Oct 09, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Integrated Science and Technology, B.S.


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 , ISAT 212  and ISAT 251 .

Required Courses


  • Issues in Science and Technology I-V 17 Credit Hours (ISAT 112 , 113  , 211  , 212  , 215 )
  • Social Context of Technology and Science 6 Credit Hours (ISAT 171  and 271 )
  • Analytical Methods I-IV 14 Credit Hours (ISAT 151 , 152 , 251  and 252 )
  • Holistic Problem Solving 10 Credit Hours (ISAT 190 , 290 , 390  and 391 )
  • Strategic Sectors (13-14 credit hours):
  • Concentration Courses 12 Credit Hours

  • Senior Capstone Project 6 Credit Hours (ISAT 490 , 491  , 492  , 493 )
  • General Education  courses and electives 41-42 Credit Hours 1

Total: 120 Credit Hours


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, industrial and manufacturing systems, and information and knowledge management. 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.

Analytical Methods


This sequence of four courses (ISAT 151 , 152 , 251  and 252 ) 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.

Issues in Science and Technology


This sequence of five courses (ISAT 112 , 113  , 211  , 212  and 215 ) 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 (ISAT 171  and 271 ) introduces the student to the broader issues encountered in science and technology problem-solving, particularly social, ethical, economic and legal issues.

Junior and Senior Courses


Strategic Sectors in Science and Technology


Students complete 13-14 credit hours of instruction in strategic sectors during their junior year. The strategic sectors, developed from national critical technologies lists, represent areas of current strategic importance in the world economy.

The current areas for the sectors are

  • Applied biotechnology
  • Energy
  • Industrial and manufacturing systems
  • Environment
  • Information and knowledge management

These are the same topic areas as for the concentrations in ISAT. Sector level classes are 300 level and concentration classes are 400 level.

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
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Systems
  • Environment
  • Information and Knowledge Management

Students also have the option to tailor their area of concentration with the help of their adviser and the approval of the ISAT program director.

Senior Capstone Project


Students take the last senior project class and the rest of their four concentration classes.

Holistic Problem Solving


This four-course sequence introduces the students to holistic problem solving and has them study a complex problem in an area of technology.

Concentrations


The courses listed below may be taken to fulfill concentration requirements.If  you wish to substitute other courses, you must list them at the bottom of this page and obtain Concentration Advisor approval. Four courses (twelve credit hours) are required in addition to your senior project for a single concentration.

Energy


Concentration Adviser:

Mr. Paul Henriksen, Office EnGeo 2128 henrikpw@jmu.edu

Required Energy Concentration Courses: 6 Credit Hours


Energy Concentration Electives: 6 Credit Hours

Environment


Concentration Adviser:

Dr. Steve Frysinger, Office # 309 frysinsp@jmu.edu

Information/Knowledge Management


Concentration Adviser: 

Dr. Amanda Biesecker, Office # 121   biesecag@jmu.edu

Information/Knowledge Management Concentration Courses


Industrial and Manufacturing Systems


Concentration Adviser:

Dr. Maria Papadakis, Office # ISAT #305 papadamc@jmu.edu

Social Context (Dual Concentration only)


Concentration Advisor:

Dr. Shannon Conley, Office #313 conleysn@jmu.edu

See Dr. Conley for a list of courses or go to
http://www.bsisat.jmu.edu/social_context/courses.html.)

Telecommunications, Networking, and Security


Concentration Advisor: 

Dr. Samy El-Tawab, Office #EnGeo 2113 eltawass@jmu.edu

Recommended Schedule for Majors


First Year


Second Year


Third Year


Fall Semester


Total: 10-12 Credit Hours

Spring Semester


Total: 10-12 Credit Hours

Fourth Year


Fall Semester


Students take the third senior project class and on the average two concentration classes.

Total: 8 Credit Hours

Spring Semester


Students take the last senior project class and the rest of their four concentration classes.

Total: 8 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.

Required Courses for Pre-Health

ISAT Courses Waived

BIO 140 , BIO 240 

ISAT 113  

CHEM 131 CHEM 132  

ISAT 112  

PHYS (140 150 ) or (240 250 )

ISAT 152 ISAT 212  

MATH 205 235  or 231  and 232  

ISAT 151  

MATH 220  

ISAT 251