Science is any system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Science and Technology
Science and technology are two areas of interest that have changed our understanding of life on our planet. They’ve also enabled us to develop the way of life that we’re living now and could solve many problems in the future.
Science refers to systems of knowledge about our physical world and how things work. Technology makes use of scientific knowledge through practical applications. The two subjects are crucial to a balanced and comprehensive education.
Branches of Science
Within the systems of knowledge of science, there are branches that group particular subjects together. The list of areas of study in these categories is vast. Let’s look at the three major branches and some examples of specific subjects.
Natural Sciences
These subjects deal with natural phenomena that we encounter in our physical world and the universe. There are three core components of natural sciences:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
Formal Sciences
As we learned more about the world, we discovered new areas of knowledge. These areas are known as modern science and include formal and social branches. They help us to make sense of the natural sciences, how our world works, and the patterns we see.
Formal subjects are often looked at as the framework for producing knowledging and exploring things we don’t understand. They include:
- Mathematics
- Data science
- Computer science
- Statistics
Social Sciences
Social sciences take a closer look at humans and our systems of living, including how we interact with each other and our physical environment. They might use knowledge from natural and formal sciences to further our understanding. Subjects include:
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- History
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Peer pressure
- Presence of drugs at home/school
- Community attitude and influence
- Poor academic achievements
- Parental drug use and criminal activity
- Trauma (abuse, witnessing violence, divorce, etc.)
Branches of Technology
The branches of technology usually link to one or two science subjects and find a practical application for that knowledge. Below is a list of some of the branches of technology:
- Aerospace
- Applied physics
- Communication
- Design
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Electronics
- Computing
- Forensics
- Industry
- Engineering
- Transport
Benefits of Science and Technology
The benefits of science and technology based on the knowledge we’ve gained as a species and the problems we’ve solved are numerous. Science has helped us:
- Save lives
- Cure diseases
- Prevent and check for illnesses
- Communicate
- Store information
- Harness and use energy
- Travel quickly and comfortably
- Better participate in society
There are many more benefits that we’re experiencing every day from our knowledge gained through science and its application through technology. From the screen where this text is available to the ability to produce, store and cook food in a safe way, our lives are more convenient because of the two disciplines.
At one stage or another, many of us have experienced curiosity about how things work and how we could make things easier. These thoughts lead to the first scientists making pioneering breakthroughs. Those discoveries have helped us make better decisions, solve problems, correct our false thinking, and lead to us developing the living standards that we have today.
What’s so exciting about science and technology is that there’s more to learn and understand and new applications for technology. As we develop in each field, we can use the knowledge to make progress in other areas. We’re at a stage where social sciences, such as history and philosophy, can guide us to choose new paths to pursue in scientific research.
Sources
https://leverageedu.com/blog/branches-of-science/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_technology#Branches_of_technology
