What are Core Sciences?
Core sciences encompass the foundational disciplines that form the bedrock of scientific understanding. These include:
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**Physics:** Explores the fundamental laws of nature, energy, matter, space, and time. Some key areas within physics include:
- Mechanics: Studies motion and its causes.
- Electromagnetism: Explores the interaction of electric and magnetic fields.
- Optics: Investigates the behavior of light and its interaction with matter.
- Nuclear physics: Examines the structure and properties of atomic nuclei.
- Particle physics: Studies the fundamental particles that make up matter and forces.
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**Chemistry:** Studies the composition, structure, properties, and transformations of matter. Some key areas within chemistry include:
- Organic chemistry: Examines the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based molecules.
- Inorganic chemistry: Studies the composition, structure, and properties of inorganic compounds.
- Analytical chemistry: Develops methods and techniques for analyzing the composition of substances.
- Physical chemistry: Applies principles of physics to understand chemical phenomena.
- Biochemistry: Studies the chemistry of living organisms.
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**Biology:** Investigates living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. Some key areas within biology include:
- Cell biology: Studies the structure and function of cells, the basic units of life.
- Genetics: Examines the transmission of hereditary traits from parents to offspring.
- Ecology: Investigates the interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Microbiology: Studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Zoology: Examines the animal kingdom, their behavior, evolution, and diversity.
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**Earth Science:** Examines the Earth's physical and biological systems, including its geology, atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems. Some key areas within earth science include:
- Geology: Studies the Earth's solid features, its composition, structure, and history.
- Geophysics: Applies principles of physics to study the Earth's interior and processes.
- Meteorology: Examines the atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate.
- Oceanography: Studies the oceans, their physical, chemical, and biological properties.
- Environmental science: Investigates the interactions between humans and the environment.