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2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Integrated Science and Technology, B.S.
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Dr. Jeffrey Tang, Interim Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-2740 Email: tangjd@jmu.edu
Location: ISAT Building, Room 321 Website: http://www.isat.jmu.edu
Professors
K. Altaii, C. Bachmann, M. Bentley, T. Benzing, T. Chen, M. Deaton, S. Frysinger, M. Handley, M. Kimsey, C. Klevickis, R. Kolvoord, H. Kraenzle, D. McGraw, R. McKown, J. Miles, M. Papadakis, E. Pappas, R. Raab, E. Salib, J. Spindel, A. Teate, W. Teel, L. Temple
Associate Professors
M. Benton, A. Biesecker, Z. Bortolot, R. Brent, J. Coffman, A. Goodall, C. J. Hartman, N. Hendrickson, S. Marrin, C. Nash, N. Radziwill, E. Reid, S. Stockwell, J. Tang, T. Walton, H. Way
Assistant Professors
D. Bonsal, S. Conley, S. El-Tawab, J. Ferenbaugh, K. Moore, Q. Tao, L. Ward, X. Wei, E. York
Instructor
P. Henriksen
Director: Dr. Amanda Biesecker
Phone: (540) 568-2730
Email: biesecag@jmu.edu
Coordinator for Students: Mr. Paul W. Henriksen
Phone: (540) 568-2755
Email: henrikpw@jmu.edu
Location: ISAT Building, Room 121
Website: http://www.isat.jmu.edu
Mission Statement
The Integrated Science and Technology Bachelors Program prepares graduates to excel in a complex, technological world by empowering them to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners able to provide multi-disciplinary solutions to scientific and technological challenges with sensitivity to social, ethical and global considerations.
The foundational concept of the ISAT Program, which distinguishes it from other science and technology based programs, is its integration of multiple disciplines within a student’s four-year course of study. The unique integrative character of the program is carried by the curriculum content, pedagogy, and departmental culture.
Goals
We measure our success by achieving the following 11 goals. ISAT graduates will be able to do the following:
- Apply and integrate mathematics, physical science, biological science, and technology.
- Apply sound experimental methodology.
- Understand the professional requirements for the acquisition and use of information and data.
- Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Solve technological problems and understand their societal implications.
- Understand and apply the principles of professional ethics.
- Communicate effectively on social, scientific and technical matters.
- Analyze science and technology within broader global, political, economic and social contexts.
- Become autonomous, self-directed learners who recognize the need for lifelong learning.
- Use the computer as an effective problem-solving tool.
- Examine a problem and assemble the tools and knowledge needed to solve it.
Career Opportunities
The ISAT major prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers because of the breadth of science, technology, economic, and societal studies coupled with the integrative, problem-solving focus of the program. The program prepares students for a professional career and the majority of students enter the workforce upon graduation. However, a significant number choose to continue their education through a variety of graduate programs.
ISAT graduates have successfully built careers over a wide range of professions. Examples include technical and operational consulting, biotech lab research, network reliability and security improvement, energy and environmental policy development, information management, renewable energy development, manufacturing process development, and environmental management.
Some graduates start their own businesses, some work in small start-ups involved with new technology applications while others work in Fortune 500 companies. Graduates have also chosen to start their careers in other directions including government agencies, Peace Corps and other forms of public service, education, and politics.
Students who choose graduate studies have a wide range of options. ISAT graduates have successfully completed graduate studies in areas such as engineering, business, microbiology, environment, computer science, law, and medicine. The flexibility of the ISAT program allows students to select appropriate elective courses as they prepare for the graduate program of their choice.
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
- ISAT Honor Society
- Environmental Management, JMU Student Chapter of Air and Waste Management Association
- Association for Facilities Engineering, JMU Student Chapter
- Virginia Biotechnology Association, JMU Student Chapter
- Society of Automotive Engineers International, JMU Student Chapter
- Society of Manufacturing Engineering, JMU Student Chapter
- IEEE Computer Society, JMU Student Chapter
- Armed Force Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), JMU Student Chapter
- American Wind Energy Association, JMU Student Chapter
Program Accreditation
The ISAT Bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
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Degree Requirements
While completing the ISAT courses, the student will also pursue the university’s general education curriculum that is required of all students and is a cornerstone of the education received by every student. The required ISAT courses are listed below. A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation.
