THE MAJOR
The Integrated Science and Technology major is a department within the College of Integrated
Science & Engineering.
JMU
Strategic Sectors/Concentrations: Biosystems,
Energy, Engineering/Manufacturing, Environment, Information/Knowledge
Management, Telecommunications
Admission and Progression Standards for this major:
Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSISAT.shtml
Description
of Major:
Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) is offered
as a major and minor at JMU. The program in ISAT provides
a curriculum that integrates the study of science, mathematics
and technology with principles of business to develop
a graduate with unique professional qualifications.
The graduate might be described as a person who is able
to solve technologically based problems in a real world
context. The use of the computer as a problem-solving
tool is a central feature of the curriculum along with
an emphasis on the collaborative (team) approach to
working projects. The program is specifically designed
to engage the student in the sciences in a non-intimidating
manner, leading the student through the practice of
science while learning the underlying analytical methods
and scientific principles. Scientific theory is thus
combined with a hands-on practice that is designed to
motivate and stimulate interest as well as impart learning.
The ISAT Department also offers minors in Materials
Science, Environmental Information Systems, Science Technology and Society, and Environmental Management.
Tell
me more about this field of study.
The past several decades have brought remarkable developments
in science and technology, impacting our lives and our
society and irreversibly altering the world. Fundamental
changes will continue at an explosive pace, affecting
how businesses and governments operate and posing great
challenges and opportunities. Those who understand science
and technology and are able to use and manage it wisely
will play a major role in guiding economics and politics
alike. There is a critical need for individuals who
understand the mutual dependence between specialists
and integrators, who are not intimidated by complexity
and uncertainty, who can locate opportunity within disorder,
and are committed to taking a longer and broader view.
The quality of life in our society, and human progress
globally, will depend on the integration of scientific
knowledge, technological capabilities, ethical principles,
and an understanding of cultural similarities and differences.
The women and men who will rise to positions of leadership
in business, government, industry and education in the
21st century will be those professionals who understand
and can apply this understanding to these strategic
areas.
Tell
me more about the ISAT curriculum.
During the freshman and sophomore years, the ISAT program provides a basic science and mathematics curriculum foundation. Students are introduced to science, its methods and applications, and are provided the analytical skills to understand issues in contemporary science and technology. In the junior year, students pursue a core group of classes called strategic sectors. These sectors, developed from national critical technologies lists, represent areas of current strategic importance in the world economy. The strategic sectors are as follows: Energy, Environment, Information/Knowledge Management, Biosystems, Engineering/Manufacturing, and Telecommunications. A concentration is offered in each sector. The concentration is a 12‑hour sequence of courses capped by a six‑hour thesis. The Energy sector provides students with a broad understanding of the principal aspects of energy supply and use, with an emphasis on sustainable energy development and increased efficiency. In the Environment sector, students learn an appreciation and understanding of the nature of environmental concerns in today’s society, especially in the areas of energy, engineering and manufacturing, industry, and resource management. Information and Knowledge Management acquaints students with the central role that information and knowledge management has in technology and society. The Engineering/Manufacturing sector provides students with the technical skills needed to perform various design and engineering functions in a manufacturing enterprise. The Biosystems sector provides students with the understanding of the interdependent roles of science and technology by focusing on advances in the life sciences in the past 20 years. Telecommunications provides instruction and examples in the design, development, and management of telecommunications. An overview of the regulatory issues encountered in the telecommunications industry includes regulation of emerging services and technologies, First Amendment issues, ownership and distribution of new information forms, and limitations and uses of technology.
What
common major or minor combinations from other departments
complement this major?
The ISAT major is considered too demanding to be paired with another major but minors that could complement this major include Art, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Geographic Science, Computer Science, Materials Science, or Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
The successful ISAT student is characterized by a general
interest in science and math, without an intense interest
in a particular field of science, or in math. ISAT students
enjoy learning about and using the computer
as a problem solving tool. They have good interpersonal
skills and enjoy solving problems in groups. Their interests
tend to be broad rather than narrowly defined.
CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated
with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated
careers that utilize skills and experiences developed
during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some
fields will require graduate study or further training.
The listing below offers examples of possible career
paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
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