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Department of Integrated Science and Technology
Dr. Ronald G. Kander, Head
Phone: (540) 568-2740
E-mail: kanderrg@jmu.edu
Web site: www.isat.jmu.edu
Mr. Paul W. Henriksen, Coordinator for Students
Phone: (540) 568-2755
E-mail: henrikpw@jmu.edu
Professors
J. Barnes, M. Deaton, G. Egekwu, S. Frysinger, B. Gabriel, J. Gentile,
G. Gustafson, A. Henriksen, M. Ivory, B. Kraimeche, R. Kander, C. Klevickis,
R. Kolvoord, H. Kraenzle, B. Kraimeche, D. Lawrence, J. Marchal, R.
McKown, J. Miles, M. Papadakis, M. Tacy, M. Zarrugh
Associate Professors
K. Altaii, T. Benzing, J. Blandino, T. Chen, P. Cushman, M. Handley,
J. Kushner, K. Lewis, D. McGraw, J. Noftsinger, R. Raab,
A. Rabie, J. Spindel, A. Teate, W. Teel, G. Tucker
Assistant Professors
C. Bachmann, C. J. Brodrick, G. Coffman, J. Walker
Adjunct Professors
R. Denzer, K. Murphy
Adjunct Associate Professors
G. Baker, R. Farrugia, E. Kancler, C. Yousif
Adjunct Assistant Professors
B. Cook, J. Eckman, M. Kirk
Instructors
P. Goodall, P. Henriksen, D. Shaffer
The ISAT department administers the ISAT Program and the Geographic Science Program. See Page 205 for information on the Integrated Science and Technology program.
Geographic Science
Ming Ivory, Program Director
Phone: (540) 568-2789
Email: ivorymx@jmu.edu
Web site: www.gs.jmu.edu
For information about specific concentrations, contact the concentration coordinators.
Mission Statement
The Geographic Science Program will empower, inspire and motivate students
to become competent critical thinkers prepared for lifelong learning,
who will respond to intellectual challenges with interest, excitement
and competence, and who will see themselves as global citizens actively
involved in the world around them.
The program graduates majors who are confident in their abilities as
geographers, prepared for a lifetime of learning in geography, who have
the skills to make a professional contribution to the field, to compete
successfully in the job market, to successfully pursue graduate degrees
and who are highly qualified for careers in research and development
- equipped for long term success as professionals in the field of geography.
Goals
Through the study of geography students will:
- Understand the theories, models and analytical methods that help explain spatial patterns
- Understand the power and use of geographic tools such as maps, quantitative methods, aerial imagery, geographic information systems and global positioning systems in geographic analysis
- Develop the ability to use maps and other geographic representations and technologies to acquire, process and report geographic information
- Understand the relationship between cultural and physical processes within the spatial framework
- Understand the major problems facing humankind through examination of the interactions and relationships among humans, and between humans and the physical environment
- Develop an awareness of how cultural similarities and differences are manifested in both the human and physical environment
- Understand how the physical environment affects human systems and how the physical environment is modified by human activities
- Understand the value of the inter- and multi- disciplinary nature of geographical study and analysis
- Understand the value of the geographer's perspective in explaining global diversity
- Understand the historical and philosophical development of geography and its sub-disciplines
- Understand how to detect and analyze the spatial structure of phenomena using spatial models
Career Opportunities
The Geography major is divided into three concentration areas. Each of these offers a unique set of career opportunities.
Applied Geographic Information Science (AGIS) Concentration
JMU Geography graduates with an AGIS concentration have been able to gain professional employment with government and industry, or to go on to graduate programs. Public agencies where they have found employment include local and regional planning agencies, mapping organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, intelligence agencies such as the CIA and the National Photographic Intelligence Center, and also in the environmental science field with the Environmental Protection Agency. JMU AGIS graduates have also found opportunities in industry with companies such as Earth Satellite Corporation, Space Imaging, Lockheed, SPOT Image, Logicom, SAIC, Pacific Meridian, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, and many others.
