21 Science and Engineering Professionals
Science and engineering professionals conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods; or apply scientific knowledge relating to fields such as physics, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, geophysics, geology, biology, ecology, pharmacology, medicine, mathematics, statistics, architecture, engineering, design and technology. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the fourth ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: conducting research, enlarging, advising on or applying scientific knowledge obtained through the study of structures and properties of physical matter and phenomena, chemical characteristics and processes of various substances, materials and products, all forms of human, animal and plant life and of mathematical and statistical concepts and methods; advising on, designing and directing construction of buildings, towns and traffic systems, or civil engineering and industrial structures, as well as machines and other equipment; advising on and applying mining methods and ensuring their optimum use; surveying land and sea and making maps; studying and advising on technological aspects of particular materials, products and processes, and on efficiency of production and work organization; preparing scientific papers and reports. Supervision of other workers may be included. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 211 Physical and Earth Science Professionals 212 Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians 213 Life Science Professionals 214 Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology) 215 Electrotechnology Engineers 216 Architects, Planners, Surveyors and Designers.
Where 21 sits in the ISCO-08 hierarchy
- >2 Professionals
- >>21 Science and Engineering Professionals
- >>21 Science and Engineering Professionals
Subcategories of 21 Science and Engineering Professionals
- 211Physical and Earth Science Professionals
Physical and earth science professionals conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods; or apply scientific knowledge relating to physics, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, geology and geophysics. Tasks performed usually include: enlarging scientific knowledge through research and experiments related to mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, sonics, electricity, magnetism, electronics, nuclear physics, astronomy, various branches of chemistry, atmospheric conditions and the physical nature of the Earth; advising on or applying this knowledge in such fields as manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, navigation, space exploration, oil, gas, water and mineral exploitation, telecommunications and other services, or civil engineering; preparing scientific papers and reports. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups: 2111 Physicists and Astronomers 2112 Meteorologists 2113 Chemists 2114 Geologists and Geophysicists.
- 212Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians
Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians conduct research; improve or develop mathematical, actuarial and statistical concepts, theories and operational models and techniques; and apply this knowledge to a wide range of tasks in such fields as engineering, business and social and other sciences. Tasks performed usually include: studying, improving and developing mathematical, actuarial and statistical theories and techniques; advising on or applying mathematical principles, models and techniques to a wide range of tasks in the fields of engineering, natural, social or life sciences; conducting logical analyses of management problems, especially in terms of input-output effectiveness, and formulating mathematical models of each problem usually for programming and solution by computer; designing and putting into operation pension schemes and life, health, social and other types of insurance systems; applying mathematics, statistics, probability and risk theory to assess potential financial impacts of future events; planning and organizing surveys and other statistical collections, and designing questionnaires; evaluating, processing, analysing and interpreting statistical data and preparing them for publication; advising on or applying various data collection methods and statistical methods and techniques, and determining reliability of findings, especially in such fields as business or medicine as well as in other areas of natural, social or life sciences; preparing scientific papers and reports; supervising the work of mathematical, actuarial and statistical assistants and statistical clerks. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit group: 2120 Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians.
- 213Life Science Professionals
Life science professionals apply knowledge gained from research into human, animal and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment to develop new knowledge, improve agricultural and forestry production, and solve human health and environmental problems. Tasks performed usually include: collecting, analysing and evaluating experimental and field data to identify and develop new processes and techniques; providing advice and support to governments, organizations and businesses about ecological sustainable development of natural resources. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups: 2131 Biologists, Botanists, Zoologists and Related Professionals 2132 Farming, Forestry and Fisheries Advisers 2133 Environmental Protection Professionals.
