Why Basic Science Still Matters in a High-Tech World?
Today, we live in a world dominated by the latest technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Gene editing, space technology, and more. Do you know what is behind these new inventions? The basic subjects that you study in school — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. These core sciences are the foundation for everything modern or new that science creates. In this blog, we will examine why the basic sciences are so relevant and important, and also explore some of the top universities offering excellent science courses.
Significance of Fundamental Scientific Principles
Fundamental science teaches us how to see the world. Let's unpack this further.
- Physics helps us to understand the principles behind semiconductors, lasers, and clean energy technologies. It teaches us the relationships between energy and matter.
- Chemistry is pivotal to the synthesis of new medicines, development of better materials, environmental remediation and food enhancement. It teaches us how things are made and how they react.
- Biology is the basis of our understanding of medicine, biotechnologies, food production, and beyond. It teaches us how everything operates, from tiny cells to vast ecosystems.
Topics such as Newton's Laws and chemical bonding may seem trivial as ideas, however, without them the multitude of inventions we use would not be a possibility.
Education for Critical Reasoning
Fundamental science education develops critical thinking skills. When we conduct experiments and analyze data, we develop our ability to think logically. By recognizing limitations in our experimental work we develop a level of intellectual humility as well.
We can apply many of the skills built through our science education beyond the laboratory and in areas such as data science, policy development, industry leadership, and more.
Fuel for Innovation
Game-changing inventions are the result of basic research. Let's look at a few examples:
-Finding out about quantum mechanics helped to develop quantum computers and very precise sensors.
-Discoveries in microbiology have led to CRISPR, a powerful gene editing tool.
-Graphene and other new materials, including nature-inspired plastic, all came from science based on curiosity.
Without basic science, we wouldn't be able to explore new ideas, only make small changes or modifications to what already exists.
Physics, Chemistry & Biology: The Foundation of Future Technologies
Physics: From Concepts to Inventions
Physics gets us thinking about how the world works, from forces and motion to heat, energy and electricity.
This is how basic physics moves technology forward:
- Nanotechnology is based on how electrons behave at the very small scale.
- Lasers and photonics come from the study light and electromagnetism.
- Renewable energy depends on our ability to study materials and how energy flows through them.
Physics has gifted us with semiconductors, solar panels, as well as GPS.
Chemistry: The Link Between Physics and Biology
Chemistry is an interesting discipline and allows us to better understand the make-up and reactions of things. It is also at the heart of connecting physics to biological systems.
- Organic chemistry is important in the development of new pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies.
- Materials chemistry is important in the development of new plastics, batteries, and smart materials.
- Analytical chemistry is important for testing water, air, and food quality
Most modern innovations, including eco-friendly fabrics, fuel-cells, and much of the progress in biotechnology, all start with chemistry.
Biology: The Study of Life
Biology helps gain insight in everything from cell processes to how ecosystems function. It is important in:
- Healthcare and biotechnologies - explaining how genes are regulated and what diseases are caused by.
- Agriculture and the environment - helping to manage crops and lessen pollution.
- Research in brain and behaviour - bringing insights to how the mind works and how we build AI.
Having a good foundation in biology is critical to tackling problems such as pandemics, food shortages, and climate change.
Why Basic Science is a Wise Career Choice
Skills that Work Everywhere
Studying science will not just give you facts, studying science will teach you useful skills:
- How to design experiments and work in labs
- How to look at data and understand it
- How to think clearly and logically
These skills can help you in many careers, not only in science, but law, business, health care, technology.
Combining Science Disciplines
A lot of problems in the real world need knowledge from different scientific disciplines. Where can you do that? In interdisciplinary fields, such as:
- Biophysics (Physics + Biology)
- Chemical Biology (Chemistry + Biology)
- Environmental Materials Science (Chemistry + Ecology)
Having a basic scientific education allows you to explore these exhilarating opportunities.
Modern Technology Still Relies on Basic Science
It is easy to love the products of our modern advancements: new smartphones and electric cars for example. But, all of our new technological developments came from science
- Computers rely on chips, designed by engineers using quantum physics.
- GPS uses theoretical notions of Einstein's theory of relativity.
- MRI machines originated with physics research on atomic magnetic properties.
- CRISPR, an exciting new gene editing technology, came from basic research in biology.
Learning Science for Life
Science is more than just a job, it helps to shape the way we think. It teaches us to become curious, to ask why and to work on solving problems. These are skills we learn for life, and they will be useful in every path we take.
Study Basic Science at Shoolini University
Shoolini University is the No. 1 private university in India (Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings). It is also No. 1 research University in India according to QS World University Asia Rankings.
One of the biggest strengths of Shoolini is its focus on research and innovation. Over 1,500 patents have been filed at Shoolini, and students are engaged in exciting projects from day one of their studies, including cancer research, green chemistry, nanotechnology and environmental sustainability.
Shoolini sets itself apart even further by its faculty. Many of the professors at Shoolini have studied and/or completed post-doctoral residencies in world-class institutions, including Oxford, NIH (USA), IISc, and other world-class universities. Some faculty are ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world (Stanford University), and faculty actively mentor students in their studies and research.
From the first day, students will be exposed to labs and research work. The more than 104 high-tech and specialized laboratories and 11 Centres of Excellence will provide ample opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in their discipline.
You will not only study science, you will be doing science.
Students benefit from supporting partnerships with institutions in the USA, UK, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, and China, to name a few. These international networks and partnerships will also allow students to explore additional learning opportunities, exchanges, and collaborative research.
Explore Your Passion in These Science Schools
If you are interested in studying how the universe works or how new materials are developed in technology and for innovation, then you are in the right place.
Programs Offered:
- BSc (Hons) Physics
- MSc Physics
- MSc Physics Research
- PhD Material Science
- PhD Physics
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Love nature, biology, or ecosystems? This school mixes biology with environmental science and sustainability.
Programs Offered:
- BA/ BSc (Hons) Psychology with Specialisations
- BSc (Hons) Botany
- BSc (Hons) Zoology
- MA/ MSc Psychology with Specialisations
- MSc Botany
- MSc Zoology
- PhD Botany
- PhD Environmental Sciences
- PhD Zoology
- PhD Psychology
School of Advanced Chemical Sciences
Learn how chemistry can be used to solve real-life problems — from making medicines to building eco-friendly solutions.
Programs Offered
- BSc (Hons) Chemistry
- MSc Chemistry
- PhD Chemistry
Real Research. Real Impact.
Students at Shoolini get the chance to work on research projects that matter — backed by national and international grants. Some major funders and partners include:
- Department of Science & Technology (DST)
- DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)
- Department of Atomic Energy
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Indo-UK and Indo-New Zealand Programs
- National Mission on Himalayan Studies
- CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research)
- Himachal Pradesh State Council
Final Thoughts
If you’re naturally curious about what makes things work, love asking questions about things and you want to make an impact through your science then basic science is a great avenue. If you want to go to a place that promotes innovation, has a global outlook, and allows you to start research early on — Shoolini University is an option worth exploring.
