I like to say that science is the art\process of understanding the diversity of the universe
Engineering is the art\process of making practical use of scientific knowledge.
Using science procedures to , for example, test samples of steel to ensure they are within design specification means using science procedures, but it doesn't make engineering A science.
I have a degree in electrical engineering. I am looking at my diploma right now; its hanging on my wall adjacent to my computer. It says the following:
Bachelor of Engineering Science
Electrical Engineering
I had always considered engineering a science. When I was studying at university, four year degrees often carried the qualifier 'BSc' (Bachelor of Science) qualifier while three year degrees were 'BA'. (Bachelor of Arts)
I admit the notion is a little confusing. Especially when one is familiar with the 'STEM' acronym: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. Which would seem to demarcate engineering and math from science.
I think its likely the word 'science' is being somewhat overloaded, which is causing a bit of a problem. I often looked at engineering as a
discipline which utilized various practical techniques to employ scientific concepts and principles. One could argue that makes it different. But being that one can get a PhD in engineering leads me to believe it technically could be a science per se.
Computer science is another example: would that really be a science per se? I guess it really comes down to definitions. At a its core definition Webster's says this:
quote:
Science
"the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment."
I honestly could go either way on this one. But I may just have to defer to what my diploma says.