Many people assume that clay science is somewhat less involved that glaze science.
However in some ways it is much more difficult to formulate and maintain clay bodies. This is because there is a heavy emphasis on both their fired and physical working properties. Clays have to be formed and shaped, glazes do not. Clays have to achieve the critical balances involved with vitrification. Clay bodies tend to be made from less reliable materials and require close scrutiny to maintain their properties.