Differences between Engineering and Physics?

[Toblerone1496]

It seems like once you get to the upper levels engineering and physics start to blend together. For example, think of the Large Hadron Collider.

The people that worked on the Higgs Boson theory were definitely physicists but what about everything else? Were the people who actually designed the Collider engineers or physicists? How about the system used to detect the presence of the particle? Was that created by physicists, engineers, or computer scientists?

All of STEM seems to blend together at the advanced level which makes it hard for me to decide on a major. Can anyone offer some explanations that could help?

 

[johnqwertyful]

This has been covered quite extensively. Simply use the "search" tool at the upper right corner.

Searching for "difference between engineering and physics" yielded:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=745023&highlight=difference+engineering+physics
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=713156&highlight=difference+engineering+physics
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=700254&highlight=difference+engineering+physics
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=685212&highlight=difference+engineering+physics

 

[analogdesign]

It seems like once you get to the upper levels engineering and physics start to blend together. For example, think of the Large Hadron Collider.

The people that worked on the Higgs Boson theory were definitely physicists but what about everything else? Were the people who actually designed the Collider engineers or physicists? How about the system used to detect the presence of the particle? Was that created by physicists, engineers, or computer scientists?

All of STEM seems to blend together at the advanced level which makes it hard for me to decide on a major. Can anyone offer some explanations that could help?

All of the above. The tracker was made by a very large team comprised of physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and technicians.

Large projects are built by large groups. The work is partitioned such that people are primarily working in their field of specialization. At the interfaces it helps to have at least a little knowledge of other fields but I disagree that physics and engineering blends at the highest level.

 

[symbolipoint]

It seems like once you get to the upper levels engineering and physics start to blend together. For example, think of the Large Hadron Collider.

The people that worked on the Higgs Boson theory were definitely physicists but what about everything else? Were the people who actually designed the Collider engineers or physicists? How about the system used to detect the presence of the particle? Was that created by physicists, engineers, or computer scientists?

All of STEM seems to blend together at the advanced level which makes it hard for me to decide on a major. Can anyone offer some explanations that could help?

Some engineers become administrators and managers. This is why the very different types of skilled people seem to blend. Someone is coordinating, administrating them.

 

[Matrix0]

I can provide some insight into the differences between engineering and physics. While both fields are closely related and often collaborate, they have distinct areas of focus and approaches.

Engineering is focused on the practical application of scientific principles to design and create solutions to real-world problems. Engineers use their knowledge of math, science, and technology to design, build, and test systems, structures, and devices. They often work in teams and use a systematic approach to problem-solving, considering factors such as cost, safety, and sustainability.

On the other hand, physics is a fundamental science that seeks to understand the natural world through observation, experimentation, and mathematical models. Physicists study the fundamental laws and principles that govern the behavior of matter and energy, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vastness of the universe. They often work in research laboratories and use theoretical and computational methods to develop and test theories.

In the case of the Large Hadron Collider, both engineers and physicists played crucial roles. Engineers designed and built the massive machine, ensuring that it could withstand the high energy collisions and operate reliably. Physicists then used the machine to test and validate their theories about the fundamental particles and forces of nature.

While it may seem like these fields blend together at the advanced level, they still have distinct approaches and focuses. Engineering is more applied, while physics is more theoretical. It's also worth noting that there are many subfields within each discipline, so you can choose a specialization that aligns with your interests and strengths.

Ultimately, the decision between engineering and physics as a major will depend on your interests and career goals. If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving and designing solutions, engineering may be a better fit. If you have a strong passion for understanding the fundamental laws of nature and conducting research, physics may be the right choice. It's important to explore both fields and talk to professionals in each to gain a better understanding of their differences and see which aligns better with your interests and goals.