Environmental Studies Concentration
Geography students trained in environmental and resource analysis, particularly those specializing in land-use planning, recreation planning, and/or resource and environmental management, find employment in both the private and public sector. Private environmental organizations and consulting firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies have all hired students completing the Environmental Studies Concentration. Principal employers include the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service.
Global Studies Concentration
A student who completes the Global Studies concentration finds employment in governmental and non-governmental agencies such as the State Department, the CIA, international population bureaus and relief agencies, and economic development organizations. A student with a global studies background is also prepared for graduate school, law school and service opportunities such as the Peace Corps.
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
- Geography Club
- Gamma Theta Upsilon (International Geographical Honor Society)
- JMU Student Chapter of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
Degree and Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Geographic Science
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1 |
41 |
Foreign Language classes (Intermediate level required)2 |
0-14 |
Philosophy course(s) (In addition to General Education courses) |
3 |
Major requirements (listed below) and electives |
74-78 |
120 |
|
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.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion
of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student’s
chosen language (typically 232), or by placing out of that language
through the Department of Foreign Language’s placement test.
Major Requirements
Core Courses |
Credit Hours |
GEOG 210. Physical Geography |
4 |
GEOG 265. Thematic Cartography |
4 |
GEOG 280. Cultural Geography |
3 |
Capstone experience (choose one of the following) |
3-6 |
GEOG 490. Special Studies (3 credits) |
|
| Concentration courses |
28-34 |
In addition to the Geography core courses, students must choose one of three concentrations, listed in the “Concentrations” section.
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Science
Degree Requirements
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
General Education1 |
41-44 |
Quantitative requirement (In additon to General Education) |
3 |
Scientific Literacy requirement (In addition to General Education) |
3-4 |
Major requirements (listed below) and electives |
70-74 |
120 |
|
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
Core Courses |
Credit Hours |
GEOG 210. Physical Geography |
4 |
GEOG 265. Thematic Cartography |
4 |
GEOG 280. Cultural Geography |
3 |
Capstone experience (choose one of the following) |
3-6 |
GEOG 490. Special Studies (3 credits) |
|
| Concentration courses |
28-34 |
In addition to the Geography core courses, students must choose one of three concentrations, listed in the "Concentrations" section.
Concentrations
Applied Geographic Information Science Concentration
Dr. Glen Gustafson, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6199
E-mail: gustafgc@jmu.edu
In addition to the Geography Core requirements, students in the AGIS Concentration must complete the following coursework. At least 11 hours of those below must be Upper Division courses.
|
Credit Hours |
GEOG 366. Geographic Information Systems |
4 |
Choose 22 credit hours from the following: |
|
GEOG 215. Map Reading and Interpretation |
3 |
Courses from the ISAT program, the Department of Computer Science and from the College of Business may be used as electives, as approved by the AGIS Concentration Coordinator.
Environmental Studies Concentration
Dr. Jack Gentile, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6173
E-mail: gentiljr@jmu.edu
In addition to the Geography core requirements, all students in the Environmental Studies Concentration must complete the following course work.
Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
GEOG 240. Natural Resource Conservation |
3 |
GEOG 300. Population Geography |
3 |
GEOG 315. Field Studies |
3 |
| GEOG 390. Research Design |
1 |
| Electives |
18 |
| Cognate courses |
6 |
34 |
|
The Elective courses (18 credit hours) may be chosen from the following. |
|
GEOG 245. Global Positioning Systems |
1-3 |
GEOG 250. Agricultural Systems and Global Food Production |
3 |
GEOG 310. Environmental Issues (Repeatable, no limit) |
1-4 each |
GEOG 311. Endangered Environments |
3 |
GEOG 340. Biogeography |
3 |
GEOG 344. Economic Geography and Development Issues |
3 |
GEOG 366. Geographic Information Systems |
4 |
GEOG 415. Climatology |
3 |
GEOG 440. Wilderness Management |
3 |
GEOG 441. Management and Protection of Natural Resources |
3 |
GEOG 442. Wildlife Management |
3 |
GEOG 475. Political Geography |
3 |
Students may take other GS environment classes as added to the curriculum or as many as 9 credit hours from environmental courses offered by other departments or programs on campus, toward the completion of the 18 credit hours of electives. Prior approval from the concentration coordinator is required. A list of these courses appears on the GS Web page.
