Fields of engineering, physics and chemistry

Fields of engineering

There are 17 fields of engineering in which you can practise as an engineer. You can be competent in
more than one:

Aerospace Engineering

The design, development and production of aircraft (aeronautical engineering), spacecraft (astronautical
engineering) and related systems. Aerospace engineers may specialise in aerodynamics, avionics,
structures, control systems or propulsion systems.

Bioengineering

Draws heavily on chemical engineering and involves the engineered development of raw materials to
produce higher value products, using biological systems. Also encompasses the general application of
engineering to biological systems to develop new products or solve problems in existing production
processes.

Building Services Engineering

The application of mechanical or electrical engineering principles and an understanding of building

structure to enhance all aspects of the built environment. Includes air conditioning and mechanical
ventilation, electrical light and power, fire services, and acoustics and energy management.

Chemical Engineering

Concerned with the ways in which raw materials are changed into useful and commercial end-products
such as food, petrol, plastics, and metals. Also includes research of raw materials and their properties,
design and development of equipment and the evaluation of operating processes.

Civil Engineering

A broad field of engineering concerned with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of
structures and infrastructure assets.
See also:

Structural engineering

Transportation engineering

Geotechnical engineering.

Engineering Management

Engineers who manage multidisciplinary engineering activities that overlap so much it’s difficult to place
them into a specific field. Project managers, asset managers and engineers working in policy
development are likely to use the "Engineering Management" field.

Electrical Engineering

Deals with the practical application of electricity and covers aspects of planning, design, operation and
maintenance of electricity generation and distribution. Looks at electricity as a source of energy within
major buildings, industrial processing complexes, facilities and transport systems. Also includes the
associated networks and the equipment involved, such as switchboards and cabling.

40 Different Types of Engineering Degrees

Search the top engineering degrees online with over 40 different types of engineering degrees and
careers reviewed online. We have hundreds of schools in our database with a wide variety of
engineering degrees, including ABET-accredited engineering degrees at all levels, as well as dozens of
engineering program reviews written by technology experts.

Engineering is expected to be a growth sector in the upcoming decade, and it is considered to be a top
career. You can view some of the highest paying engineering jobs, which is updated often and based on
salary data from the US Department of Labor and other reputable sources. Continue reading to research
the top engineering degrees, or use the school search to get immediately matched to online schools that
are accepting applicants.

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Engineering is a broad term that covers a wide range of applications and industries. Combining
mathematics, science and technology, engineers produce creative solutions to real world problems. As a
result there are many different types of engineering degrees available.

In the past, engineering could be divided into four major branches: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and
Electrical, with sub branches of each discipline. Today however, the number of engineering degrees
available have increased dramatically. There are now six major branches of engineering: Mechanical,
Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, and Geotechnical, and literally hundreds of different
subcategories of engineering under each branch.

Take a look over the list below - all types of engineering degrees are provided in summary with a link to a
full article with more detail on each where available. You can also find links to universities offering that
specific degree, or use the below search to find available engineering degrees. You can use the main
navigation to find specifics on the different types of engineering degrees, including the emerging online
engineering degree. For general engineering articles including information on the highest paying
degrees, those with the best employment potential, and steps to become an engineer, be sure to check
the blog.

ADConsider accredited online programs currently accepting applicants for their Engineering programs:

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Click here for admissions information.

Available Types of Engineering Degrees

Below are the most popular types of engineering degrees sorted by branch of engineering. Use the
following links to quickly jump to your engineering category of interest:

Computer Engineering Degrees

computer engineering

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Electrical Engineering Degrees

electrical engineering

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Civil Engineering Degrees

civil engineering

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Mechanical Engineering Degrees

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Online Engineering Degrees

online engineering degree

Quick Summary

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Engineering Management

engineering management

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Architectural Engineering

architectural engineering

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Environmental Engineering

environmental engineering

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Geotechnical Engineering

geotechnical engineering

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Biomedical Engineering Degrees

biomedical engineering
Quick Summary

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Project Management Degrees

project management

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Chemical Engineering Degrees

chemical engineering

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Program Details

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Online Engineering Degrees

There are many different types of engineering degrees, but not all are available online. The top online
engineering degrees are: Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechatronics Engineering,
and different variations of Masters in Engineering Degrees.

See also:

Electronic engineering

Telecommunication engineering.

Environmental Engineering

Devising, implementing and managing solutions to protect and restore the environment, within an
overall framework of sustainable development.

Fire Engineering
Minimising the risk from fire to health and safety and damage to property through careful design and
construction. Requires an understanding of the behaviour of fires and smoke, the behaviour of people
exposed to fires and the performance of burning materials and structures. Also looks at the impact of
fire protection systems such as detection, alarm and extinguishing systems.

Geotechnical Engineering

The application of knowledge of earth materials in the design of structures such as foundations,
retaining walls, tunnels, dams and embankments.

Industrial Engineering

Applying mechanical and electrical engineering principles to the design and operation of production
equipment, production lines and production processes for the efficient production of industrial goods.
Industrial engineers understand plant and procedural design, the management of materials and energy,
and human factors associated with worker integration with systems.

Information Engineering

Based on electrical engineering but also draws heavily from computer science. There are three areas of
further specialisation:

Software engineering

Telecommunications engineering

Electronics engineering.

Mechanical Engineering

Concerned with the design and manufacture of a range of machines or mechanical systems. These
typically apply principles of hydraulics (fluid control), pneumatics (air pressure control) or
thermodynamics (heat energy transfer).

Mining Engineering

Involves extracting and processing minerals from the earth. This may involve investigations, design,
construction and operation of mining, extraction and processing facilities.
Petroleum Engineering

Engineers that combine their knowledge of geology and earth sciences with specialised chemical
engineering skills. They may also draw on mechanical engineering expertise to design extraction and
production methods and equipment. Petroleum engineering activities are divided into two broad
categories:

Upstream – locating oil and gas beneath the earth's surface and then developing methods of extraction

Downstream – the design and development of plant and infrastructure for the refinement and
distribution of the mixture of oil, gas and water components extracted.

Structural Engineering

A specialised field within civil engineering concerned with the design and construction of structures.
These might include buildings, bridges, in-ground structures, footings, frameworks and space frames for
a variety of modes of transportation such as motor vehicles and aeroplanes.

Transportation Engineering

Another specialised field within civil engineering related to the movement of goods and people by road,
water, rail and air.

