Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Basic science, also known as pure science, focuses on understanding fundamental aspects of phenomena without immediate practical applications. It aims to advance knowledge and provide the foundation for applied sciences.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Basic science is driven by curiosity and a desire for knowledge.
It provides the foundational principles that can lead to technological advancements.
Research in basic science often leads to unexpected discoveries that can be applied in various fields.
In biology, basic science includes studying cellular processes, genetic mechanisms, and ecological interactions.
Government agencies and academic institutions primarily fund basic scientific research.
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Related terms
Applied Science: The application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.
Hypothesis: A tentative explanation for an observation that can be tested scientifically.
Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.