Science and Engineering

Did you know?

We often think of Albert Einstein as the epitome of a logical, mathematical mind. However, it is less known that he was relatively weak in mathematics and often needed to collaborate with mathematicians to advance his work. His ability to think differently, specifically in terms of thought experiments involving visualization, intuition, and imagination, led to scientific discoveries that have benefited society immensely.

Sustainability Briefs

Patagonia: In 1993 Patagonia become the first company to use post-consumer recycled materials in their products. Patagonia Capilene fabric garments contain 54% recycled polyester content and are 100% recyclable through Patagonia’s take-back system.

Herman Miller: The Herman Miller Multipurpose Chair is touted as environmentally friendly and made from non-toxic materials. It contains 41% aluminum, 41% polypropylene, and 18% steel (by weight). Forty-four percent of the material used in the chair is recycled. It is 20 pounds lighter than most desk chairs and is easy to disassemble. Approximately 92% (by weight) of the chair is recyclable, meaning that the majority of the materials don’t have to end up in a landfill.

Dunlop Boots: Dunlop Wellington boots are made from polyurethane, PVC, and rubber. The company developed a line of recycled boots and implemented a take-back system for customers to recycle their old boots.

Feature

By THE STEAM Digest

What is the difference between Science & Engineering?

The Scientist and the Engineer

Scientists and engineers play equally important roles in society, contributing to advancements in fields ranging from medicine to technology, which are evident in the everyday products we use. However, the differences between these two disciplines are often unclear. Additionally, there are numerous definitions of what each discipline encompasses and what it does not. So, let’s dive into it.

Differences in Objectives

Upon close observation, science and engineering are distinct in their objectives, approaches, and outcomes, yet they are interrelated. Science strives to uncover fundamental principles with the goal of acquiring new knowledge and expanding our understanding. In contrast, engineering aims to apply scientific knowledge and principles to design, build, and improve structures, systems, and processes. The goal is to solve problems and create useful products and solutions that enhance people's lives and the environment. Depending on the type of job, an engineer may also perform scientific research and practice science with the aim of utilizing this research to create new products and solutions, such as in research and development (R&D).

Differences in Approach

In addition to objectives, there are distinct differences in their approach or process to problem-solving. In the sciences, the scientific method of formulating a hypothesis, experimentation, observation, collecting results, and drawing conclusions is utilized with a focus on discovery. In contrast, engineering utilizes the engineering design process, which involves understanding and identifying the problem, researching and exploring possible solutions, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, refining, and implementation. The engineering approach focuses on innovation and implementation. A similarity between the two is the iterative nature of the processes and the use of creativity..

Science focuses on understanding WHY things happen, with an emphasis on discovering the laws and principles that govern phenomena. Engineering focuses on HOW things work, with an emphasis on designing and constructing solutions to address specific needs or challenges.

Differences In Outcomes

The outcomes of scientific inquiry or experimentation are often published in academic journals and contribute to the body of knowledge, while the outcomes of engineering are often tangible products, systems, and technologies that may be patented, manufactured, or commercialized to address real-world needs.

Education and Skills

What does it take to succeed as a scientist or an engineer? To succeed in the sciences, one must have a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and analytical thinking. To succeed in engineering, one must attain both theoretical knowledge and applied skills. Engineers must be proficient in design, project management, communication, and problem-solving.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Like other professions, scientists and engineers have to work in teams or collaborate. The difference between the two is that scientists collaborate with other researchers to explore fundamental questions and validating their findings while engineers collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to bring a project from concept to reality. This includes but not limited to collaboration with designers, technicians, project managers, business, marketing, legal, and policy.

It's important to note that science is crucial to advances in engineering because it drives innovation by providing new knowledge that can lead to technological progress. An example of this is in the field of materials. Scientists research the properties of new materials to understand their atomic structure and behavior. Depending on the structure and behavior, engineers then take the new material and develop more efficient and durable components for, for example, an aircraft or automobile.