In addition to the above course work, students will complete a cognate (6 credits) that demonstrates advanced competency in an approved area of study (e.g. foreign language, regional focus, ecology, AGIS).
Global Studies Concentration
Dr. Mary Tacy, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-6722
E-mail: kimseymb@jmu.edu
In addition to the Geography core requirements, all students in the Global Studies Concentration must take the following courses.
Required courses |
Credit Hours |
GEOG 300. Population Geography |
3 |
GEOG 344. Economic Geography and Development Issues |
3 |
GEOG 390. Research Design |
1 |
GEOG 475. Political Geography |
3 |
Specialization electives |
18 |
Cognate |
6 |
34 |
|
Global Issues Track
Each student in the Global Issues Track, with the approval of his/her adviser, must develop an 18 credit specialization in a global issues area such as World Population Patterns, World Agricultural Systems, Global Politics, or Patterns of Economic Development.
Possible Global Issues Specialization Track Courses
ANTH 300. Anthropology of Diet and Nutrition
ANTH 355. Culture and Ecology
ANTH/SOCI 352. Birth, Death, Sex: Exploring Demography
ECON 312. Comparative Economic Systems
ECON 365. Economic Development
ECON 405. Political Economy
ECON 270. International Economics
GEOG 250. Agricultural Systems and Global Food Production
GEOG 335. Geography of Africa
GEOG 337. Geography of Latin America
GEOG 346. Geography of Europe
GEOG 348. Russia and the Former U.S.S.R.
GEOG 349. Geography of East Asia
GEOL 340. Soils and Land Use
HTH 367. Comparative International Health
HTH 368. International Health and Nutrition Studies
ISAT 311. Role of Energy in Modern Society
NUTR 380. Global Nutrition
POSC 339. Politics of Communist and Post-communist Systems
POSC 350. Latin American Politics
POSC 355. East Asian Politics
REL 312. Religions of East Asia
SOCI 339. Sociology of Women
SOCI/SOWK 348. Third World Societies
In addition to the above course work, students will complete a cognate
(6 credits) that demonstrates advanced competency
in an approved skill area (e.g., statistics/mathematical modeling, technical
writing, economics or applied geographic information science). Finally,
all students in the Global Studies Concentration are encouraged to participate
in an international experience.
Minor Requirements
Geography Minor
The minor in geography consists of the 11-credit hours of core courses (excluding the capstone experience) plus three additional Geography courses for a total of not less than 18 credit hours.
Credit by Examination
Credit by examination is offered for some courses taught in the Program of Geographic Science. Students who want permission to take an examination must apply to the Program Director during the first week of the semester.
Integrated Science and Technology
Dr. Ronald G. Kander, Head
Mission Statement
The ISAT program educates students for positions that are often filled by graduates of the traditional sciences, engineering, and business programs. The ISAT graduate, however, is professionally prepared in a broader sense. ISAT students are educated to be technological problem solvers, communicators and life-long learners. They are unique in having the following undergraduate preparation:
- Breadth of knowledge and skills across a variety of scientific and technological disciplines.
- Formal training in collaborative and leadership methods, problem-solving techniques from many disciplines, and use of the computer as a problem-solving tool.
- The ability to integrate scientific and technological factors with political, social, economic and ethical considerations in problem solving.
- Breadth provided through study in strategic sectors that reflect national critical technologies, including bio-technology, energy, engineering and manufacturing, environment, information and knowledge management, telecommunications, and health systems.
- Depth is provided through studies in an area of concentration and through a capstone thesis project.