Online Engineering Degrees

There are many different types of engineering degrees, but not all are available online. The top online
engineering degrees are: Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechatronics Engineering,
and different variations of Masters in Engineering Degrees.
Online Engineering Degree

An up-and-coming concept in the field of engineering academics is the online engineering degree, which
is available at at least one school in every branch of engineering. Although there are not exactly a
plethora of choices right now for some branches, more and more colleges and universities are adding
online engineering degrees at every level. The most common so far is an online Master’s in Engineering.
Many engineers that have already earned their PE (Professional Engineer) license and are currently
employed opt for taking online engineering classes to get their Master’s degree. Obviously there are
different specializations that cater more towards online engineering degrees, such as Engineering
Management, while others are more difficult to learn online.

ONLINE ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

Click on the tabs below to view undergraduate / graduate degrees.

Undergraduate

Certificate, Associates, Bachelors

Graduate

Masters, Doctorate

There are a decent number of Online Masters in Engineering programs, all in different areas of
engineering. Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Engineering Management seem to be
the most popular online engineering programs. You may consider an online program from an accredited
university currently accepting applicants:

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Syracuse University: M.S. in Computer Engineering (Bachelors required)

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Types of Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Mechanical Engineering Degree

mechanical engineeringA Mechanical Engineering Degree involves the design of mechanical systems.
These systems assist industries such as: manufacturing, aeronautics, nanotechnology, nuclear power
production, heating and cooling. A primary focus is on thermodynamics, structural analysis, materials
science, and kinematics. This is arguably the broadest of all engineering degrees available today and
takes in a wide range of engineering disciplines. The Mechanical Engineering Degree has a number of
subsets that intermix with electronics and electrical engineering, such as Mechatronics.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

Click on the tabs below to view undergraduate / graduate degrees.

Undergraduate

Certificate, Associates, Bachelors

Graduate

Masters, Doctorate

Most graduate programs for Mechanical Engineering are located on campus, but there are a few online
offerings for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering or a related program. You may consider an online
program from an accredited university currently accepting applicants:

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Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals – Master of Mechanical Engineering (Bachelors required)

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Aerospace Engineering Degree

aerospace engineeringAn Aerospace Engineering Degree involves the study of air and space travel. This
might include military aircraft design and development, along with commercial airline design and
satellite technology. The terms Aerospace and Aeronautical are both often used interchangeably, yet
there are key differences between the two. Aeronautical Engineering relates to craft that remain in our
atmosphere, while Aerospace Engineering refers to aircraft that venture outside our atmosphere. Most
programs in the United States have changed their names from Aeronautical to Aerospace over the past
couple decades, but there are still some programs that go by the historical name.

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

Click on the tabs below to view undergraduate / graduate degrees.

Undergraduate

Certificate, Associates, Bachelors

Graduate

Masters, Doctorate
There are a few Aerospace programs online as most are on campus, but there are several online
Aeronautics programs at the undergraduate level.

Search Aeronautics Engineering Degrees

Biomedical Engineering Degree

biomedicalBiomedical engineering combines the study of medicine and biology. Biomedical Engineers
apply their design skills to biological and medical sciences. They do this to assist in advancements in
healthcare treatment technology. They develop and maintain diagnostic devices. Devices that include
EEGs, MRIs, and other imaging machines. Physicians use these machines to diagnosis their patients’
medical problems. This is a fast moving industry and while challenging can be a rewarding career path to
take.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Biomechanical Engineering Degree

biomechanicalBiomechanical Engineering is the study of organisms and mechanics and how the two
solve problems in combination. This is a growing industry and practical applications include
environmental challenges such as waste control and keeping our waterways free from pollution. It shares
close ties with Biomedical Engineering and Agricultural Engineering, as you might expect. Most working
in Biomechanics have a Biomechanical Engineering Degree at the Master’s level or above.

BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

For the most part, bio-mechanical degrees are specialized at the graduate level.

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Automotive Engineering Degree

As the name implies, automotive engineering involves the design and production of vehicles. The
automotive industry is hugely diverse and requires engineers to work in areas such as mechanical design,
performance, manufacturing, electrical engineering and systems management.
Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Types of Civil Engineering Degrees

Civil Engineering Degree

Civil Engineering DegreeCivil Engineering involves the development of infrastructure such as buildings,
railways, roads construction, bridges and general construction project management. Civil Engineers also
play an important role in rebuilding projects, such as in the event of a natural disaster. Civil Engineers
may work in the private or public sector at any level. This is a very broad engineering degree.
Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering and Marine Engineering are all specialties of Civil
Engineering.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH CIVIL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Structural Engineering Degree

Structural engineering is a specific branch of civil engineering, and specializes in the design of different
structures, including houses, commercial buildings, art museums, stores, and more. It is important for
structural engineers to understand the construction of buildings and the effects of natural factors such as
erosion, corrosion, wind, and water to ensure buildings and structures are safe for a very long period of
time. At some universities, structural engineering is a concentration offered within a civil engineering
degree.

Available in: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Architectural Engineering Degree

Architectural EngineeringArchitectural engineers work in the construction, planning, and design phase of
projects. In conjunction with other team members, the focus is on building structure and interior design.
This includes: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Fire protection, Lighting, Plumbing and
other systems specific to the the project. In some areas natural disasters such as earthquakes and
hurricanes have special consideration.
Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

ARCHITECTURAL ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ARCHITECTURAL SCHOOLS

Types of Electrical Engineering Degrees

Electrical Engineering Degree

electrical engineering degreeAn Electrical Engineering Degree involves the study of energy. Energy is
available in various forms such as electrical, hydro and natural sources such as wind and solar energy. An
Electrical Engineer develops technologies to assist with the practical application of such energies.
Electrical Engineers design components for electronic equipment, communications systems, power grids,
automobiles, and more. Most employers require an Electrical Engineering Degree at some level to work
as an Electrical Engineer, and other licensing or certification requirements may also be required
depending on where you live.

ONLINE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

Click on the tabs below to view undergraduate / graduate degrees.

Undergraduate

Certificate, Associates, Bachelors

Graduate

Masters, Doctorate

Availability of undergraduate online electrical engineering programs is limited, but many traditional
unviersities have on-campus programs, especially at the Bachelors level.

Search Electrical Engineering Schools

Computer Engineering Degree

Computer Engineering DegreeAnother industry that continues to expand is of course the Information
Technology (IT) industry. This involves both computer sciences and electrical engineering. Successful
graduates may find themselves in Telecommunications, Networking, Software Application Development,
or Manufacturing, and additional industries are emerging, such as Application Development, Web
Development, Network Security / Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, among others. This type of
degree has good future potential as most industries rely on information technology. Read more about
the computer engineering degree.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEGREES ARE AVAILABLE IN:

Click on the tabs below to view undergraduate / graduate degrees.

