Scientists (physicians, engineers, technicians...) and artists (musicians, painters...) do not speak the same language. Musical instrument designers and makers need to understand both.
The science concerned with researching and describing the physics of sound is the acoustics. Acoustics deals with many disciplines not directly related with music as the ultrasonics, underwater, noise control, etc. but there are some branches that have big influence in music perception (psychoacoustics, electroacoustics, architectural, etc.) and other that specifically study the music and the musical instruments. Obviously, all of them share the same foundations (physical acoustics).
Music is most directly linked to feelings than thoughts, but there is some rationalism in music that is comprehended in what is called 'music theory'. While music theory is quite less accurate describing sounds than acoustics, all musicians prefer using it because music, as an art made of sounds to be perceived, is best described with it.
The field of knowledge about how music works is the Music Theory. It examines the language and notation of music and seeks to identify patterns and structures trying to explain how music is perceived.
Music theory distills and analyzes the fundamental parameters or elements of music: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, texture, etc.
Musical sound consist of periodic vibrations.
Music composition can be thought of as the skilful and imaginative combination of sounds, and as such is a design art that can be emulated in the design of environments.