Branches of Science Simple Glossary

About This Article

The structure for this subject is focused on definition and application. The structure also focuses on definitions that are simple for the reader to currently choose what subject aligns with their interests most. The definitions come from Oxford, Merriam-Websters, and similar well-articulated dictionaries.

Important Applicable Definitions

  • Science: A systematic method for obtaining knowledge that is natural, measurable or consisting of systematic principles, generally through testable explanations and predictions.

Anthropology

The scientific branch of humanity that crosses biology and sociology, concerned with human behavior, human biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, in both the present and past, including archaic humans.

Astronomy

The branch of science that works to understand celestial objects and the phenomena that occur in the cosmos.

Biological Sciences

These are scientific branches of life and living organisms.

  • Botany: The branch of natural science and biology studying plants, especially their anatomy, taxonomy, and ecology.
  • Physiology: The scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system.
  • Zoology: The scientific study of animals.

Chemistry

The scientific branch of the properties and behavior of matter.

Organic Chemistry: The scientific branch of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds and organic materials.

Earth Sciences

These are branches of science dealing with the physical, chemical, and biological complex constitutions and synergistic linkages of Earth's four spheres: the biosphere, hydrosphere/cryosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere (or lithosphere).

  • Geology: The branch of science concerned with the Earth and other astronomical bodies, the rocks of which they are composed, and the processes by which they change over time.
  • Meteorology: The scientific study of the Earth's atmosphere and short-term atmospheric phenomena, with a focus on weather forecasting.
  • Oceanography: The scientific study of the ocean, including its physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mind.

Physics

The scientific study of matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force.

Sociology

The scientific study of human society that focuses on society, human social behavior, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and aspects of culture associated with everyday life.

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