Undergraduate

Certificate, Associates, Bachelors

Graduate

Masters, Doctorate

The top graduate degree in computer engineering is the Masters in Computer Engineering. You may
consider an online program from an accredited university currently accepting applicants:

AD

Syracuse University: M.S. in Computer Engineering (Bachelors required)

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Electronics Engineering Degree

Technology and specifically, electronics, have changed the way most of the world lives every day. From
the revolutionary computer to the latest mobile phone technology that fits in your pocket, we all use
electronics every single day. Electronics engineers are needed to design and build electronic equipment.
Most electronics engineers work with circuits, switchboards, and other electronic configurations to
design and build these devices.

Available in: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s.

ELECTRONICS ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Mechatronics Engineering Degree

A blend of mechanical engineering and electronics engineering, Mechatronics, or Mechatronics

Engineering, is an emerging area for hybrid engineers. Nearly all mechanical equipment in this day and
age is operated with a mix of electronics and software, all based on computers and technology.
Mechatronics engineers help bridge that gap, and have intrinsic knowledge of electrical, electronics, and
mechanical engineering. Some more experienced Mechatronics Engineers also have computer,
hardware, and software engineering experience as well.
Available in: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s.

MECHATRONICS ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Robotics Engineering Degree

A robotics engineering degree has a primary focus on automation and the use of machines to assist with
repetitive tasks such as those found in manufacturing. Robotics engineers will typically design robotic
technology and develop maintenance systems to help achieve optimal efficiency. this is an area with
expected growth of up to 15% in the next five years.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

ROBOTICS ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ROBOTICS ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Microelectronic Engineering Degree

If you have an interest in electronics a Microelectronic Engineering degree might be of interest.

Microelectronics is a subset of Electrical Engineering with a focus on the word ‘Micro’. Microelectronic
Engineers specialize in the development and design of small electrical devices. Used in a wide range of
industrial applications. As we move away from bulky electronic devices such as the first mobile phones
and desktop computers. We develop smaller more convenient electronic devices. As a result the demand
for microelectronic engineers is high. Microelectronic engineers also assist in the technical writing aspect
of a project. As well as perform tests to verify product conformance.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

MECHATRONICS DEGREE DETAILSEARCH MECHATRONICS PROGRAMS

Types of Chemical Engineering Degrees

Chemical Engineering Degree

chemical engineeringAs the name implies, Chemical Engineering is the practical application of chemistry.
This type of engineering degree involves technology that utilizes chemical reactions to solve problems. A
chemical engineer creates new products, including: Cosmetics, foods, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and
cleaners from raw chemicals. this is a very broad engineering degree and allows for a number of
different forms of employment. It is also one of the most challenging degrees available.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

Environmental Engineering Degree

environmentalOne of the most popular kinds of engineering degree. Environmental Engineering involves
the study of science and engineering to improve our environment. This includes the air we breathe, food
we consume, and water. Environmental Engineers also study the environmental impact humans have on
the planet, including pollution as a result of development and manufacturing processes. Environmental
Engineering is considered a subset of Civil Engineering.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOLS

Materials Science Engineering Degree

A Materials Science engineering degree is a study of materials and why they behave a specific way or
react to things in a certain way. This includes plastics, ceramics and polymers. Everything around us is
made up of materials, as we evolve there is an increasing demand for materials which are stronger, more
environmentally friendly and lighter. Employment opportunities include research positions along with
industry placements. Materials Science Engineering is a very hands on, practical degree and graduates
are in high demand.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

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Agricultural Engineering Degree

An Agricultural engineering degree involves learning how to apply engineering to the agricultural
industry to assist with area of farming including: soil conservation and salinity, ground preparation,
irrigation, farm machinery design and production and helping develop more effective harvest
techniques. Employment generally involves working in a consulting capacity or employed in a related
industry such as machinery design and production.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

AGRICULTURAL ENG. DEGREE DETAILSEARCH AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Paper Engineering Degree

Paper Engineering is a specialization of chemical engineering and involves understanding the processes
involved (chemical and mechanical) of paper production. This type of degree involves both research
based work and practical assessment which is typically lab work. Students learn the principles behind
molecular science, wood pulping and fluid mechanics to name just a few.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

Sustainability Design Degree

Sustainable engineering takes into account the three major areas of sustainability: environmental
impact, social and economic considerations. This includes not only the initial construction process but
the complete life cycle of the product being developed. Graduates may complete further post graduate
study or work in industries such as: Industrial waste water management, emission control and hazardous
waste management.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

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Types of Engineering Management Degrees

Engineering Management Degree

An Engineering Management Degree combines engineering with business management training to arm
the successful graduate with the ability to manage engineering projects or manage a team of engineers.
A degree in engineering management limits the shortfall of engineers with limited business and
management skills or managers with limited engineering knowledge. This type of degree is expected to
rise in popularity over time.

Available in: Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

ENG. MANAGEMENT DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS

MBA in Engineering Degree

Generally speaking, the MBA has become a staple among successful businessmen and businesswomen,
and the engineering field is no exception. The MBA in Engineering is specifically tailored for engineers
that already hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The program is ideal for FE’s or PE’s that wish to get
into management, or VP/C-level positions in a company. Typically the MBA in Engineering has more
benefit to those working in the private engineering sector.

Available in: Master’s

MBA – ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH ENGINEERING MBA PROGRAMS

Industrial Engineering Degree

Industrial engineers work for manufacturing companies, or as consultants to the manufacturing industry.
The role of an Industrial engineer is to increase productivity and reduce waste and spending. Many new
start-ups will hire an Industrial engineer to help make their business more efficient. Industrial engineers
are also hired to test employee productivity and in house processes. Which will improve the efficiency of
the company.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Systems Engineering Degree

Systems engineering is a multi disciplined engineering degree. While it has has evolved over time as
systems have evolved with technology and greater efficiency it’s primary focus is on developing and
improving upon existing systems. Systems engineers develop systems for workplace efficiency, risk
management, measuring and refinement.

Available in: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate.

