Statistics is a mathematical science which deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation and presentation of data. It also provides the means for prediction and forecasting based on data. Statistics as a tool is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities, government and business. Its methods can be used to summarise or describe a collection of data; this is called descriptive statistics.
Chemistry is a Physical Science that studies the structures, compositions, reactions and other properties of substances. Both Chemistry and Physics study matter and energy and their interactions, but while Physics focuses more on the nuclear part of the atom; Chemistry tends to focus on the properties of substances and their interactions, particularly reactions that involve electrons. Chemistry is often referred to as the Central Science because it connects the Physical Sciences such as Physics with the Life Sciences & Applied Sciences such as Medicine and Engineering.
Mathematics is the body of knowledge justified by deductive reasoning about abstract structures, starting from axioms and definitions. As a Formal Science, Mathematics is not concerned with the validity of theories based on observations in the real world, but with the properties of formal systems based on definitions and rules. In a broad sense, Mathematics goes beyond the study of numbers, counting and measuring to the study of number patterns, relationships and communicating concepts. The field is classified into Pure/Theoretical Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Computer Science is the systematic study of the principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It is a broad field but its central objective is to study and understand the mathematical, scientific and engineering principles that underline all computing systems. Without an understanding and design of computers and computational processes; today’s ICT front- end tools such as Automated Teller Machine (ATM), the mobile phone, the internet and supercomputers used in meteorology and medicine will not have come into existence.
Physics is a physical science that studies matter and the energy fundamentals and forces that govern interactions between particles. The subject embraces the study of a wide range of phenomena from the very small to the very large from quarks to galactic structures along with everything in-between. Physics is considered as the fundamentals science because all other natural sciences apply the principles and laws established by it.
Veterinary Medicine is the branch of science that deals with the application of medical, surgical, public health, dental, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to non-human animals including wildlife and domesticated animals, including livestock, working animals and companion animals. The study of Veterinary Medicine permits the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and dysfunctions of animals, specifically caring for health of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks and laboratories.
Soil Science focuses on the study of the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as it relates to plant growth. It is a multi-disciplinary subject combining aspects of physics, chemistry, biology, pedology (the science of natural soils) and geomorphology (the study of the physical features of the Earth’s surface). Soil Science encompasses how soil forms, its role in the environment, land conservation and rehabilitation issues.
Post-harvest technology deals with the science applied to agricultural produce after harvest for the purpose of preservation, conservation, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and marketing to meet the food and nutritional requirements of consumers. Post-harvest technology ensures the quality of perishables while improving the sustainability of the fresh chain.
Horticulture is the science and art that deals with the propagation, cultivation, processing and marketing of vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants. Horticulture is broadly categorised into Olericulture, Pomology, Floriculture and Landscape Horticulture. Olericulture is concerned with the production, storage, processing and marketing of vegetables. Pomology deals with the science and practice of fruit production whereas Floriculture deals with the cultivation and management of flowering plants, foliage plants and cut flowers.
Family and Consumer Science (FCOS) is concerned with the improvement of the quality of life of the family as a consumer of goods and services in the global environment. The discipline is an amalgam of natural and social sciences and the Arts. FCOS examines the social, economic and cultural context in which families and individuals live and their likely effect on either creating opportunities or barriers for them. The physical, social and emotional principles that are offered by FCOS are crucial to understanding families and children and how to improve their welfare.