Branches of Science and Their Subfields
Are you interested in pursuing your academic career in the Science domain? Understand the meticulously distributed branches of science and its subfields in this Shiksha article to get a comprehensive understanding before making a career choice. Science Domain aspirants can also check the list of options available in branches of science for graduate and postgraduate degree programmes and the list of the entrance exams for the same they need to appear in.
Branches of Science & Their Subfields
Branches of Science are like Pandora's box which is a systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation, is a vast and intricate field. To make it easier to understand scientists have divided the Science domain into major three branches of science namely, Formal Science, Natural Science and Social Sciences. While these are the primary divisions of branches of science, the boundaries between these branches often blur, and many interdisciplinary fields have emerged. For instance, biochemistry combines biology and chemistry, and astrophysics merges physics and astronomy.
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The branches of sciences ie., Natural, social and formal sciences constitute the fundamental sciences and form the basis of the interdisciplinary sciences and applied sciences such as engineering and medicine. There are specialized scientific disciplines that formulate in multiple categories and include parts of other scientific disciplines but often possess their own terminologies and expertise.
In this Shiksha Article candidates will be able to understand the categorization of branches of sciences and its further classification in their subfields. This will help the candidates to understand which courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels they plan to pursue. A list of UG and PG level programmes and their entrance exams is also provided here:
Branches of Science
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into branches of Sciences and their subfields, exploring their sub-disciplines and the fascinating discoveries they have unveiled.
- Natural Sciences: Explore the physical world and its phenomena. This includes physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, astronomy and many other branches.
- Social Sciences: Focus on human society and behaviour. Examples include psychology, sociology, economics, history, and political science, etc.
- Formal Sciences: Deal with abstract concepts and systems. Mathematics, logic, and computer science fall under this category.
Branches of Natural Science
Candidates who want to explore the various subfields in the natural sciences can read this section to get comprehensive knowledge about the categorization of Natural sciences:
Natural science is one of the most popular branches of science which is associated with the description, prediction, and understanding of natural phenomena, based on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation. It explores the physical world and its processes, aiming to uncover the underlying laws and principles governing it. Key areas within natural science include biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. These disciplines study life, matter, energy, and the planet we inhabit, respectively. Explore the various branches of natural sciences from here:
Branches of Natural Sciences: Physical Science
Physical science is a branch of natural science that explores the inorganic world or non-living world. Unlike biological sciences which focus on living organisms, physical science delves into the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. It encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, each contributing to our understanding of the universe. Here is the list of various Physical Science subfields:
Physics
The fundamental science that investigates the nature of matter, energy, space, and time. It explores concepts such as motion, force, gravity, electricity, magnetism, light, and the structure of atoms. Physicists employ rigorous experimentation and mathematical modelling to test theories and develop new insights.
The field of physics is vast and encompasses various sub-disciplines. Classical physics deals with macroscopic phenomena, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. On the other hand, modern physics delves into the quantum world, exploring the behaviour of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels, as well as the theories of relativity.
Also Read: Physics Courses: Admission 2024, CUET 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Chemistry
Chemistry is the scientific discipline that explores the composition, structure, properties, and interactions of matter. At its core, it investigates the elements and compounds that make up our world and the transformations they undergo. Chemists study atoms, molecules, and ions, the building blocks of matter. They examine how these particles interact to form various substances and how these substances can be transformed into new ones through chemical reactions. From the development of new materials and medicines to understanding environmental processes, chemistry plays a vital role in modern society.
Chemistry is majorly divided into three subdomains which are as follows:
Inorganic chemistry: It is the branch of chemistry that deals with the knowledge of compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. This vast field encompasses the properties, structures, and reactions of elements and their compounds, excluding organic substances. Inorganic compounds can be classified as acids, bases, salts, and oxides. They include metals, minerals, and allotropes of carbon, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Organic Chemistry: It is the branch of chemistry concerned with the study of carbon-containing compounds. It explores the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of organic molecules. Organic chemists investigate topics such as functional groups, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy. Their work is crucial in developing pharmaceuticals, polymers, dyes, and other essential products.