SEARCH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Manufacturing Engineering Degree

A Manufacturing Engineering degree focuses on manufacturing processes and machinery and quality
control systems. Manufacturing makes up over 20% of America’s GDP and over 15% of our employment.
As a result it’s important we refine our manufacturing processes for increased efficiency. This is a very
broad discipline and can overlap other types of engineering studies including robotics and systems
engineering. Students will study diverse areas of engineering such as: Material science, manufacturing
technology and automation (robotics) along with fluid mechanics and hydraulics.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

SEARCH MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Types of Geotechnical Engineering Degrees

Petroleum Engineering Degree

petroleum engineering degreeA petroleum engineer handles the extraction of oil and gas from beneath
the earth. They are also involved in developing new extraction methods and technologies including new
methods that are more efficient and less damaging to the environment. Petroleum Engineering is one of
the highest paid engineering positions available. Petroleum engineers play a significant role in locating
reservoirs beneath the earth’s surface for gas and oil companies.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREE DETAILSEARCH GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Geological Engineering Degree

Geological engineers combine engineering and research skills for mining and construction projects.
Construction firms hire Geological engineers. They assess ground conditions and other natural hazards
(earthquakes, etc.) before starting construction. With declining natural resources available, Geological
engineers are in high demand. Geological Engineers work in the private sector or governmental agencies.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Nuclear Engineering Degree

Nuclear engineers are at the core of development for the ever growing use of nuclear power. The
medical field has become the largest beneficiary of many new developments. Nuclear engineers work for
consulting firms, power plants, and government agencies. As expected, the demand for nuclear
engineers in nuclear power plants is high. The design, implementation, and maintenance of the plant is
one aspect of their duties. Many Nuclear Engineers also move into supervision and management.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Marine Engineering Degree

marine engineering degreeA Marine engineer applies knowledge to the development of ocean
technologies. Technologies include fixed and floating structures, such as pontoons and jetties, propulsion
and power generation for boats, ships and other marine transportation, and developing new forms of
energy that are reliant on our oceans including wind farms.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

Engineering Physics

An engineering physics degree combines engineering with physics and allows students to study the areas
where these two areas intersect. It is also a precursor to graduate studies in either physics or
engineering. Most graduates will work in research or another field of engineering such as mechanical
engineering or nuclear engineering. The demand for this type of graduate is particularly high.
Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

Photonics Engineering Degree

Photons are a specific type of light. Photonics engineering concerns itself with the exploration of light.
this includes generation of light, processing of light signals, amplification of light and modulation.
Industries that utilize this kind of technology include Telecommunications (optical signal processing and
communication), Medical, Manufacturing, Aviation and computing to name just a few. Over the course
of the next decade opportunities for qualified Photonics Engineers is expected to increase significantly.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Nanotechnology Engineering

Nano essentially refers to a billionth e.g. one nano-meter is 1 billionth of a meter or between 2 and 20
atoms in length. Nanotechnology is the study of extremely small elements such as molecules and single
atoms and the production of extremely small devices. Nanotechnology is expected to be as important to
us as the industrial revolution over time as it has the potential to help solve some of the world’s major
problems including health and environmental concerns. Nanotechnology is a very specialised discipline
that can be applied to a very broad range of industries and fields.

Available in: Certificate, Master’s and Doctorate.

Mining Engineering Degree

A mining Engineering degree involves studying the extraction of mined resources from the earth in a
safe, economical and environmentally responsible manner. Engineers are involved in the mining industry
in areas such as: machinery production and design, mine design, mine construction. Mining Engineers
may work closely with Geologists to discover the most effective extraction techniques and can be
employed on site or work remotely.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Ceramics Engineering Degree

As the name implies. Ceramics engineers develop products from ceramics (ceramics being non metal,
non organic materials that are generally produced by heating and cooling). Ceramics are often more
suitable than metals in many cases due to their heat and cool resistance and can often be found in
industries such as: medical, mining and electronics.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Metallurgical Engineering Degree

A Metallurgical Engineering Degree involves the study of engineering principles to extract and in many
cases purify metals and other minerals from ore. Metallurgical Engineers develop and design processing
techniques and machinery and have to take into account the environmental impact of mineral
processing.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Geomatics Engineering Degree

A Geomatics Engineering degree involves the study of precise measurement for mapping the earth’s
environment using advanced equipment and techniques. Geomatics Engineers play an important role in
planning future infrastructure and often work with large amounts of data to form digital replications of
terrain and develop 3D maps. This also includes the study of GPS technology. There is a shortage of
qualified Geomatics professionals and as a result they are in great demand.

Available in: Master’s and Doctorate.

Project Management Degree

Many engineers that wish to continue advancing in their corporation choose to pursue a project
management degree. Some engineers can become a project manager without a project management
degree, but a project management degree helps you learn PM principles to ensure all engineering
branches work together for the completion of typically large projects. Many engineers work with project
managers, but civil engineers, architectural engineers, and electrical engineers work with a project
manager for nearly every road/highway or building/construction project. Having the PM experience can
give you a more comprehensive vantage point from all engineering angles.

Available in: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEGREE DETAILSEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS

Engineering Degrees by Degree Level

For those that may be undecided on which specific type of engineering they want to study, but are
interested in entering an engineering program, consider viewing engineering degree by degree level.
There are multiple options here: undergraduate options include Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in
Engineering. Graduate-level options include Master’s of Engineering, MBA in Engineering, and Doctorate
of Engineering programs. You can view more specifics on our degree detail summaries:

Undergraduate Engineering Degrees

Associate’s in Engineering Degree – entry level, 2-year program (or less), online programs

Bachelor’s in Engineering Degree – entry level, typically 4-year program, online programs

Graduate Engineering Degrees

Master’s in Engineering Degree – Bachelor’s degree typically required, 2-year program (or less), many
online options

MBA in Engineering Degree – Bachelor’s degree typically required, 18-24 month program, many online
options

Doctorate in Engineering Degree – Master’s degree typically required, some online options

The list above represents the many different types of Engineering Degrees available. Some degrees will
overlap to some extent while some degrees are very specialized, and as a result, so is the education. If
you have a suggestion for this list, please contact us and we will review the engineering program.
Engineering Branches List

List of Engineering Disciplines

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Engineering applies science to study and design equipment and processes.

Engineering applies science to study and design equipment and processes. Nicola
Tree/DigitalVision/Getty Images

by

Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated March 01, 2019

Engineers apply scientific principles to design or develop structures, equipment, or processes.

Engineering encompasses several disciplines. Traditionally, the main branches of engineering are
chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, but there
are many other areas of specialization.

Key Takeaways: Branches of Engineering

Engineering is a huge discipline. In general, an engineer applies scientific knowledge to solve practical
problems and design equipment and processes.

Engineering students typically study one of the main branches of engineering: chemical, electrical, civil,
and mechanical.

Many more disciplines are available, with more described over time. Examples include aerospace
engineering and computer engineering.

Here is a summary of the main branches of engineering:

Acoustical Engineering

Engineering concerned with the analysis and control of vibration, particularly sound vibrations.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineering deals with aeronautics and astronautic engineering, including the design and
analysis of aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft.

Agricultural Engineering

This branch of engineering deals with farm machinery and structures, natural resources, bioenergy and
farm power systems. Sub-disciplines include food engineering, aquaculture, and bioprocess engineering.

Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineers are involved in the design, manufacture, and performance of cars and trucks.

Biological Engineering

Biological engineering is applied biology and medicine. It includes biomedical engineering, biochemical
engineering, protein engineering, genetic engineering, and tissue engineering.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary specialty that applies engineering principles to medical and
biological problems and systems. This discipline commonly deals with medical therapies, monitoring
devices, and diagnostic tools.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering (CE) applies chemistry to develop new materials and processes to convert
materials into useful products.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering (CE) is one of the oldest forms of engineering. Civil engineering pertains to the
discipline pertaining to the design, construction, analysis, and maintenance of structures, both natural
and man-made, including bridge, roads, dams, and buildings. Sub-disciplines of civil engineering may
include construction engineering, materials engineering, control engineering, structural engineering,
urban engineering, municipal engineering, biomechanics, and surveying.
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Computer Engineering

Computer engineering integrates computer science with electrical engineering to develop and analyze
circuits, microprocessors, and computers. Computer engineers tend to focus more on hardware while
software engineers traditionally focus on programming and software design.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering (EE) involves the study and application of electricity and electronics. Some
consider computer engineering and software engineering to be subdisciplines of electrical engineering.
Electronic engineering, optical engineering, power engineering, control engineering, and
telecommunications engineering are EE specialities.

Energy Engineering

Energy engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering field that integrates aspects of mechanical,

chemical, and electrical engineering to address alternative energy, energy efficiency, plant engineering,
environmental compliance, and related technologies.

Engineering Management

Engineering management combines engineering and management principles to develop and assess
business practices. These engineers help plan and administrate businesses from their inception through
operation. They are involved in product development, design engineering, construction, manufacturing,
and marketing.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering works to prevent or remediate pollution or to maintain or improve the

natural environment. This includes water, land, and air resources. Related disciplines are industrial
hygiene and environmental engineering law.

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering pertains to the design and study of logistics and industrial resources. Types of
industrial engineering include safety engineering, construction engineering, manufacturing engineering,
textile engineering, reliability engineering, component engineering, and systems engineering.
Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing engineering designs, studies and develops machines, tool, manufacturing processes, and
equipment.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering (ME) may be considered the mother of all engineering branches. Mechanical
engineering applies physical principles and materials science to the design, manufacture, and analysis of
mechanical systems.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, frequently in the analysis of
automated systems. Robotics, avionics, and instrumentation engineering may be considered types of
mechatronics.

Nanoengineering

Nanoengineering is the application of engineering on the vastly miniaturized or nanoscopic scale.

Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear engineering is the practical application of nuclear processes, such as those used to produce and
harness nuclear power.

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers apply scientific principles to detect, drill and extract crude oil and natural gas. Types
of petroleum engineering includes drilling engineering, reservoir engineering, and production
engineering.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineering pertains to the design and analysis of load-bearing structures and supports. In
many cases, this is a subdiscipline of civil engineering, but structural engineering also applies to other
structures, such as vehicles and machinery.

Vehicle Engineering

Engineering pertaining to design, manufacture, and operation of vehicles and their components.
Branches of vehicle engineering include naval architecture, automotive engineering, and aerospace
engineering.

There are many more engineering branches, with more being developed all the time as new
technologies develop. Many undergraduates start out seeking degrees in mechanical, chemical, civil, or
electrical engineering and develop specializations through internships, employment, and advanced
education.

Owlcation»STEM»Physics

Physics: Definition and Branches

Updated on August 21, 2019

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Muhammad Rafiq more

Muhammad Rafiq is a freelance writer, blogger, and translator with a Master's degree in English
literature from the University of Malakand.

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What Is Physics?

The word physics is derived from the Latin word physica, which means "natural thing."

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, physics is defined as:

Definition of "Physics" by the Oxford English Dictionary

"The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject
matter of physics includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and
the structure of atoms."

Another definition by the digital encyclopedia Microsoft Encarta describes physics as:

Definition of "Physics" by Microsoft Encarta

“A major science dealing with 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.”

What these definitions indicate is that physics is a branch of science that deals with the properties of
matter and energy and the relationship between them. It also tries to explain the material world and the
natural phenomena of the universe.

The scope of physics is very wide and vast. It deals with not only the tinniest particles of atoms, but also
natural phenomenon like the galaxy, the milky way, solar and lunar eclipses, and more. While it is true
that physics is a branch of science, there are many sub-branches within the field of physics. In this article,
we will explore each of them in depth.

What Are the Branches of Physics?

While there are more branches sprouting up as science and technology progresses, there are generally
11 branches of physics. These are as follows.

Branches of Physics

Classical physics

Modern physics

Nuclear physics

Atomic physics
Geophysics

Biophysics

Mechanics

Acoustics

Optics

Thermodynamics

Astrophysics

Continue reading to explore each of these branches in depth.

1. Classical Physics

This branch of physics is mainly concerned with the laws of motion and gravitation as outlined in Sir
Isaac Newton and James Clark Maxwell’s kinetic theory and thermodynamics, respectively. This branch
of physics deals mostly with matter and energy. Often, physics which date before 1900 are considered
classical physics, whereas physic which date after 1900 are considered modern physics.

In classical physics, energy and matter are considered separate entities. Acoustics, optics, classical
mechanics, and electromagnetics are traditionally branches within classical physics. Moreover, any
theory of physics that is considered null and void in modern physics automatically falls under the realm
of classical physics.

As Newton's Laws are one of the main features of classical physics, let's examine them.

What Are the Three Laws of Physics?

The three laws of physics, as they are commonly referred to, are known formally as Newton's laws of
motion. They are considered the basis of classical mechanics. Newton's laws describe the motion of a
body upon which forces may act and which may exert forces on other bodies.
When we speak of bodies, we are not speaking of actual human bodies (although human bodies can be
included in this definition), but of any piece of matter upon which a force may act. Newton's three laws
are outlined below.

Newton's Laws of Motion (The Three Laws of Physics)

Law of Inertia: A body remains at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by a
force.

Force = Mass x Acceleration: A body's rate of change of momentum is proportional to the force causing
it.

Action = Reaction: When a force acts on a body due to another body, then an equal and opposite force
acts simultaneously on that body.

The Three Laws of Physics Explained (Video)

2. Modern Physics

Modern physics is a branch of physics that is mainly concerned with the theory of relativity and quantum
mechanics.

Albert Einstein and Max Plank were the pioneers of modern of physics as the first scientists to introduce
the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, respectively.

