Science, Engineering and Technology

Science, Engineering, and Technology

What is the difference between science, engineering, and technology? How do they interrelate? Here are a few simple ways to distinguish between and relate these fields. 

Science:

• A body of knowledge
• Seeks to describe and understand the natural world and its physical properties
• Scientific knowledge can be used to make predictions
• Science uses a process--the scientific method--to generate knowledge

Engineering:

• Design under constraint
• Seeks solutions for societal problems and needs
• Aims to produce the best solution given resources and constraints
• Engineering uses a process--the engineering design process--to produce solutions and technologies

Technology:

• The body of knowledge, systems, processes, and artifacts that result from engineering
• Almost everything made by humans to solve a need or fulfill a want/desire is a technology
• Examples of technology include pencils, shoes, cell phones, and processes to treat water

In the real world, these disciplines are closely connected. Scientists often use technologies created by engineers to conduct their research. In turn, engineers often use knowledge developed by scientists to inform the design of the technologies they create.

Science, engineering, and technology are all situated in the context of a larger society that determines what science and engineering get done. Human values, needs, and problems determine in large part what questions scientists investigate and what problems engineers tackle. In turn, the technological products of science and engineering influence society and change human culture.

What is the Difference Between Engineering and Engineering Technology?

Engineering	Engineering Technology
Innovation	Implementation
Concept-oriented	Application-oriented
Theory	Methods
Advanced Math	Basic Math
Develop a new process	Apply a new process
Open-ended and futuristic	Specific and current
Registration as P.E. in all states	Registration as P.E. in Oklahoma and most states
Can require period of internship due to emphasis on fundamentals and theory	Usually ready to work due to emphasis on current practice in industry
Graduate studies widely available	Graduate study very limited

Difference Between a Computer Science & Information Technology Degree

Computers and technology have become a part of daily life and a necessity for any business or company to function. Careers in this field are in very high demand and have a very promising future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees that there will be a growth of at least 18 percent in this field. Individuals looking to obtain a degree in this area are headed to a promising future with an endless amount of possibilities. The variety of options begins with the types of degrees available. The two degree names that we encounter most often are Computer Science and Information Technology. Prospective students in this field should be informed about the differences so that they can choose the program that best fits them.
Computer Science Degrees
Computer Science is the scientific and mathematics study of computing machines and processes. The first degrees in this area of technology are in Computer Science. The study of computer science can range from the theoretical studies of algorithms to the practical issues that come with the use of computing systems. Studies in computer science usually focus on software design and creation, computational theory, computer design, and involve a great deal of mathematics.
Information Technology Degree
Information technology is a branch of engineering that deals with using computers and telecommunications to send, receive, and store information. This is a fairly new field that has developed with an astonishing pace over the past years given that companies now rely heavily on information technology to function. Studies in Information technology focus on system analysis, software management and networking, information assurance, and informatics. Programs in this area train students to manage networks efficiently.