Physical Chemistry: It bridges the gap between physics and chemistry, applying the principles of physics to understand chemical systems. It explores the underlying physical principles governing chemical phenomena. Key areas within physical chemistry include thermodynamics (energy and heat transfer), quantum chemistry (behaviour of matter at atomic and subatomic levels), kinetics (reaction rates), spectroscopy (interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation), and electrochemistry (chemical processes involving electric currents). By understanding these fundamental concepts, physical chemists contribute to advancements in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy research.
Earth Sciences
Earth sciences, also known as geosciences, encompass the study of our planet Earth. This interdisciplinary field investigates the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earth. It involves exploring the Earth's solid, liquid, and gaseous components, including rocks, minerals, water, air, and life. Key branches within earth sciences include geology (the study of rocks and the Earth's structure), meteorology (the study of the atmosphere and weather), oceanography (the study of oceans), and environmental science (the study of human impact on the environment). These disciplines work together to understand the Earth's history, its current state, and its future.
Biological Sciences
Biological sciences also known as life sciences is the scientific exploration of life and living organisms. It encompasses a vast spectrum of disciplines, from the microscopic study of cells to the intricate ecosystems of our planet. Central to biology is the understanding of the fundamental processes of life, including growth, reproduction, metabolism, and heredity. Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy of living organisms. This knowledge is essential for addressing global challenges such as disease, climate change, and food security.
The field is divided into numerous branches, each focusing on specific aspects of life. For example, botany studies plants, zoology focuses on animals, microbiology explores microorganisms, and genetics investigates heredity. Other branches include biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, and physiology. These disciplines often overlap and interact, providing a comprehensive understanding of the living world.
Branches of Sciences: Formal Science
Formal sciences are distinct from natural and social sciences in that they deal with abstract concepts and systems rather than the physical or social world. These disciplines are characterized by their use of logic and mathematical structures to analyze and reason about these abstract entities. Dissimilar to other branches, the formal sciences don't deal with the validity of theories based on observations in the real world (empirical knowledge), but rather with the properties of formal systems based on definitions and rules. Hence there is a difference of opinion on whether the formal sciences constitute as a science or not. Methods of the formal sciences are, however, essential to the construction and testing of scientific models dealing with observable reality, and major advances in formal sciences have often enabled major advances in the empirical sciences.
Characteristics of Formal Science
- Abstractness: Formal sciences are concerned with abstract entities and concepts that do not have a direct physical manifestation. These entities are often represented by symbols or mathematical formulas.
- Deductive Reasoning: Formal sciences primarily employ deductive reasoning, which involves drawing logical conclusions from a set of premises. This approach allows for the derivation of new knowledge from existing principles.
- Axiomatic Systems: Many formal sciences are based on axiomatic systems, which consist of a set of fundamental assumptions or axioms. These axioms are taken as given and serve as the foundation for further reasoning.
- Formal Language: Formal sciences use formal languages, which are precise and unambiguous systems of symbols and rules for combining them. These languages provide a common ground for communication and analysis.
Logic
Logic is the systematic study of valid reasoning. It explores the principles and methods of correct inference and deduction. In the realm of formal sciences, logic provides the foundation for constructing sound arguments and drawing accurate conclusions.
Formal logic focuses on the structure of arguments, independent of their content. It examines how conclusions follow from premises based on the rules of inference. This involves analyzing propositions, which are statements that can be either true or false, and the logical connectives that link them (such as "and," "or," "if-then," and "not").
Mathematics: Mathematics is perhaps the most well-known branch of formal science. It deals with numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns. Mathematics is used in almost every field of human endeavor, from physics and engineering to economics and finance.
Computer Science: Computer science is a relatively new field that deals with the theory, design, development, and application of computers and computer systems. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and artificial intelligence.
Statistics: Statistics is the study of collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. It provides methods for making inferences about populations based on sample data. Statistics is widely used in fields such as social sciences, economics, and medicine.
Applications of Formal Science
Formal sciences have a wide range of applications across various fields. Some notable examples include:
- Engineering: Formal sciences, particularly mathematics and physics, are essential for the design and analysis of engineering structures and systems.
- Physics: Formal sciences provide the mathematical framework for describing and understanding physical phenomena.
- Economics: Formal sciences, such as mathematics and statistics, are used to analyze economic data, develop models, and make predictions.
- Computer Science: Formal sciences are fundamental to the development of computer hardware and software.
- Social Sciences: Formal sciences, such as statistics and mathematics, are used to analyze social data and test hypotheses.
