Scientist and engineer are two professions that contribute significantly to society through their focus on understanding nature and making our lives easier. Both types of professionals engage in research, and mathematics serves as a key tool and language for them to express their ideas. Additionally, computing has become an essential tool for both scientific and engineering work.
Key Takeaways
- Scientists develop theories to understand nature, while engineers apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- Engineers must consider the financial effects of their work, whereas scientists typically do not.
- Engineers often belong to the professional category, while scientists are frequently part of the academic category.
Scientists perform experiments, derive mathematical equations, develop theories, and publish their findings to understand the nature of the world around us. These experiments can be physical or conceptual, and famous examples include Albert Einstein and Galileo Galilei, who conducted thought experiments. James Clerk Maxwell used mathematical equations to develop models for electromagnetism.
There are many different types of sciences, such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth science, as well as political science, economics, and social science. A scientist may work in any of these fields to draw conclusions, and these conclusions are accepted only if they follow the scientific method.
Engineers, on the other hand, apply the theories developed by scientists to real-world applications. They focus on human needs and exploit the governing laws of nature. There are various types of engineers, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, material, and software engineers.
Engineers serve as a bridge between science and consumer needs. Unlike scientists, engineers must also consider the cost-effectiveness of a design in addition to scientific theories. They are often involved in production, maintenance, and sales work, in addition to research, design, and development. Many engineers become managers after gaining several years of experience.
Some differences between scientists and engineers include the fact that engineers use more approximations and empirical methods than scientists, and engineers focus more on design and optimization, while scientists concentrate on research and results.
