Order and Disorder: Science Essentials for the Non-Scientist

Order and Disorder is a non-mathematical introduction to the most important ideas in science for university students not majoring in a scientific area. The objective is to prepare non-science students for making both life and political decisions involving science and helping them to understand the advances in sciences as covered and reported in the mass media. The book is highly comprehensive in physics and chemistry, and provides the essential background to discuss and gain a better appreciation of selected topics in biological and neurological sciences, as well as astronomy and geology. The topics are integrated with the recurring theme of order and disorder, the organization achieved in the face of the never-ending drive towards disorganization. The book also lends an insight into some considerations of the philosophy of science, as well as the applications of science to health and a variety of other professions. The reading experience is enhanced by the provision of illuminating examples, supplementary reading and a summary of each chapter. New terminologies, that appear here for the first time, are set off in bold italics and annotated in the glossary. Where basic principles are introduced and explained, these are highlighted prominently in bold for ease of reference. Stimulating discussion questions are presented at the end of each chapter, giving readers some food for thought.