- Law: Formal sciences, particularly logic, are used to analyze legal arguments and evaluate evidence.
- Medicine: Formal sciences, such as statistics, are used to analyze medical data and develop new treatments.
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Branches of Science: Social Science
The social sciences, a broad field of study encompassing the human experience, delve into the intricacies of human behaviour, culture, and society. This discipline seeks to understand and explain the various aspects of human interaction, from individual psychology to global societal trends.
Branches of Social Sciences
The social sciences encompass a diverse range of branches, each with its unique focus and methodologies. Here are some of the primary branches:
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human societies, cultures, and their development over time. Anthropologists examine various aspects of human life, including language, religion, kinship, and technology. They employ fieldwork, participant observation, and comparative analysis to gain insights into diverse cultures and societies.
- Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on the study of human cultures, including their beliefs, values, customs, and practices.
- Physical Anthropology: Examines the biological and evolutionary aspects of human beings, including genetics, paleoanthropology, and human variation.
- Linguistic Anthropology: Investigates the relationship between language and culture, studying the structure, history, and social functions of languages.
Economics
Economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists analyze economic systems, markets, and the factors that influence economic growth and development. They employ mathematical models, statistical analysis, and economic theories to understand economic phenomena.
- Microeconomics: Focuses on the behaviour of individual consumers, firms, and markets.
- Macroeconomics: Examines the overall performance of an economy, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
- Development Economics: Studies the economic development of countries, particularly those transitioning from poverty to prosperity.
Geography
Geography is the study of the Earth's surface, its physical features, and the distribution of human activities. Geographers examine the spatial patterns of human settlements, economic activities, and environmental processes. They employ maps, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data.
- Human Geography: Focuses on the study of human activities and their spatial distribution, including population, urbanization, and cultural landscapes.
- Physical Geography: Examines the physical features of the Earth, such as climate, landforms, and natural resources.
History
History is the study of past events and their significance. Historians examine primary and secondary sources to reconstruct the past and analyze the causes and consequences of historical events. They employ critical thinking, research methods, and historical theories to interpret and understand the past.
- Political History: Focuses on the study of political systems, governments, and political leaders.
- Economic History: Examines the economic development and changes in societies over time.
- Social History: Investigates the social structures, customs, and experiences of people in the past.
Political Science
Political science is the study of political systems, governments, and political behaviour. Political scientists examine the theory and practice of politics, including political institutions, elections, public policy, and international relations. They employ empirical research, case studies, and theoretical analysis to understand political phenomena.
- Comparative Politics: Compares political systems and institutions across different countries.
- International Relations: Studies the interactions between states and other actors in the global arena.
- Political Theory: Examines the philosophical foundations of political thought and institutions.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychologists investigate a wide range of topics, including cognition, emotion, personality, and social behaviour. They employ experimental methods, surveys, and case studies to understand human psychology.
- Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving.
- Social Psychology: Examines the influence of social factors on human behaviour and attitudes.
- Developmental Psychology: Investigates the development of human cognition, emotion, and behaviour throughout the lifespan.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of human society, social institutions, and social relationships. Sociologists examine the structure and dynamics of social groups, organizations, and communities. They employ quantitative and qualitative research methods to understand social phenomena.
- Social Theory: Develops and tests theories about society and social behaviour.
- Social Demography: Studies population trends, including birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns.
- Criminology: Examines the causes and consequences of crime.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Social Sciences
While each branch of social science has its own distinct focus, there is significant overlap and interdependency among them. Many social science research questions require insights from multiple disciplines to be fully understood. For example, studies on poverty may involve insights from economics, sociology, and anthropology.
Top BSc Entrance Exams in India
Candidates can go through the list of top Bachelor of Science (BSc) entrance exams in India which are as follows:
| Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body |
Programmes Offered |
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| National Testing Agency |
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| NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) |
National Institute of Science Education Research (NISER) & Mumbai University |
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| Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| Gitam Institute of Science |
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| Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) |
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Top MSc Entrance Exams in India
Candidates can go through the Top MSc entrance exams which are conducted on a national, state level and university level.
| Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body |
Programmes Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research (MCAER), Pune |
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| IIT (On a rotational basis) |
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| Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology |
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| NTA |
Various MSc courses |
Read More: Top BSc/MSc Entrance Exams in India 2024
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