Natural science is a broad field of study concerned with the description, understanding, and prediction of natural phenomena based on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation [1.2, 1.5]. It seeks to uncover the laws of nature and explain how the physical world and the universe operate [1.3, 1.6].

It is traditionally divided into two main branches, which are then further subdivided into a diverse range of specializations.

Main Branches of Natural Science

1. Life Science (Biology)

This branch focuses on the study of living organisms and life processes [1.1, 1.3, 1.7].

  • Core Focus: Characteristics, classification, behavior, evolution, and interactions of organisms with each other and the environment [1.2, 1.6].

2. Physical Science

This branch investigates non-living systems and phenomena [1.3, 1.5, 1.7]. It is typically subdivided into four core areas:

  • Physics: The fundamental study of matter, energy, time, and space, and their interactions, including concepts like force, motion, heat, and light [1.3, 1.4, 1.6].
  • Chemistry: The science of matter and the changes it undergoes, focusing on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances [1.3, 1.4, 1.6].
  • Earth Science (Geoscience): An all-embracing term for the sciences related to Planet Earth, including its formation, structure, and physical phenomena like weather and oceans [1.2, 1.4, 1.6].
  • Astronomy: The study of celestial objects (stars, planets, galaxies, comets) and phenomena that originate outside of Earth's atmosphere [1.4, 1.6, 1.7].

Key Areas of Specialization

Within the main branches, there is a vast array of specialized fields, including cross-disciplinary areas where two or more sciences intersect [1.2, 1.6].

Specializations within Life Science (Biology)

Life science is often specialized by the type of organism or the scale of study [1.2].

Specialization

Focus

Molecular Biology

The fundamental chemistry of life, examining organic molecules [1.2].

Cellular Biology

The study of the cell, the basic building block of all life [1.2].

Genetics

The study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation in living organisms [1.2, 2.1].

Anatomy & Physiology

The study of the internal structure and function of organisms [1.2, 2.1].

Ecology

The relationship between living organisms and their physical environment [1.2, 2.1].

Botany

The scientific study of plants [1.2].

Zoology

The scientific study of animals [1.2, 2.1].

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) [1.2, 2.1].

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system and the brain [2.1, 2.4].

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Specializations within Physical Science

Specialization

Focus

Astrophysics

The physics of the universe, including the properties of celestial objects [1.6, 2.1].

Geology

The solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change [1.2, 1.5].

Oceanography

The study of the oceans, including marine life, ecosystems, and physical conditions [1.2, 1.5].

Meteorology

The study of the Earth's atmosphere and weather systems [1.2, 1.5].

Planetary Science

The study of planets, moons, and planetary systems [1.2, 1.7].

Condensed Matter Physics

The physical properties of dense matter, such as solids and liquids [3.1].

Nuclear Physics

The study of atomic nuclei and their interactions [3.1].

Analytical Chemistry

The analysis of materials to understand their chemical composition and structure [1.5].

Organic Chemistry

The study of structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds [2.1].

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Interdisciplinary Specializations

Many modern scientific fields bridge the gap between the traditional branches, showing the interconnectedness of natural phenomena [1.6, 3.6].

Specialization

Focus

Bridge between...

Biochemistry

The chemistry of living organisms, focusing on biological processes at the molecular level [1.5, 2.1].

Biology and Chemistry

Biophysics

The application of physics principles to biological problems [1.2, 2.5].

Biology and Physics

Geochemistry

The study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its rocks and fluids [1.2, 1.7].

Earth Science and Chemistry

Materials Science

The discovery and design of new materials, often combining chemistry and physics [1.2, 2.1].

Physics and Chemistry

Environmental Science

An interdisciplinary study of environmental systems and human interaction with the environment [2.4, 2.6].

Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry