Science V Engineering

[Toltec]

Thorodin said:

I’m embarrassed to admit I have trouble with the “think of it as a balloon, forever expanding” theory.
If that means everything is travelling away from us surely the distances between objects get greater – weakening gravity. And we know how dangerous that is. I mean, if that’s the case what’s all the palaver about asteroids colliding with us?

Gravity does not get weaker, however the forces experienced reduce with increasing distance. The expansion of the universe is on a different scale to the mechanics of our solar system. The people in a crowd can spread out, but your arms and legs do not stretch out.

I studied physics at uni, have an electronic engineering qualification, worked with optical systems, get paid to wrangle packets, and enjoy building cars and houses.

If I was a scientist I would be designing and building the test equipment needed for my experiments. I probably ended up more on the engineering side as I lack the patience needed to be a good scientist.

[ThunderGod]

I really don't believe there is a "Vs" here, except for a manufactured one. Engineers ARE scientists. To be more exact, they're physicists, seeing as their work is pretty much all about getting forces to balance. I remember reading a definition of scientists that said "Scientists are philosophers that get their hands dirty". Engineers do that too.

Another test: Do they have a theory, test it using precise and accurate measurements, then adjust their theory based on evidence gathered? They do? Well, that's Scientific Method. That means they're Scientists.

As for The Big Bang Theory... don't even get me started. As a trained Scientist and a fully-fledged geek, I find the programme insulting and incredibly unfunny.

[98elise]

HowMuchLonger said:

98elise said:

Engineers don't normally go for a Doctorate (D.Eng), but if they do they they can be addressed as a Doctor (of Engineering).

Engineering Doctorate is an EngD.
At least that is my one (in process of)

It seems to vary depending on country. I don't have one so I didn't know it was EngD in the UK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Engineering