Engineering Difference between Applied Science and Engineering?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the distinction between engineering and applied science. It is noted that engineering is often viewed as a subset of applied science, which focuses on applying pure scientific principles to practical problems. Applied science is characterized by research aimed at real-world applications, such as in engineering or medicine, while traditional science pursues knowledge without immediate application. The conversation highlights the challenges in differentiating these fields, as both involve research and practical implementation. The speaker acknowledges their understanding of engineering as the creation of novel solutions, aligning with the perspective shared by a knowledgeable colleague with a background in physics and military service. The speaker is pursuing a Physics degree and is contemplating future career paths, indicating an interest in further education and application of scientific principles.
Shackleford
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I always thought engineering is applied science, but a guy at work says no - engineering is a part of applied science. Applied science seeks to apply pure science or discover where it can be applied. So, I'm just wondering what all the nuances are. He said I seem like an Applied Science guy.
 
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Maybe this was a stupid question. lol.
 
Maybe a difference could be that applied science does research, but research with an application (engineering, medicine, etc). 'Regular' science does research with no application in mind, its just to discover phenomenon and model observations. Engineering is not about research, its about using ideas and models that are already known to construct something.

In practice, it can be pretty hard to differentiate between those fields.
 
Academic said:
Maybe a difference could be that applied science does research, but research with an application (engineering, medicine, etc). 'Regular' science does research with no application in mind, its just to discover phenomenon and model observations. Engineering is not about research, its about using ideas and models that are already known to construct something.

In practice, it can be pretty hard to differentiate between those fields.

Yeah. Okay. Applied science is a different flavor of research - application-oriented research. I certainly understand what engineering is. You create something specific that has never been made before. I think the guy at work is right. His background is physics, ret. Lt. Col. USMC, NASA, etc. I always enjoy talking with him about a number of topics (science, politics, history, etc.) since our interests are similar. After I finish my Physics BS in a couple of years, I'll hopefully start graduate school and a career in something that has yet to be determined.
 

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