Scientists and engineers collaborate to accomplish the advances that epitomise the modern world. But while science and engineering both build on each others’ achievements, they are distinct disciplines. We look at the similarities and differences between scientists and engineers, and the career routes you can take to work in these fields.
What does a scientist do?
Scientists work to further our knowledge of the natural world. Some core areas of study within science are biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy.
There are many types of scientists, for example forensic scientists, biomedical scientists, clinical scientists and . Nowadays, they work across all industries and may be employed by, for example, universities, hospitals, companies, and governments. The working environment may be laboratories or field work.computer scientists. Scientists work across all industries and may be employed by, for example, universities, hospitals, companies, and governments. They work in various environments, including laboratories or conducting field work.
The scientific method underpins all scientists’ work. This is a cycle that comprises making observations, asking questions, generating hypotheses, collecting information, analysing data sets, and repeating all this to refine theories about the world around us.
Curiosity is essential for scientists because a desire to understand how and why something happens motivates their work. Problem-solving skills are required as they must be able to come up with creative ways to test their theories. They should be resilient, as finding answers to big questions takes time and hard work with dead ends along the way, as well as critical thinkers, to derive meanings from their findings.
Other key skills include teamwork and oral and written communication.
What does an engineer do?
Engineers apply knowledge about the natural world to solve everyday problems. Their roles consist of designing, building, testing, and maintaining products and processes that meet the needs of people and organisations. Their goal is to improve efficiency and productivity. There are many types of engineers, for example software engineers, chemical engineers, civil engineers, mechanical engineers and product design engineers.
Engineers might be based in, for example, research and development laboratories, factories or construction sites.
The design process is the cornerstone of engineering. This involves defining problems, researching background, brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, finalising designs, analysing outcomes and identifying improvements.
Engineers should be good problem-solvers because finding innovative ways to do things is the key job role. They should be attentive to detail, as small errors can have significant real-world consequences, and be able to work under pressure, as they often work on big projects with tight deadlines. Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are also essential for engineers.
What are the main differences between scientists and engineers?
Scientists and engineers are closely related professions, and they complement each other’s work. Scientists are concerned with new discoveries and adding to existing knowledge. Research findings usually require an extra layer of work before they can be used for practical purposes. It is the job of engineers to apply scientific research to real-world problems.
Scientists use the scientific method while engineers use the design process. The scientific method starts with questions and returns to questions, thus propagating the cycle of knowledge acquisition, while the design process starts with problems and ends with solutions, thus directly affecting the lives of people today.
Science communication such as scientific papers and posters are the main output of scientists’ work. Conversely, new products and better systems that benefit society are the mainstay of engineers’ day-to-day roles.
Educational routes for scientists and engineers
Both scientists and engineers start their careers with undergraduate degrees. Universities offer an array of natural sciences and life sciences degrees, for example biochemistry, genetics and theoretical physics. Similarly, a variety of engineering degrees are available, for example aerospace engineering, architectural engineering and electrical engineering. Students should choose their degree according to the career of their interest.
Scientists often require additional qualifications. Most scientists who want to do research go on to complete master’s degrees and PhDs. Some may even stay on at university to undertake postdoctoral research. After university, scientists may begin their working lives with roles such as research assistants and technicians.
Although a master’s degree may confer a competitive advantage, it is possible to have a career in engineering with a bachelor’s degree. It is useful to complete work experience and internships during the time at university.
Engineering apprenticeships – which involve completing a national diploma or undergraduate degree with paid on-the-job training – are an alternative to university. In the UK, these are offered by many organisations, for example BAE Systems, Jaguar Land Rover and NHS trusts.
Registering as a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council improves career prospects.
Potential salaries for scientists and engineers
On average, scientists earn £36,000 per year in the UK and $92,000 per year in the US. However, it is important to remember that there are many types of scientists, and they are employed in vastly different roles. Therefore, salaries will vary.
On average, engineers earn £39,000 per year in the UK and $100,000 per year in the US. Again, there are many types of engineers, and salaries vary. For example, in the UK, engineers employed in the oil and gas sector are the highest paid, followed by those employed in the renewable energy sector.
Conclusion
The terms scientist and engineer are frequently used interchangeably; however, these are distinct professions.
Scientists conduct research that helps us to make sense of the natural world; it is the innovative minds of engineers that utilise this knowledge to make tangible differences to our lives. The technology we see around us is credit to both professions and neither discipline can operate alone.
Science careers may be best suited to those who want to make new discoveries, focus on collecting and analysing data in their daily working life, and are enthusiastic about spending longer at university. Engineering careers may be best suited to those who want to design new products and processes and are excited by the prospect of seeing their ideas make tangible differences to people’s lives.
References
- Indeed: Scientists – available from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-a-scientist
- Indeed: Engineer – available from: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-an-engineer
- Indeed: Science vs engineering – available from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/science-vs-engineering
- Engineering is Elementary: Science vs engineering – available from: https://blog.eie.org/4-simple-ways-to-explain-the-difference-between-science-and-engineering
- Interesting Engineering: Science vs engineering – available from: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/is-engineering-science
- Indeed: Salaries UK – available from: https://uk.indeed.com/career/salaries