In addition, a grade equal to or higher than “C-” is required for ISAT 151 , ISAT 152 , and ISAT 251 .
Required Courses
- Issues in Science and Technology I-V 17 Credit Hours
- Social Context of Technology and Science 6 Credit Hours
- Analytical Methods I-V 17 Credit Hours
- Holistic Problem Solving Spine 12 Credit Hours
- Strategic Sectors/Concentration 13-14 Credit Hours
- Concentration 12 Credit Hours
- Senior Thesis/Project 6 Credit Hours
- General Education courses and electives 36-37 Credit Hours 1
Footnote
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in integrated science and technology produces a graduate broadly acquainted with basic science, technology and social science. All students pursue a common program through their sophomore year that provides a foundation of science and an introduction to its technology applications. Studies are integrated and include mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, knowledge-based systems, internet networking and security, environmental science, modern production, energy, and the role of science and technology in society. During their junior and senior years, all students pursue deeper study of strategically significant areas that include applied biotechnology, energy, environmental studies, engineering and manufacturing, information and knowledge management, and telecommunications, networking, and security. Each student selects a concentration in any of these areas and pursues additional study in the concentration culminating in a senior project. Students rely heavily upon the computer as a problem-solving tool throughout the curriculum, work in teams extensively and engage in laboratory experiences in the requisite sciences.
Issues in Science and Technology
This sequence of five courses engages students in the practice of science, both to motivate and to provide understanding of science and technology in the context of important current social issues. Current areas from which issues are selected are living systems, the environment, modern production, internet networking and security, and energy.
Social Context of Technology and Science
This two-course sequence introduces the student to the broader issues encountered in science and technology problem-solving, particularly social, ethical, economic and legal issues.
Analytical Methods
This sequence of five courses provides students with basic methods and tools for understanding and analyzing problems in science and technology. Subjects are taught in an integrated manner with applications as the unifying factor. Topics include calculus, elements of the physical sciences, statistics, project management, the computer, knowledge-based systems, and instrumentation and measurement.
Holistic Problem-Solving Spine
This four-course sequence integrates content from other ISAT B.S. courses into a holistic problem-solving framework. In the first two courses, students learn and apply systems thinking methodology to investigate, define and describe complex problems. In the second two courses, students practice the holistic problem-solving approaches to analyze and propose solutions for complex problem case studies that involve a mix of scientific, technological and societal elements. The segment culminates in the capstone experience, where students independently address a real-world complex problem.
Strategic Sectors in Science and Technology
Students complete two strategic sectors of either six or seven credits each. The strategic sectors, developed from national critical technologies lists, represent areas of current strategic importance in the world economy. The sectors are applied biotechnology, energy, environment, production systems, information/knowledge management and telecommunications, networking and security.
Concentration Requirements
Students are provided the opportunity to focus their program of study by taking four additional courses in a particular area of concentration. The current areas for a concentration are
- Applied Biotechnology
- Energy
- Engineering and Manufacturing Environment
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Telecommunications, Networking and Security
Students also have the option to tailor their area of concentration with the help and approval of their adviser.
Capstone Experience
Working as part of a team of students and interdisciplinary faculty, students will propose, develop, manage, analyze and report on a project that addresses a real-world problem. ISAT 490 begins the sequence by helping students identify an appropriate problem to investigate and assemble the appropriate team. ISAT 491 helps students write a complete proposal for the project. In ISAT 492 and ISAT 493 , students complete the proposed work and prepare written and oral reports on their results.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
Total: 11-12 Credit Hours
Integrated Science and Technology Major with Pre-health Preparation
Students majoring in ISAT desiring to prepare for higher education in health careers (dentistry, optometry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary) may waive some required ISAT courses if they take equivalent courses required by the pre-health programs.
These equivalencies are not generally granted outside of a pre-health preparation program. Students who begin a preparation but do not finish it may be able to have some of the courses waived. Contact Paul Henriksen, Coordinator for Students, for more information.
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