Science, Technology, and Society: Branches and Subfields of Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, main branches, and subfields of Physical Science, Life Science, Formal Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technology, and Innovation.

Chemistry

The study of matter's structure, composition, properties, and transformations.

Physics

Deals with the nature and interactions of matter and energy.

Earth Science

The study of the Earth's physical makeup.

Astronomy

The study of celestial or heavenly objects in the universe.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon-based compounds and their derivatives.

Inorganic Chemistry

The study of elements and their derivatives that are not based on carbon.

Biochemistry

The study of the molecular composition of living organisms.

Analytical Chemistry

The systematic analysis of the composition and structure of matter.

Physical Chemistry

Studies the relationship between a substance's physical characteristics and its atomic or molecular make up.

Mechanics

Examines forces, energy, and how these factors impact an object's motion.

Optics

The study of the properties and behavior of light.

Electromagnetism

Examines the link between electricity and magnetism.

Thermodynamics

The study of heat and how it changes into other forms of energy.

Hydrology

The study of the hydrosphere.

Geology

The study of the lithosphere.

Meteorology

The study of the atmosphere.

Astrophysics

The study of celestial or heavenly objects and events using the principles of physics and chemistry.

Cosmology

Tackles the origin of the universe.

Astrobiology

Examines life in outer space.

Life Science

The study of the living components of our physical world, specifically dealing with the origin, structure, function, growth, metabolism, distribution, and classification of all living organisms.

Zoology

The systematic study of animals.

Botany

The systematic study of plants.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and microalgae.

Taxonomy

Deals with the classification of living organisms.

Anatomy

Seeks to identify and describe the body structures of an organism.

Physiology

Examines how living organisms function at all biological levels.

Molecular Biology

The study of the molecular compositions of cells.

Genetics

The study of genes and heredity in living organisms.

Ecology

Delves into the connection between living organisms and their environment.

Formal Sciences

Involve the study of formal theoretical systems where the nature of knowledge or justification is a priori in nature.

Mathematics

The study of numbers and their operations, combinations, and interrelations, as well as the structure, measurement, and transformation of space configurations.

Algebra

Deals with fundamental operations involving various abstract variables.

Geometry

Deals with the spatial properties and relationships among various objects.

Calculus

Deals with the differentiation and integration operations of logical symbols.

Statistics

Deals with data gathering, analysis, exposition, and presentation.

Medical and Health Sciences

A wide range of professional studies that aim to understand human health, diseases, and injuries and their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Medicine

Makes use of biological, biochemical, and biophysical understanding to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses.

Nursing

Deals with the supportive and collaborative health care of patients.

Medical Technology

Utilizes the clinical analysis of the blood and bodily fluids for disease diagnosis.

Radiologic Technology

Utilizes radiation for medical imaging, diagnosis, and treatment.

Pharmacy

Deals with drug research, manufacturing, and dispensing.

Physical Therapy

Utilizes biomechanics for the physical rehabilitation of patients.

Engineering

Applies scientific and mathematical methods to design, build, and oversee diverse structures, machines, devices, and systems.

Civil Engineering

Focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of different man-made structures.

Sanitary Engineering

Focuses on the planning, building, and maintenance of sanitary and water systems and infrastructures.

Chemical Engineering

Focuses on the design and control of chemical operations and processes.

Mechanical Engineering

Deals with the design, development, and operation of different mechanical devices and equipment.

Electrical Engineering

Deals with the planning, development, and maintenance of electrical equipment and facilities.

Electronics Engineering

Focuses on the planning, development, and maintenance of different electronic facilities and equipment.

Industrial Engineering

Deals with managing and optimizing industrial infrastructure, processes, and organizations.

Computer Engineering

Focuses on the planning, development, and management of computer hardware and software.

Mining and Metallurgical Engineering

Deals with the engineering aspects of mineral extraction and their processing into metal products.

Biomedical Engineering

Applies engineering principles for the resolution of biomedical problems for healthcare enhancement.

Environmental Engineering

Applies engineering principles to reduce pollution and mitigate environmental damage.

Geodetic Engineering

Deals with the surveying of land, map construction, and land navigation system management.

Agriculture

Applies scientific principles in all aspects of crop growing, livestock raising, fishery production, and food processing.

Crop Science

Deals with the scientific management of crops for economic purposes.

Animal Science

Deals with the scientific management of various livestock for economic purposes.

Fishery Science

Deals with the scientific management of various fishery products for economic purposes.

Forestry

Deals with the scientific management and conservation of forests and forest resources.

Food Technology

Deals with the production, quality control, and development of various food products.

Veterinary Science

Deals with understanding animal health, diseases, and injuries and their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Technology

Seeks to solve a particular need or problem by applying scientific knowledge to produce useful devices or methods that tackle such a need or problem.

Devices

Aim to simplify tasks, minimize manual labor, and/or increase efficiency and productivity.

Methods

Help standardize ways of completing a certain task or make the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Innovation

The utilization of novel concepts, instruments, procedures, or methods in the manufacturing of goods or the rendering of services.

Research and Development (R&D)

Its goal is the generation of novel goods, procedures, and services.