In modern physics, energy and matter are not considered as separate entities. Rather, they are
considered different forms of each other.

What Are the Two Pillars of Modern Physics?

The two pillars of modern physics are as follows.

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity

Max Plank's quantum theory.

What Is the Theory of Relativity?

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity is one of the most important discoveries of the contemporary age,
and states that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers. As a result of this
discovery, Einstein was able to confirm that space and time are interwoven in a single continuum known
as space-time. As such, events that occur at the same time for one observer could occur at different
times for another.

Einstein's theory of relativity is summarized in the formula:

E = mc^2

In this equation, "E" represents energy, "m" represents mass, and "c" represents the speed of light.

Einstein's Theory of Relativity Explained (Video)

What Is Quantum Theory?

Discovered by Max Plank in 1900, quantum theory is the theoretical basis of modern physics that
explains the nature and behaviour of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level. The nature
and behaviour of matter and energy at that level is sometimes referred to as quantum physics and
quantum mechanics.

Plank discovered that energy exists in individual units in the same way that matter does, rather than just
as a constant electromagnetic wave. Thus, energy was quantifiable. The existence of these units, called
quanta, act as the basis of Plank's quantum theory.

3. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that deals with the constituents, structure, behaviour and
interactions of atomic nuclei. This branch of physics should not be confused with atomic physics, which
studies the atom as a whole, including its electrons.
According to the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, nuclear physics is defined as:

“The branch of physics in which the structure, forces, and behaviour of the atomic nucleus are studied.”

In the modern age, nuclear physics has become very wide in its scope and has been applied in many
fields. It is used in power generation, nuclear weapons, medicines, magnetic resonance, imaging,
industrial and agricultural isotopes, and more.

Who Discovered Nuclear Physics?

The history of nuclear physics as a distinct field from atomic physics begins with the discovery of
radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896. The discovery of the electron one year later indicated that the
atom had an internal structure.

With this, studies began on the nuclei of atoms, thus nuclear physics was born.

Nuclear physicists examine only the nucleus, not the atom as a whole.

Nuclear physicists examine only the nucleus, not the atom as a whole. | Source

4. Atomic Physics

Atomic physics is a branch of physics that deals with the composition of the atom apart from the
nucleus. It is mainly concerned with the arrangement and behaviour of electrons in the shells around the
nucleus. Thus, atomic physics mostly examines electrons, ions, and neutral atoms.

One of the earliest steps towards atomic physics was recognizing that all matter is comprised of atoms.
The true beginning of atomic physics is marked by the discovery of spectral lines and the attempt to
explain them. This resulted in an entirely new understanding of the structure of atoms and how they
behave.
5. Geophysics

Geophysics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of the Earth. It is mainly concerned with the
shape, structure and composition of the Earth, but geophysicists also study gravitational force, magnetic
fields, earthquakes, magma, and more.

Geophysics was only recognized as a separate discipline in the 19th century, but its origins date back to
ancient times. The first magnetic compasses were made from

All of these discoveries can be included in the field of geophysics, which is defined as:

"a natural science concerned with the physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its
surrounding space environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis."

Computer simulation of the Earth's magnetic field in a period of normal polarity between reversals.

Computer simulation of the Earth's magnetic field in a period of normal polarity between reversals. |
Source

6. Biophysics

According to the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, biophysics is defined as:

“the interdisciplinary study of biological phenomena and problems, using the principles and techniques
of physics.”

Biophysics studies biological problems and the structure of molecules in living organisms using
techniques derived from physics. One of the most groundbreaking achievements of biophysics is the
discovery of the structure of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) by James Watson and Francis Crick.

Poll

Physics is the study of:

Matter and Energy

Matter and Work

Light and Heat

Earth and Astronomy

See results

7. Mechanical Physics

Mechanical physics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of material objects under the
influence of forces.

Often called just mechanics, mechanical physics falls under two main branches:

Classical mechanics

Quantum mechanics

Classical mechanics deals with the laws of motion of physical objects and the forces that cause the
motion, while quantum mechanics is the branch of physics which deals with the behaviour of smallest
particles (i.e. electrons, neutrons, and protons).

What Are the Main Branches of Mechanics?

Mechanics can be broken down into eight sub-branches. These are as follows:

Applied mechanics

Celestial mechanics

Continuum mechanics

Dynamics

Kinematics

Kinetics

Statics
Statistical mechanics

8. Acoustics

The word "acoustics" is derived from a Greek word akouen, meaning "to hear."

Hence, we can define acoustics as a branch of physics that studies how sound is produced, transmitted,
received and controlled. Acoustics also deals with the effects of sounds in various mediums (i.e. gas,
liquid, and solids).

9. Optics

Optics is a branch of physics that studies electromagnetic radiation (for example, light and infrared
radiation), its interactions with matter, and instruments used to gather information due to these
interactions. Optics includes the study of sight.

The Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia defines optics as:

“a branch of physical science dealing with the propagation and behaviour of light. In a general sense,
light is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends from X rays to microwaves and includes
the radiant energy that produces the sensation of vision.”

Who Invented Optics?

Optics began with the creation of lenses by the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. This was
followed up by theories of light and vision developed by ancient Greek philosophers and the
development of geometric optics in the Greco-Roman world.

These earlier studies on optics are known as classical optics. Studies that came after the 20th century,
such as wave optics and quantum optics, are known as modern optics.

10. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to
energy and work. The behaviour of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics.

Who Discovered Thermodynamics?

The field of thermodynamics was developed from the work of Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot who believed
that engine efficiency was the key that could help France win the Napoleonic Wars.

The Scottish physicist Lord Kelvin was the first to come up with a concise definition of thermodynamics.
His definition stated:

"Thermo-dynamics is the subject of the relation of heat to forces acting between contiguous parts of
bodies, and the relation of heat to electrical agency."

What Are the Four Laws of Thermodynamics?

The four laws of thermodynamics are as follows.

If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each
other. This law helps define the concept of temperature.

When energy passes, as work, as heat, or with matter, into or out from a system, the system's internal
energy changes in accord with the law of conservation of energy. Equivalently, perpetual motion
machines of the first kind (machines that produce work with no energy input) are impossible.

In a natural thermodynamic process, the sum of the entropies of the interacting thermodynamic systems
increases. Equivalently, perpetual motion machines of the second kind (machines that spontaneously
convert thermal energy into mechanical work) are impossible.

The entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the temperature approaches absolute zero.
With the exception of non-crystalline solids (glasses), the entropy of a system at absolute zero is typically
close to zero, and is equal to the natural logarithm of the product of the quantum ground states.