Goals
The ISAT program strives to ensure that its students are
- Grounded in Basic Science
- Technical Generalists
- Problem Solvers
- Technically Literate
- Computer Literate
- Technical Communicators
- Philosophically Grounded
- Methodologically Sound
- Aware of the Non-technical Contextual Issues
- Aware of Current Issues
- Marketable in Today's Workplace
The ISAT graduate is
- Broad-based in understanding science, technology and business principles.
- Comfortable in a collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Sensitive to political, social and ethical issues.
- Highly skilled in the use of the computer as a problem-solving tool.
- Skilled in solving problems.
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
- ISAT Honor Society
- ISAT LINKS
- JMU Student Chapter, Air and Waste Management Association
- JMU Student Chapter, Association for Facilities Engineering
- JMU Student Chapter, Virginia Biotechnology Association
- JMU Student Chapter, Society of Manufacturing Engineering
- JMU Student Chapter, IEEE Computer Society
Degree and Major Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science and Technology
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 all ISAT Foundation courses that are prerequisites to other required ISAT courses before an ISAT major can take that ISAT course.
|
Credit Hours |
Issues in Science and Technology I-IV |
13 |
Connections |
3 |
Analytical Methods I-V |
17 |
Strategic Sectors/Concentration |
31-33 |
Senior Thesis/Project |
6 |
General Education courses and electives1 |
46-49 |
120 |
|
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 ISAT program offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology and the M.S. degree. See the JMU Graduate Catalog for information on the M.S. program. The B.S. curriculum produces a graduate broadly acquainted with basic science, technology and business principles. 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, 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 of technology that include biotechnology, energy, environmental studies, engineering and manufacturing, health systems, information and knowledge management, and telecommunications. 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.
Freshman and Sophomore Courses
Issues in Science and Technology
This sequence of four 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 and energy.
Connections
This two-course sequence introduces the student to the non-technological 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.
Junior and Senior Courses
Strategic Sectors in Science and Technology
Students complete 19-21 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 sectors are biotechnology, energy, environment, engineering/manufacturing, information/knowledge management, telecommunications and health systems.
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
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Environment
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Telecommunications
- Health Systems
The option is also open for students to tailor their area of concentration with the help and approval of their adviser.
Senior Thesis/Project
This is the capstone experience of the senior year. Working as part of a team of students and interdisciplinary faculty, seniors will propose, develop, manage, analyze and report on a project that addresses some issue of interest within their concentration.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year |
