Applied Sciences

Applied Science is the use of the scientific method and knowledge obtained via conclusions from the method to attain practical goals. It includes a broad range of disciplines such as Engineering and Medicine. Applied Science is often contrasted with Basic Science, which is focused on advancing scientific theories and laws that explain and predict events in the natural world.

Applied Science can also apply formal science, such as Statistics and Probability Theory, as in Epidemiology. Genetic Epidemiology is an Applied Science applying both Biological and Statistical methods.

Outline of Applied Science and Branches of Applied Science:

Engineering fields include Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Kinematics, Electromagnetism, Materials Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Physics.

Medical Sciences, for instance Medical Microbiology and Clinical Virology, are Applied Sciences that apply Biology toward Medical knowledge and inventions, but not necessarily Medical Technology, whose development is more specifically Biomedicine or Biomedical Engineering.

Applied Research

Applied Research is the practical application of science. It accesses and uses accumulated theories, knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific, state-, business-, or client-driven purpose. Applied Research is contrasted with Pure Research / Basic Research in discussion about research ideals, methodologies, programs, and projects.

Applied Research usually has specific commercial objectives related to products, procedures, or services. The comparison of Pure Research and Applied Research provides a basic framework and direction for businesses to follow.

Applied Research deals with solving practical problems and generally employs empirical methodologies. Because Applied Research resides in the messy real world, strict research protocols may need to be relaxed. For example, it may be impossible to use a random sample. Thus, transparency in the methodology is crucial. Implications for interpretation of results brought about by relaxing an otherwise strict canon of methodology should also be considered.

Since Applied Research has a provisional close-to-the-problem and close-to-the-data orientation, it may also use a more provisional conceptual framework such as working hypotheses or pillar questions. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - OECD's Frascati Manual describes Applied Research as one of the three forms of research, along with Basic Research and Experimental Development. Due to its practical focus, Applied Research information will be found in the literature associated with individual disciplines.