11. Astrophysics

The word "astrophysics" is a combination of two Latin-derived words: astro, which means "star," and
phisis, which means "nature."
Thus, astrophysics can be defined as a branch of astronomy which is concerned with the study of
universe (i.e., stars, galaxies, and planets) using the laws of physics.

What Is the Difference Between and Astrophysicist and an Astronomer?

Technically speaking, astronomers only measure the positions and characteristics of celestial bodies,
whereas astrophysicists use the application physics to understand astronomy.

However, the terms are now used interchangeably, since all astronomers use physics to conduct their
research.

Different Branches of Physics with Definitions and Topics

branches of physicsThe branch of science which deals with the interaction of matter and energy is called
physics. There are Two Main Branches of Physics, Classical Physics and Modern Physics. Further sub
Physics branches are Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics, etc..

The rapid progress in science during recent years has become possible due to discoveries and inventions
in the field of physics. The technologies of our modern society throughout the world are related to
physics. For example, a car is made on the principle of mechanics and a refrigerator is based on the
principles of thermodynamics.
Importance of physics in our daily life

In our daily life, we hardly find a device in which laws of physics are not involved.

Examples

Pulleys are used to lift heavy loads.

Electricity is used to get light, heat and mechanical energy that drives fans and electric motors.

Means of transportation such as cars and airplanes, domestic appliances such as air conditioners,
refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and microwave oven, etc.

The means of communication such as radio, TV, telephone, and computer are the result of applications
of physics. These devices have made our lives much easier and faster and more comfortable than in the
past.

The computer is the invention of physics.

Branches of physics list

In the practical field, the common branches of physics are:

Mechanics

Classical physics

Modern physics

Thermodynamics

Electricity

Magnetism

Geo physics

Plasma physics

Optics

Sound and oscillation

Electronics

Chemical physics

Engineering physics

Solid state physics

Quantum physics

Nuclear physics

Particle physics

Bio physics

Astrophysics

Condensed matter physics

10 branches of physics and their definition

Mechanics

It is the study of the motion of objects, its causes, and effects.

Sub branches of mechanics are:

Classical mechanics

Kinematics

Dynamics

Statistical mechanics

Thermodynamics (Heat)

It is the study of nature of heat, modes of transfer and effects of heat.

Sound

It is the study of physical aspects of sound waves, their production, properties, and applications.
Light(optic)

It is the study of physical aspects of light, its properties and use of optical instruments.

Electricity and Magnetism

It is the study of the charges at rest and in motion, their effects and their relationship with magnetism.

Atomic physics

It is the study of the structure and properties of atoms.

Nuclear physics

It is the study of properties and behavior of nuclei and the particles.

Plasma physics

It is the study of production, properties of the ionic state of matter.

Geophysics

It is the study of the internal structure of the earth.

Classical physics

The branch of physics that deals with newton’s laws of motion, the law of gravitation, Maxwell’s kinetic
theory and thermodynamics.

The classical physics is mostly related to energy and matter which are considered as different entities.
Main branches of classical physics are Acoustics, optics, classical mechanics and electromagnetic.
Major subtopics of classical physics

Classical mechanics

Electromagnetism

Thermodynamics

Quantum physics

Major subtopics of Quantum physics

Quantum mechanics

Quantum statistics

Quantum electrodynamics

Quantum field theory

Relativistic Physics

Special relativity

General relativity

Einstein field equations

Modern physics

It is the branch of physics which deals with the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Max plank
and Einstein are considered the father of modern physics.

Bio Physics

Bio physics is the branch of physics in which we study biological problems and phenominas by using
techniques of physics. Major application and achievement of biophysics is D.N.A.

Astrophysics

The branch of physics which deals with the study of universes such as stars, planets and galaxies, etc

Electronics
Electronics is the branch of physics in which motion of an electron is controlled by using semiconductor
devices.

Chemical physics

It is the study of the science of physical relations which involved in chemistry.

Engineering physics

It is the study of fields of physics and engineering.

Econophysics

It deals with physical processes and their relations in the science of economy.

Health physics

It involves the protection of people works with are near radiation.

Mathematical physics

It is the study of mathematical systems that stands for physical phenomena.

Molecular physics

It examines the structure, properties, and behavior of molecules.

Particle physics

It is also called high energy physics, analyses the behavior and properties of elementary particles.
Chemistry can be grouped into five major branches. These are Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry,
Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Biochemistry.

Organic Chemistry

This is the branch of chemistry that studies chemical compounds that contain the element carbon, and
carbon-hydrogen bonds (C-H). Organic chemists (chemists who specialize in organic chemistry) seek to
understand the structure, properties, and the kind of reactions such compounds undergo. With this
understanding, they can identify and classify the various naturally occurring organic compounds and also
create organic compounds with desired properties and functions.

Organic chemistry is in the heart of such industries as the pharmaceutical, rubber, fuel, plastic,
cosmetics, detergent, dyestuffs, agrichemicals, and coatings industries.

Inorganic Chemistry

This branch of chemistry studies the reactions and properties of all chemical compounds that do not
have the C-H bonds. In other words, inorganic chemistry studies compounds that are not organic.
Inorganic compounds include minerals found in the earth's crust and non-living matter.

Physical Chemistry

This branch of chemistry studies the physical properties of chemical compounds using laws and concepts
of physics, such as motion, energy, force, time, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, statistical
mechanics and dynamics.
Physical properties of chemical compounds include, temperature, pressure, volume, electrical
conductivity, plasticity, tensile strength, surface tension in liquids, solubility, viscosity, boiling point,
melting point, and color.

Using mathematical models and formulas, physical chemists (specialists in physical chemistry) are able to
quantify the physical properties of chemical substances, and are also able to determine the effect certain
phenomena would have on the physical properties of chemical substances.

Analytical Chemistry

This branch of chemistry deals with the separation, identification and quantification of chemical
substances (analytes) in a given sample. In a simple way, the knowledge of analytical chemistry enables
chemists to determine the chemical substances that could be present in a given material.

Analytical chemistry involves two aspects: qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Qualitative
analysis involves processes that are carried out to identify a chemical substance in a given sample; while
quantitative analysis involves finding out the concentration or the amount of the substance in the
sample.

To effectively carry out the identification and quantification of chemical substances to a high degree of
accuracy, several chemical and physical methods have been developed.

Purely chemical methods were developed in the nineteenth century and are known as classical methods
(also called wet chemistry methods). Chemical or classical methods involve the use of chemical
substances of known composition to identify the analyte (chemical substance being investigated).
Analytes can also be identified by odor, color, boiling point, or melting point.

