In this course, students will be introduced to the academic and industrial aspects of scientific research and its role to increase the basic and applied knowledge of mankind as part of the development of a sustainable society. By completing the course students will be able to describe the brief history of knowledge and the different methods of learning, comprehend the role of serendipity in scientific discovery and differentiate between curiosity driven and problem solving research; will learn the key components of designing, performing, monitoring and evaluating experimental protocols; learn the basics of academic research as well as managing research, development and innovation (R&D&I) in industry including corporate strategy, R&D&I frameworks, core competencies and competitor assessment, strategic alliances, and R&D&I strategy development; and finally understand the importance of core values and ethics in scientific research. The course will enable the students to select a book or an article on modern science and understand the underpinning concepts.