Sciences vs. Science — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Sciences encompass various fields studying different aspects of the natural world, like physics or biology, while science refers broadly to the systematic study of the universe.
Difference Between Sciences and Science
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sciences include multiple disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and biology, each focusing on specific areas of knowledge. Science, on the other hand, is an umbrella term that represents the systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge about the universe and organizing and condensing that knowledge into testable laws and theories.
The term sciences often implies a division into many particular branches or fields, each with its specialized methods and terminology. Science, in contrast, suggests a more general, unified approach to understanding natural laws and phenomena.
In academic and professional contexts, sciences can refer to the collective departments or courses offered in various scientific fields within an institution. Science, however, may refer to the general curriculum or methodologies that underline these specific branches.
When discussing career paths or educational qualifications, someone might specify their expertise in one of the sciences, such as marine biology or astrophysics. In contrast, mentioning a background in science typically suggests a more generalist foundation in scientific principles.
Public perception often differentiates the sciences as more specialized and diverse in scope, whereas science is perceived as a more singular, holistic discipline focused on logical reasoning and experimental verification.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Specific branches of scientific study
The systematic study of the natural world
Focus
Specialized areas (e.g., biology, physics)
General principles and methodologies
Educational Approach
Often requires specialized courses
Broad-based foundational courses
Professional Application
Careers in specific fields (e.g., chemist)
Careers requiring general scientific knowledge
Public Perception
Viewed as diverse and specialized
Seen as more unified and general
Compare with Definitions
Sciences
The collective disciplines of study or learning within the scientific field.
The university's sciences department sponsored the research symposium.
Science
A systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject.
The science of genetics has evolved significantly over the past decade.
Sciences
A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
Advances in the sciences have led to remarkable technological innovations.
Science
Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena.
Science has often been divided into the physical sciences, the biological sciences, and the earth sciences.
Sciences
Academic subjects based on or derived from the principles of scientific methodology.
He excelled in the sciences, particularly in organic chemistry.
Science
Any branch of science that systematically studies the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Her interest in science led her to a career in environmental research.
Sciences
The intellectual and practical activities encompassing the systematic study of structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
She pursued her passion in the sciences, majoring in geology.
Science
Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.
Science is as much about questions as it is about answers.
Sciences
Various branches of scientific study or investigation, especially those involving the physical world and its phenomena.
The conference brought together experts from diverse sciences to discuss climate change.
Science
The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.
Science seeks to understand the laws of nature and the universe.
Sciences
The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena
New advances in science and technology.
Science
Science (from Latin scientia 'knowledge') is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.The earliest roots of science can be traced to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in around 3000 to 1200 BCE. Their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine entered and shaped Greek natural philosophy of classical antiquity, whereby formal attempts were made to provide explanations of events in the physical world based on natural causes. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, knowledge of Greek conceptions of the world deteriorated in Western Europe during the early centuries (400 to 1000 CE) of the Middle Ages, but was preserved in the Muslim world during the Islamic Golden Age.
Sciences
Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena
The science of astronomy.
Science
The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena
New advances in science and technology.
Sciences
A systematic method or body of knowledge in a given area
The science of marketing.
Science
Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena
The science of astronomy.
Sciences
(Archaic) Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.
Science
A systematic method or body of knowledge in a given area
The science of marketing.
Sciences
Plural of science
Science
(Archaic) Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.
Sciences
All the fields of science, collectively.
Science
(countable) A particular discipline or branch of learning, especially one dealing with measurable or systematic principles rather than intuition or natural ability.
Of course in my opinion Social Studies is more of a science than an art.
Science
Specifically the natural sciences.
My favorite subjects at school are science, mathematics, and history.
Science
Knowledge gained through study or practice; mastery of a particular discipline or area.
Science
The fact of knowing something; knowledge or understanding of a truth.
Science
(uncountable) The collective discipline of study or learning acquired through the scientific method; the sum of knowledge gained from such methods and discipline.
Science
(uncountable) Knowledge derived from scientific disciplines, scientific method, or any systematic effort.
Science
The scientific community.
Science
Synonym of sweet science
Science
Obsolete spelling of scion
Science
To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.
Science
To use science to solve a problem.
Science
Knowledge; knowledge of principles and causes; ascertained truth of facts.
If we conceive God's sight or science, before the creation, to be extended to all and every part of the world, seeing everything as it is, . . . his science or sight from all eternity lays no necessity on anything to come to pass.
Shakespeare's deep and accurate science in mental philosophy.
Science
Accumulated and established knowledge, which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth; comprehensive, profound, or philosophical knowledge.
All this new science that men lere [teach].
Science is . . . a complement of cognitions, having, in point of form, the character of logical perfection, and in point of matter, the character of real truth.
Science
Especially, such knowledge when it relates to the physical world and its phenomena, the nature, constitution, and forces of matter, the qualities and functions of living tissues, etc.; - called also natural science, and physical science.
Voltaire hardly left a single corner of the field entirely unexplored in science, poetry, history, philosophy.
Science
Any branch or department of systematized knowledge considered as a distinct field of investigation or object of study; as, the science of astronomy, of chemistry, or of mind.
Good sense, which only is the gift of Heaven,And though no science, fairly worth the seven.
Science
Art, skill, or expertness, regarded as the result of knowledge of laws and principles.
His science, coolness, and great strength.
Science
To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.
Science
A particular branch of scientific knowledge;
The science of genetics
Science
Ability to produce solutions in some problem domain;
The skill of a well-trained boxer
The sweet science of pugilism
Common Curiosities
What educational paths are common for someone interested in the sciences?
Typically, paths involve specialized degrees in specific fields like biology or physics.
How does public funding differ for sciences versus science?
Funding for the sciences often targets specific research projects or fields, whereas general science funding might support broader initiatives.
What are common misconceptions about sciences versus science?
A common misconception is that all scientific study is fragmented like the sciences, ignoring the cohesive base of general science.
What role does science play in technological advancement?
Science provides the foundational theories and methodologies that underpin technological developments broadly.
How do career opportunities in sciences compare to those in science?
Careers in sciences are often specialized and technical, while careers in science might involve research, education, or applied science in a broader context.
How do the objectives of teaching sciences differ from teaching science in schools?
Teaching sciences focuses on detailed knowledge and skills in specific fields, while teaching science aims at imparting a broad understanding of scientific principles.
How does the approach to problem-solving differ between sciences and science?
In sciences, problem-solving is often focused on specific phenomena, whereas in science, it involves general scientific methods and principles.
What educational paths are common for someone interested in science?
General science degrees or courses that cover broad foundational topics before specialization.
What roles do sciences play in technological advancement?
Sciences drive innovation in specific sectors like medicine or engineering through targeted research.
How does science contribute to environmental conservation?
Science provides the overall methodologies and research tools used to study and address environmental issues.
How do the sciences contribute to environmental conservation?
Specific sciences like environmental science or ecology directly tackle issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change.
What is the impact of the sciences on health and medicine?
Sciences such as biology and chemistry play crucial roles in developing medical treatments and understanding human health.
What are examples of professional roles in science?
Roles include science educators, research scientists, or science policy advisors, often requiring a broad understanding of multiple scientific areas.
What is the impact of science on health and medicine?
Science underpins all medical research, enhancing our overall approach to healthcare through improved technology and understanding of diseases.
What are examples of professional roles in the sciences?
Roles include chemist, biologist, or astrophysicist, specializing in narrow fields.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
