1) You're not required to research lower tier science projects before jumping ahead? I was able to complete Capital Ship Construction without finishing Strike Fleet Construction. I currently have 6 dreadnoughts, but I feel like I'm cheating. On a lark, I tried to see if I could start planet busting research. Turns out I can. I halted the project, since i do not have the economy to sustain that right now, but it definitely doesn't seem correct.

2) I am currently in the process of building an orbital laboratory, but I have not finished planetology research yet. It's about 80% complete.