Quantitative analyses using classical methods include titrimetry, where the concentration of the analyte
is determined by the volume of a reagent required to completely react with it, and gravimetry, where the
amount of the analyte present is determined by the mass of product obtained from a chemical reaction
involving the chemical sample and a suitable chemical compound.
Classical methods are precise and highly accurate; however, they have some serious shortcomings. They
require adequate quantity of the sample and the concentration of the analyte in the sample must not be
lower than 0.1 percent. They also require trained chemists to carry them out, who may have to prepare
the standard solutions to be used.

Physical methods for identifying and quantifying chemical substances are based on the amount of light
absorbed or emitted by the analyte, or on the strength of an electrical signal produced by the analyte at
an electrode. Physical methods are also called instrumental methods because they rely on the use of
machines to determine the physical quantities of analytes.

Physical methods are not as accurate or precise as classical methods, but they require little sample and
can determine concentration of analytes that are below 0.1 percent of the sample. They also produce
faster results than classical methods. Instrumental methods are gradually replacing many classical
methods in today’s analytical chemistry as more powerful analytical machines are being invented.

Analytical chemistry has wide applications in environmental analysis, forensics, clinical analysis, materials
analysis, and bioanalysis.

Biochemistry

This is the branch of chemistry that studies the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of
chemical components of living systems (plants, insects, viruses, microorganisms, and mammals) to
understand how and why chemical reactions occur in them.

Biochemistry combines biology with organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and deals with issues
such as the fundamental changes that take place in diseases, the chemical basis of heredity, and how
living things derive energy from foods.

Biochemistry has wide applications in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, food science, and
agriculture. It also finds application in physiology, pharmacology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology
where biochemists (scientists that study biochemistry) may study the mechanism of a drug action;
research viral activities; study the mechanism of organ functioning; or apply chemical concepts,
procedures, and techniques to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of disease and evaluation of
health.
The 5 Main Branches of Chemistry

One of Several Ways Chemistry Can Be Divided Into Categories

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Main branches of chemistry: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry,
analytical chemistry

ThoughtCo / Derek Abella

by

Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Updated July 03, 2019

There are many branches of chemistry or chemistry disciplines. The five main branches are considered to
be organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.

Overview of the 5 Branches of Chemistry

Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon and its compounds; the study of the chemistry of life

Inorganic Chemistry: The study of compounds not covered by organic chemistry; the study of inorganic
compounds, or compounds that don't contain a C-H bond (many inorganic compounds contain metals)
Analytical Chemistry: The study of the chemistry of matter and the development of tools to measure
properties of matter

Physical Chemistry: The branch of chemistry that applies physics to the study of chemistry, which
commonly includes the applications of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics to chemistry

Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes that occur inside of living organisms

There are other ways chemistry can be divided into categories. Other examples of branches of chemistry
might include polymer chemistry and geochemistry. Chemical engineering might also be considered a
chemistry discipline. There is also overlap between disciplines; biochemistry and organic chemistry, in
particular, share a lot in common.

Explanation:

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Organic chemistry involves the study of the structure, properties, and preparation of chemical
compounds that consist primarily of carbon and hydrogen.

Organic chemistry overlaps with many areas including

Medicinal chemistry —the design, development, and synthesis of medicinal drugs. It overlaps with
pharmacology (the study of drug action).

Organometallic chemistry — the study of chemical compounds containing bonds between carbon and a
metal.

Polymer chemistry — the study of the chemistry of polymers.

Physical organic chemistry — the study of the interrelationships between structure and reactivity in
organic molecules.

Stereochemistry — the study of the spatial arrangements of atoms in molecules and their effects on the
chemical and physical properties of substances.

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Inorganic chemistry is the study of the properties and behaviour of inorganic compounds.

It covers all chemical compounds except organic compounds.

Inorganic chemists study things such as crystal structures, minerals, metals, catalysts, and most elements
in the Periodic Table.

Branches of inorganic chemistry include:

Bioinorganic chemistry — the study of the interaction of metal ions with living tissue, mainly through
their direct effect on enzyme activity.

Geochemistry — the study of the chemical composition and changes in rocks, minerals, and atmosphere
of the earth or a celestial body.

Nuclear chemistry — the study of radioactive substances.

Organometallic chemistry — the study of chemical compounds containing bonds between carbon and a
metal.

Solid-state chemistry — the study of the synthesis, structure, and properties of solid materials.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Analytical chemistry involves the qualitative and quantitative determination of the chemical components
of substances.

Examples of areas using analytical chemistry include:

Forensic chemistry — the application of chemical principles, techniques, and methods to the
investigation of crime.

Environmental chemistry —the study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in the
environment.It relies heavily on analytical chemistry and includes atmospheric, aquatic, and soil
chemistry.

Bioanalytical Chemistry — the examination of biological materials such as blood, urine, hair, saliva, and
sweat to detect the presence of specific drugs.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Physical Chemistry —the study of the effect of chemical structure on the physical properties of a
substance.

Physical chemists typically study the rate of a chemical reaction, the interaction of molecules with
radiation, and the calculation of structures and properties.

Sub-branches of physical chemistry include:

Photochemistry — the study of the chemical changes caused by light.

Surface chemistry — the study of chemical reactions at surfaces of substances. It includes topics like
adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, formation of colloids, corrosion, electrode processes, and
chromatography.

Chemical kinetics — the study of the rates of chemical reactions, the factors affecting those rates, and
the mechanism by which the reactions proceed.

Quantum chemistry — the mathematical description of the motion and interaction of subatomic
particles. It incorporates quantization of energy, wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, and
their relationship to chemical processes.

Spectroscopy — the use of the absorption, emission, or scattering of electromagnetic radiation by matter
to study the matter or the chemical processes it undergoes.

BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that take place in living things. It tries to explain them in
chemical terms.

Biochemical research includes cancer and stem cell biology, infectious disease, and cell membrane and
structural biology.

It spans molecular biology, genetics, biochemical pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, and agricultural
biochemistry.

Molecular biology — the study of the interactions between the various systems of a cell, such as the
different types of DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthesis.
Genetics — the study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.

Pharmacology — the study of mechanisms of drug action and the influence of drugs on an organism.

o Toxicology —a sub-branch of pharmacology that studies the effects of poisons on living organisms.

Clinical biochemistry — the study of the changes that disease causes in the chemical composition and
biochemical processes of the body.

Agricultural biochemistry — the study of the chemistry that occurs in plants, animals, and
microorganisms.

Thus, although there are FIVE main branches of chemistry, there are many sub-branches.

There is a huge overlap between Chemistry and Biology, Medicine, Physics, Geology, and many other
disciplines.

Chemistry really is THE CENTRAL SCIENCE.