Science is the study or practice of the natural world or of a specific set of systems. In its broadest sense, science covers a breadth of areas, including astronomy, chemistry, physics, and biology, as well as information science, computer science, environmental science, and geology. Science and engineering professionals may be found in nearly every industry, from aerospace to cosmetics to health sciences.
In the most practical sense, the scientific knowledge developed by scientists and engineers has helped to design and build the modern world. The development of automobiles, spacecraft, telecommunication systems, computer systems, energy resources, medicine, and manufacturing techniques; all trace their outlines to the discoveries and research done by scientists and engineers. For example, the flight of astronauts to space and the discovery of water on Mars, the technologies that are available to modern oil drillers and the range of medical treatments and cures that have been developed all over the globe owe a significant amount to the scientific knowledge of the past and present. In fact, some of these advances were arguably due to advances in scientific knowledge and theories that were first theorized by particular scientists and engineers in more than 100 years ago.
Science and technology studies differ fundamentally from the studies of humanities and social science. While the former examines the relationship between science, technology, and society, the latter studies how people interact with and impact the environment, and the way society shapes and utilizes science, technology, and society. The focus of humanities research is normally on how culture and society affect science and technology, and how the relationship between science and society has developed through time. On the other hand, comparative studies compare and contrast the practices and results of science and engineering to those of other fields, allowing for a fuller understanding of the processes and results of science and engineering research.