I don't know if this is at all true. During the early 'dark age' (by the way this is a term that is being slowly retired by academics due to certain outdated ideas and implications) most scientific research was performed by the Church.

The venerable Bede (672-635 A.D)for instance had a great impact on early science and scientific thinking. Through his attempts to pinpoint the date of Easter he concluded the spherical shape of the earth, which was split into rough 'temperate zones' relying on their proximity to the sun. From this he was able to understand how the length of days changed and through observation of tidal patterns he concluded a link to lunar forces acting on the sea (a precursor to gravity theory). He used maths and calculation through all of his work. Whilst this was all done under the a ecclesiastical rational his work had much broader conitations.

Whilst his is a only a case study I think it is far too broader generalisation to make about 'the dark ages', as Monks were some of the only educated men (with links to academic texts and resources) a large amount of scientific research was performed by them.

The first University since Plato's, or the first legit university as we know them now, the University of Bologna, was built around 1088 and built in the Papal States, by request of the Pope. This university focussed on law and grammar, grammar being the basis of logic and writing etc etc.

You may be interested in this section of the FAQ.