EXPLAINING THE THREE MAIN SECTORS OF SCIENCE

Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences

Published: September 9, 2024

In this article, we will be exploring the three sectors of science: physical, earth, and life. We will explore a simple definition and understanding of what each science aims to do, and sub-science fields in this sector. If you are interested in a certain field, I suggest doing a deep dive as these explanations are surface-level to introduce these categories! 

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Physical sciences is the branch of science concentrating on exploring the universe's non-living systems. They investigate every aspect of the physical universe, from tiny atoms to incredible galaxies.

At its core, physical science is about studying energy and matter, the fundamental components of everything in the universe.  In this branch of study, scientists examine the links between atoms, forces, and energy. For instance, chemistry discusses how certain atoms combine to build new substances, whereas physics explains how gravity allows objects to fall.

Some of the main fields in physical sciences include: 

Physics – The study of matter, energy, and the basic laws of nature.

Chemistry - The study of a subject's chemical arrangement, structure, characteristics, and reactions.

Astronomy – The study of celestial bodies (like stars, planets, and galaxies) and the universe. 

Geology - The study of the Earth, its components, and the natural processes that are shaping it.

Meteorology – The study of weather, climate, and atmospheric phenomena.

Oceanography – The exploration and study of the Earth's oceans and how they work. 

Materials Science – The study of the workings and characteristics of materials and how they can be implemented or influenced. 

Thermodynamics – The study of physical systems' heat, energy, and energy transformation.

EARTH SCIENCES

Earth sciences are the science of observing our planet, from the deepest waters to the highest mountains and all that lies in between. Earth scientists specialize in the structure and ecology of the planet, its historical evolution, and the contemporary events that have influenced it.

By studying Earth sciences, we may better comprehend how natural events arise and how humans can protect the planet from environmental problems like climate change. Earth sciences are essential to enabling humans to coexist peacefully with the environment, whether through hurricane forecasting or discovering more sustainable methods of using the planet's resources.

Some of the main fields in Earth Sciences include: 

Astronomy - the study of space, celestial bodies, and everything that exists beyond Earth.

Hydrology - the study of water on Earth, including groundwater, rivers, lakes, the water cycle, and the use of water resources.

Paleontology - the study of life's history on Earth, as fossils indicate.

Environmental science - the study of the relationships between human activity and the biological and ecological structures of the Earth.

Seismology - the study of science that studies earthquakes and the movement of seismic waves through the Earth.

Volcanology - the study of volcanic eruptions.

LIFE SCIENCES 

Life sciences are a branch of science that focuses on the study of living organisms, like humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. The main goal of this field is to better understand the roles, development, and relationships of living organisms with the environment.  Life sciences encourage us to discover the complexities of life, from the tiniest cells to entire ecological systems. 

Life sciences are crucial for biotechnology, environmental preservation, and medical advancements. For example, biological science research aids in the development of new medicines optimizes food production, and the preservation of endangered species.

Some of the main fields in Life Sciences include:

Biology - the study of organisms, including their development, growth, structure, and evolution.

Botany – the study of plant life. 

Zoology - the study of animals that live. 

Microbiology – the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Genetics – the study of genes, ancestry, and genetic variation in organisms.

Ecology - the study of relationships between living things and their environment. 

Evolutionary Biology – the study of the history and evolution in organisms over time.

Cell Biology – the study of cell structure and function.

Biochemistry – the study of chemical reactions that occur within and are connected to living organisms.

Molecular Biology – the study of biological processes at a molecular level. 

Immunology – the study of immune function in organisms.

Physiology – the study of how all of the systems of living organisms function.

Sources:

“Earth Sciences | Concepts, Topics, & Facts | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/science/Earth-sciences.

“Different Branches of Science.” Mentoria, 4 Nov. 2022, mentoriablog.azurewebsites.net/different-branches-of-science/.

National Science Foundation. “About Earth Sciences (EAR).” Www.nsf.gov, www.nsf.gov/geo/ear/about.jsp.

Team Leverage Edu. “Branches of Science.” Leverage Edu, 19 Nov. 2020, leverageedu.com/blog/branches-of-science/.

“The Branches of Science.” Www.factmonster.com, www.factmonster.com/math-science/the-branches-of-science.

“What Is Life Science?” Marstranslation.com, 5 Oct. 2023, www.marstranslation.com/blog/what-is-life-science.