Credit Hours |
ISAT 101. ISAT Freshman Seminar |
1 |
GISAT 151. Analytical Methods I: Applied Calculus1 |
4 |
GISAT 112. Environmental Issues in Science and Technology |
4 |
9 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
GISAT 113. Issues in Science and Technology: Living Systems |
3 |
ISAT 152. Analytical Methods II: Applied Physics2 |
4 |
ISAT 131. Connections I |
2 |
9 |
|
|
|
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
ISAT 251. Analytical Methods III: Applied Statistics2 |
3 |
ISAT 211. Issues in Modern Production |
3 |
| ISAT 231. Connections II |
3 |
9 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
ISAT 252. Analytical Methods IV: Programming and Problem Solving |
3 |
ISAT 212. Energy Issues in Science and Technology |
3 |
ISAT 253. Analytical Methods V: Instrumentation and Measurement |
3 |
9 |
|
Third Year |
Credit Hours |
ISAT Strategic Sector I |
3 |
ISAT Strategic Sector I Lab |
1 |
ISAT Strategic Sector II |
3 |
ISAT Strategic Sector III |
3 |
ISAT Strategic Sector III Lab |
1 |
11 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
ISAT Strategic Sector I |
3 |
ISAT Strategic Sector II |
3 |
ISAT Strategic Sector II Lab |
1 |
ISAT Strategic Sector III |
3 |
ISAT 491. Senior Thesis I |
1 |
11 |
|
Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
ISAT 492. Senior Thesis II |
2 |
ISAT Concentration I |
3 |
ISAT Concentration II |
3 |
8 |
|
Spring Semester |
|
ISAT 493. Senior Thesis III |
3 |
ISAT Concentration III |
3 |
ISAT Concentration IV |
3 |
9 |
|
1 This course will be offered only fall 2005. 2 This course will be offered only fall 2005 and spring 2006.
Minor Requirements
Integrated Science and Technology Minor
The minor in ISAT mirrors the major in ISAT by having a breadth component and a depth component. The breadth component is satisfied through nine credit hours in Issues in Science and Technology and the Foundations of Instrumentation and Measurement. The depth component is satisfied through focused study in a concentration area requiring either nine or ten additional credit hours. Students should note that many courses have ISAT prerequisites outside the minor (although equivalents to ISAT prerequisite courses will be accepted). In planning a sequence of courses for the minor, students are encouraged to meet with an ISAT adviser to ensure that all needed prerequisites will be taken in due course. I n addition, before a student pursuing an ISAT minor can take any ISAT course, a grade equal to or higher than "C-" is required for all ISAT foundation courses that are prerequisites for another required course. The minimum requirements for the minor in ISAT follow.
|
Credit Hours |
Choose three courses from the following: |
9-10 |
|
|
| Choose one of the following sequences: |
|
| Energy |
7 |
|
|
| Environment |
7 |
|
|
| Engineering and Manufacturing |
7 |
|
|
| Information and Knowledge Management |
6 |
|
|
| Biotechnology |
7 |
|
|
| Telecommunications |
6 |
|
|
| One additional three-credit Integrated Science
|
3 |
Materials Science Program Minor
The Department of Integrated Science and Technology is a major participant
in the university’s Materials Science program. A minor is available
in materials science. The materials science minor provides students
with an opportunity to increase their research experience as well as
develop multidisciplinary skills and knowledge in the science, engineering
and application of materials.
Refer to the Interdisciplinary section of the catalog on Page 117 for
the curriculum and requirements of the materials science minor.
Additional information about the materials science minor may
be obtained from the Center for Materials Science in Room 3206 in the
HHS Building, or by calling the director at 540-568-2723 or
540-568-8776.
Environmental Information Systems Minor
The Department of Integrated Science and Technology is a major participant in the university's Environmental Information Systems program. For more information on this minor, see Interdisciplinary programs, Page 110.
Interdisciplinary Majors
Biotechnology
In cooperation with the Department of Integrated Science and Technology,
the Department of Biology offers a four-year, interdisciplinary B.S.
degree program for a major in biotechnology.
Biotechnology majors must complete 47-53 credit hours of science foundation
courses, 17 credit hours of biotechnology transition and core courses,
and 15 credit hours of concentration courses including a capstone experience.
With the advice and approval of a concentration adviser, each student
selects the courses for his or her concentration area. Three broad areas
of concentrations are suggested to serve a spectrum of student needs
and desires. A research concentration would prepare students for graduate
school or entry into a research laboratory. An industry concentration
would prepare students for entry into the biotechnology industry. A
custom concentration can be assembled for a specialized area of study
such as bioinformatics, genomics, or agricultural biotechnology.
See page 100 for more information on the Biotechnology major, or contact
Dr. Robert McKown (mckownrl@jmu.edu) or Dr. Louise Temple (templelm@jmu.edu).
Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
Students pursuing a major in Interdisciplinary Liberal
Studies at JMU may choose ISAT courses for the Science Content Area.
The IDLS major is designed for students in the pre-professional education
programs in Early/Elementary Education, Middle Education, and Special
Education. Students in IDLS complete a
53-hour set of core courses before they begin a 21-hour set of upper-level
courses. Students choosing ISAT complete 13 hours of ISAT core courses
and then choose an ISAT Sector and a prerequisite course to complete
the concentration.
See Page 103 for more information on IDLS.
Publisher:
JMU
Academic Affairs
MSC 8002, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
For more information contact:
JMU Catalog Office at
ug-catalog@jmu.edu
Copyright © 2004 James Madison University. All rights reserved.
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