Basic & Applied Sciences

Departement Overview

     Basic, or pure, science is primarily connected with the development of theories (or as they are frequently called, models) establishing relationships between phenomena and the universe. When they are sufficiently validated, these theories (hypotheses, models) become the working laws or principles of science. Applied science, on the other hand, is directly connected with the application of the working laws of pure science to the practical affairs of life, and to increasing man’s control over his environment. Thus leading to the development of new techniques, processes and machines, such activities as investigating the strength and uses of materials, extending the findings of pure mathematics to improve the sampling procedures used in agriculture or the potentialities of atomic energy, all are examples of the work of applied scientist or technologist.

     Chemistry is a basic science, which in a very direct way, explores the intricacies and structure of God’s creation and provides a window on the marvelous beauty and order inherent in the creation. The study of chemistry involves understanding the chemical and physical properties of individual elements, compounds and their mixtures, and explaining their many reactions and properties using theoretical models. Through the application of chemistry, resources found within creation may be converted into numerous products that benefit mankind. Knowledge of chemistry is essential in dealing with the many environmental problems facing society. An understanding of the principles of chemistry also provides a foundation for chemical engineering.

    Physics is the science of nature, from the quarks to the cosmos. Consequently, physics treats of the fundamental constituents of the universe, the forces they exert on one another and the results produced by these forces. Sometimes, in modern physics, a more sophisticated approach is taken that incorporates elements of the three areas listed above; it relates to the laws of symmetry and conservation, such as those pertaining to energy, momentum, charge, and parity. Many of the branches of physics have developed into engineering & technology. These branches are classical mechanics, hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, heat & thermodynamics, optics, acoustics, electricity and magnetism, electronics and nuclear engineering.

    Mathematics is the discipline that deals with concepts such as quantity, structure, space and change. It evolved, through the use of abstraction and logical reasoning, from counting, calculation, measurement and the study of the shapes and motions of physical objects. Mathematicians explore these and related concepts, aiming to formulate new conjectures and establish their truth by rigorous deduction from appropriately chosen axioms and definitions. Mathematics is present in all aspects of engineering. The good knowledge of mathematics is must for all engineers. It is currently accepted that undergraduate engineering students need a solid understanding of mathematics and physics.