While remaining largely unknown by most people, metrology is one of the world's most crucial sciences. This is the science of measurement, and without we wouldn't have precise and safe machinery, safe houses and buildings, safe roads and much more. Metrologists are needed in a variety of industries, from aerospace to manufacturing.
There are several subfields of metrology, including fundamental metrology which is when scientists deal with the worldwide establishment of units of measurements. Another branch is applied metrology, which is the use of metrology in technical and industrial endeavors. The third subfield is legal metrology, which involves anything with an economic transaction and international trade. This includes careful construction and monitoring of anything from weighting devices to measuring the alcohol content in a bottle of wine.
There are several schools in the United States that offer two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in metrology. California State University, Dominguez Hills, for example, offers a Master of Science in Quality Assurance Degree. This prepares students for careers as quality auditors and quality engineers. Students learn advanced principles of measurement science as well as how to use a variety of metrology-related tools.
Calibration services are often performed by metrologists. This can include designing new types of calibration and measuring equipment or testing equipment to make sure that calibration is as precise as possible. Some firms that hire metrologists offer a host of calibration services as well as certification and repairs of calibration equipment.
There are many instruments with which you will need to become familiar, including optical tools that include alignment collimators, precision auto levels, LED illuminators and alignment telescopes. You also will learn how to use clinometers, theodolites and many types of levels and protractors. All of these tools are essential for taking precise measurements and important for both legal metrology as well as applied metrology. In addition to helping with various industrial tasks, metrologists also are needed for the precise operation of particle accelerators and x-ray fluorescence imaging.
There are several organizations that support the science of metrology, including the NCSL International, which works as both an advocacy group and a member-based organization with an annual convention. NCSL International sponsors educational scholarships and also publishes a metrology-related journal. Other key organizations include the International Bureau of Weights and Measurements, or BIPM, which seeks to provide uniformity in units of measurements throughout the world.
There are several subfields of metrology, including fundamental metrology which is when scientists deal with the worldwide establishment of units of measurements. Another branch is applied metrology, which is the use of metrology in technical and industrial endeavors. The third subfield is legal metrology, which involves anything with an economic transaction and international trade. This includes careful construction and monitoring of anything from weighting devices to measuring the alcohol content in a bottle of wine.
There are several schools in the United States that offer two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in metrology. California State University, Dominguez Hills, for example, offers a Master of Science in Quality Assurance Degree. This prepares students for careers as quality auditors and quality engineers. Students learn advanced principles of measurement science as well as how to use a variety of metrology-related tools.
Calibration services are often performed by metrologists. This can include designing new types of calibration and measuring equipment or testing equipment to make sure that calibration is as precise as possible. Some firms that hire metrologists offer a host of calibration services as well as certification and repairs of calibration equipment.
There are many instruments with which you will need to become familiar, including optical tools that include alignment collimators, precision auto levels, LED illuminators and alignment telescopes. You also will learn how to use clinometers, theodolites and many types of levels and protractors. All of these tools are essential for taking precise measurements and important for both legal metrology as well as applied metrology. In addition to helping with various industrial tasks, metrologists also are needed for the precise operation of particle accelerators and x-ray fluorescence imaging.
There are several organizations that support the science of metrology, including the NCSL International, which works as both an advocacy group and a member-based organization with an annual convention. NCSL International sponsors educational scholarships and also publishes a metrology-related journal. Other key organizations include the International Bureau of Weights and Measurements, or BIPM, which seeks to provide uniformity in units of measurements throughout the world.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves blogging reviews on precision scientific instruments. To get more details about optical instruments like an optical clinometer, or to find more details about a telemetric alignment system, check out the Warren Knight site today.
