The applied science
The applied sciences are a general classification for the real-world application of scientific knowledge
and research. It's a broad term that encompasses many fields of study, ranging from biology to
engineering. Applied sciences are mostly used to solve problems and make systems and technology
more efficient.
10 types of applied sciences
1. Engineering
Definition: Engineering is the application of physical and mathematical sciences to solve problems by
designing and building useful structures, devices, systems, or materials.
Fields within engineering: Civil (buildings, roads), Mechanical (machines), Electrical (power,
electronics), Chemical (fuel, food, drugs), Software (apps, AI), and more.
Real-world applications:
o Constructing earthquake-resistant buildings
o Designing fuel-efficient cars
o Creating robotic arms for manufacturing
But wait a second...
If engineers design systems to be so safe and efficient, why do bridges collapse and electronics fail?
Maybe there's a flaw in the design, maybe human error, or maybe science hasn't covered every
unpredictable variable yet.
Answer
Because engineering relies on human input, and humans make mistakes. Bridges can collapse due to
poor materials, design errors, budget cuts, or even natural disasters that exceed expectations.
Electronics fail from wear, poor design, overheating, or untested conditions. Engineering is smart,
but not perfect. It's always evolving from trial and error.
2. Medical Science
Definition: This is the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness using knowledge from
biology, chemistry, and human anatomy.
Key branches: Pathology, surgery, pharmacology, public health, anatomy, radiology, and
immunology.
Real-world applications:
o Performing heart transplants
o Creating vaccines for diseases like COVID-19
o Using MRI scans to detect internal damage
Now think about this:
Why do new diseases keep emerging even though we’ve studied the human body for centuries? Is
medicine always catching up with nature?
Answer
Because microorganisms evolve, and global travel, urban crowding, and climate change give them
new ways to spread. Plus, some diseases existed in animals before jumping to humans (like COVID-
19). Even though we understand the body, the environment around us constantly changes, so
medicine is always in a race against nature.
3. Agricultural Science
Definition: The science of improving food production and farming techniques using biology,
chemistry, and environmental science.
Subfields: Agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, soil science, entomology.
Real-world applications:
o Genetically modifying crops to resist pests
o Using fertilizers and irrigation systems to increase yield
o Breeding livestock for higher meat or milk production
Here’s the skeptical twist:
Yes, food production has improved—but at what cost? Overuse of chemicals is damaging soil and
water. Are we feeding the planet while slowly harming it?
Answer
Good question. It's not just about science, it’s also about distribution, politics, and economics. We
produce enough food, but war, poverty, corruption, and waste prevent it from reaching everyone.
And to increase yields, we often use chemicals that harm the environment. Science provides tools,
but society decides how to use them.
4. Pharmaceutical Science
Definition: The science of creating and testing medicines using chemistry, biology, and
pharmacology.
Real-world applications:
o Developing painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
o Producing antibiotics to fight infections
o Creating drugs to manage chronic diseases like diabetes or cancer
But isn’t it strange?
For every cure, there are dozens of side effects. If we understand the body well enough to make
these drugs, why can’t we make side-effect-free cures?
Answer
Because our bodies are complex systems. One drug can help in one area but disrupt another. For
example, a drug that reduces inflammation might weaken your immune system. Scientists try to
minimize side effects, but they can’t always predict how every person will respond — genetics,
lifestyle, and other medications all play a role.
5. Forensic Science
Definition: Applying scientific methods to help law enforcement investigate and solve crimes.
Key tools: DNA analysis, ballistics, toxicology, digital forensics, fingerprint analysis.
Real-world applications:
o Solving murder mysteries using DNA evidence
o Identifying drugs or poisons in the body
o Recovering deleted data to expose cybercrime
Here's the catch:
It seems flawless on TV, but in real life, evidence can be contaminated, and experts can disagree. Is
forensic science foolproof, or just good enough?
Answer
It’s good — but not perfect. DNA evidence can be incredibly accurate, but it depends on how it's
collected and interpreted. Mistakes in handling evidence, lab errors, or biased interpretations can
lead to wrongful convictions.
It’s a powerful tool, but it should never be the only one used in court.
6. Computer Science / Information Technology
Definition: The science of processing, storing, and communicating information using computers and
algorithms.
Key areas: Artificial intelligence, cyber security, databases, software development, computer
networks.
Real-world applications:
o Designing apps and websites
o Protecting data through encryption
o Automating tasks with AI (like ChatGPT!)
But hold on…
If computers are so “smart,” why do they crash, freeze, or get hacked? Maybe we’re building
systems more complex than we can fully control?
Answer
Because complex systems are fragile, and humans program them. Bugs, overloads, viruses, and poor
cyber security practices can crash even the best systems. Also, hackers are constantly finding new
tricks. So computer science is in an arms race—patching problems faster than attackers can exploit
them.
7. Aerospace Science
Definition: The application of science and engineering to develop air and space vehicles.
Subfields: Aeronautics (aircraft) and astronautics (spacecraft).
Real-world applications:
o Building rockets like SpaceX Falcon
o Designing drones for delivery or surveillance
o Creating satellites for communication and GPS
Suspicious thought:
We can land on Mars but still lose luggage at the airport. Are we aiming too high before fixing what’s
on the ground?
Answer
Because space exploration gets more funding and attention than local infrastructure in many places.
Space missions are exciting and innovative, while improving road systems is boring and political.
Also, space is a controlled environment — traffic involves unpredictable human behavior, city design,
and money. It’s more a problem of urban planning than science.
8. Genetic Engineering / Biotechnology
Definition: The manipulation of DNA and cellular functions to improve health, agriculture, or industry.
Tools used: CRISPR, gene cloning, recombinant DNA technology.
Real-world applications:
o Producing insulin using bacteria
o Editing genes to prevent hereditary diseases
o Creating crops that resist drought or pests
Question time:
Are we helping evolution—or playing with fire? Changing genes might solve one problem and create
another down the line.
Answer:
This is a tough one. Gene editing has the power to cure genetic diseases, but it also opens the door
to risky experiments, designer babies, and unintended consequences. Scientists are urging caution.
It’s not the science that’s dangerous—it’s how people might use or abuse it. Ethics must grow
alongside the technology.
9. Environmental Science
Definition: The study and application of science to understand and protect the Earth’s environment.
Involves: Ecology, geology, atmospheric science, and chemistry.
Real-world applications:
o Monitoring pollution in air, water, and soil
o Predicting and managing climate change
o Promoting conservation of wildlife and ecosystems
But let’s be real...
If we know what causes climate change, why aren’t we fixing it fast enough? Is it science holding us
back—or politics and economics?
Answer:
Because solutions are often inconvenient or expensive, and powerful industries (like oil and gas)
resist change. Politics, money, and misinformation slow progress. Science tells us what’s happening,
but people and governments must act, and that’s where the real struggle lies.
10. Energy Science
Definition: The study of how to generate, store, and use energy efficiently and sustainably.
Subfields: Renewable energy, nuclear energy, thermodynamics, energy storage.
Real-world applications:
o Solar panels and wind turbines
o Nuclear power plants
o Electric vehicle batteries
The big question:
Why are fossil fuels still dominating the market if renewable energy is better for the planet? Is it
because renewables are too expensive, or someone’s making too much money from oil?
Answer:
Because fossil fuels are still cheaper, established, and profitable. Transitioning to clean energy
requires huge investments, infrastructure changes, and public support. Also, some countries rely on
oil and gas exports for their economy. So the problem isn’t the science, it’s the will to change.
