation agreements is critical to global stability.
7. Cybersecurity: As nations become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the
risks of cyber-attacks and data breaches pose serious challenges to national security and
international relations.
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.
Suggested Reading
Article: New Technology, New
Risks by Maleeha Lodhi