- 214Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology)
Engineering professionals (excluding electrotechnology) design, plan and organize the testing, construction, installation and maintenance of structures, machines and their components, and production systems and plants; and plan production schedules and work procedures to ensure that engineering projects are undertaken safely, efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. Tasks performed usually include: planning and designing chemical process systems, civil engineering projects, mechanical equipment and systems, mining and drilling operations, and other engineering projects; specifying and interpreting drawings and plans, and determining construction methods; supervising the construction of structures, water and gas supply and transportation systems, and the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of equipment, machines and plant; organizing and managing project labour and the delivery of materials, plant and equipment; estimating total costs and preparing detailed cost plans and estimates as tools for budgetary control; resolving design and operational problems in the various fields of engineering through the application of engineering technology. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups: 2141 Industrial and Production Engineers 2142 Civil Engineers 2143 Environmental Engineers 2144 Mechanical Engineers 2145 Chemical Engineers 2146 Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Related Professionals 2149 Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified.
- 215Electrotechnology Engineers
Electrotechnology engineers conduct research on and design, advise, plan and direct the construction and operation of electronic, electrical and telecommunications systems, components, motors and equipment. They organize and establish control systems to monitor the performance and safety of electrical and electronic assemblies and systems. Tasks performed usually include: conducting research, advising on and directing the maintenance and repair of electrical, electronic and telecommunications products and systems; advising on and designing power stations and systems that generate, transmit and distribute electrical power; establishing control standards to monitor performance and safety of electrical, electronic and telecommunication systems and equipment. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups: 2151 Electrical Engineers 2152 Electronics Engineers 2153Telecommunications Engineers.
- 216Architects, Planners, Surveyors and Designers
Architects, planners, surveyors and designers plan and design landscapes, building exteriors and interiors, products for manufacture, and visual and audiovisual content for the communication of information. They conduct survey work to precisely position geographical features; design, prepare and revise maps; and develop and implement plans and policies for controlling the use of land. Tasks performed usually include: determining the objectives and constraints of the design brief by consulting with clients and stakeholders; formulating design concepts and plans that harmonize aesthetic considerations with technical, functional, ecological and production requirements; preparing sketches, diagrams, illustrations, animations, plans, maps, charts, samples and models to communicate design concepts and other information; analysing photographs, satellite imagery, survey documents and data, maps, records, reports and statistics; undertaking research and analysing functional, spatial, commercial, cultural, safety, environmental and aesthetic requirements. Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups: 2161 Building Architects 2162 Landscape Architects 2163 Product and Garment Designers 2164 Town and Traffic Planners 2165 Cartographers and Surveyors 2166 Graphic and Multimedia Designers.
Other ISCO-08 codes under 21 Science and Engineering Professionals
Frequently asked questions
- What is ISCO-08 21?
- ISCO-08 21 is "Science and Engineering Professionals". Science and engineering professionals conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods; or apply scientific knowledge relating to fields such as physics, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, geophysics, geology, biology, ecology, pharmacology, medicine, mathematics, statistics, architecture, engineering, design and technology. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the fourth ISCO skill level. Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: conducting research, enlarging, advising on or applying scientific knowledge obtained through the study of structures and properties of physical matter and phenomena, chemical characteristics and processes of various substances, materials and products, all forms of human, animal and plant life and of mathematical and statistical concepts and methods; advising on, designing and directing construction of buildings, towns and traffic systems, or civil engineering and industrial structures, as well as machines and other equipment; advising on and applying mining methods and ensuring their optimum use; surveying land and sea and making maps; studying and advising on technological aspects of particular materials, products and processes, and on efficiency of production and work organization; preparing scientific papers and reports. Supervision of other workers may be included. Occupations in this sub-major group are classified into the following minor groups: 211 Physical and Earth Science Professionals 212 Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians 213 Life Science Professionals 214 Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology) 215 Electrotechnology Engineers 216 Architects, Planners, Surveyors and Designers.
- What does ISCO-08 21 include?
- 21 Science and Engineering Professionals contains 6 direct subcategories: 211 Physical and Earth Science Professionals; 212 Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians; 213 Life Science Professionals; 214 Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology); 215 Electrotechnology Engineers; 216 Architects, Planners, Surveyors and Designers.
- What is the parent category of 21?
- 21 Science and Engineering Professionals sits under 21 Science and Engineering Professionals in the ISCO-08 hierarchy.
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