Scientific knowledge that is applied to realistic problems for product efficiency, research and development, and product invention creates the field of applied sciences. There are a number of online schools that provide the opportunity for students to study in this field for an applied sciences degree. Applied sciences are connected to and often comparable to the field of engineering as well as business and technology. With an online program students will study specific areas such as management, business, computers, and more to ensure that the necessary technical and problem solving skills needed to enter the career of their choice are obtained. Degrees are available at several levels and can be obtained at the students’ leisure from the comfort of home.

• Associate Degree – An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) can be obtained from a number of online educational institutes. Students looking to earn a degree of this level can expect to take around two years for their training and education. With an education in applied sciences students can choose to concentrate their studies for a career in various fields. An Associates of Applied Science will provide students with an education in business and technology that can be utilized in almost any field. Basic coursework for students enrolled in an associate’s degree program may consist of information systems, networking, statistics, and business theory. With the skills and knowledge obtained through a number of courses students will be prepared for careers such as business administrator, accountant, and much more. An associate’s degree will provide the necessary education to continue learning and study for a bachelor’s degree. Read the rest of this entry »

A very comprehensive and exhaustive discussion was provided by Douglas Hague in his article bearing the same title as this one. I admit I was quite absorbed by his brilliant presentation of how scientists can manage science under certain stringent conditions, i.e., “if they themselves acquire a practical understanding of the social sciences, not least, of economics and of management; or if they work in inter-disciplinary teams which include and value those who do have such knowledge.”

I for one will not argue the points Hague presented. In fact, I’m personally inclined to also answer the question positively at the outset. But on a closer look at the faces of today’s science and scientists, I’m afraid I am more drawn toward the sobering reality that many if not most of them can’t actually do it.

In medical jurisprudence parlance, we have a concept called res ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”). It refers to an overwhelming circumstantial evidence actually present, proving a certain act of malpractice or negligence as in the case of a pair of forceps left in the abdominal cavity of a patient after a surgical procedure has already been completed and closed. Read the rest of this entry »