Dr. Ronald G. Kander, Department Head
Dr. Barbra Gabriel, Graduate Coordinator
For information call (540) 568-2796 or e-mail gabriebl@jmu.edu
Web site: http://www.isat.jmu.edu
Professors
J. Barnes, M. Deaton, S.
Frysinger, B. Gabriel, G. Gustafson, R. Kander, H. Kraenzle, J. Marchal, R.
McKown, M. Papadakis, G. Taylor, M.Zarrugh
Associate Professors
G. Baker, T. Benzing, R. Burnett,
P. Cushman, O. Egekwu, M. Handley, A. Henriksen, M. Ivory, R. Kolvoord,
C.Klevickis, J. Kushner, D. McGraw, G. Tucker, P. Wang
Assistant Professor
J. Noftsinger
Admission
Mission
Integrated Science and Technology
Entrance, Continuation and Exit
Requirements
Curriculum Components and Details
Course Offerings
Admission
The program is targeted for a
broad audience. The admission process will seek a diverse student body with
grounding in basic science and experience in business, industry, government or
education. An entrance expectation is that the applicant will have completed a
minimum of 15 semester credit hours in the natural sciences and mathematics at
the undergraduate level. Hence, admission to the program may be granted to
students with a variety of undergraduate majors in areas such as the physical
sciences, computer science, selected areas of education, engineering,
operations research, and information and decision sciences. Admission decisions
will be collectively based on the following considerations.
§ Graduation from a regionally accredited
college or university
§ Undergraduate grade point average
§ Test scores from Graduate Record Exam
(GRE), Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or
Miller Analogy Test (MAT).
§ Official transcripts from all colleges or
universities attended
§ Industrial, business, government, or
educational experience as indicated by current vita
Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter to the
Graduate Coordinator as a supplement to application. Letters of recommendation
are strongly encouraged. Correspondence between the applicant and the ISAT
Graduate Committee is strongly encouraged.
Mission
The mission of the Integrated Science and Technology Masters
Program is to provide diverse and experienced professionals with an educational
experience that facilitates in-depth knowledge and skills across a variety of
integrated scientific and technological disciplines utilizing a systems
approach.
Major components of the program are:
§ The curriculum and teaching methods are in
constant touch with the realities of the world of work.
§ The curriculum is aimed at developing a
graduate with strong collaborative and communicative skills.
§ The curriculum develops skills in
information technology and knowledge management that are applicable to a broad
range of professional careers.
§ The curriculum is flexible and amenable to
change in order to remain current with the nation’s developing critical
technologies and with the imperatives of a changing national economy.
§ The graduate will be educated to think in
terms of solving technologically based problems from a systems perspective,
including non-technological elements such as politics, economics, and ethics.
The Integrated Science and
Technology program offers a program of study that leads to the Master of
Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology. The program offers a solid
foundation in applied science and technology with a distinct theme in systems.
Students acquire quantitative tools for applied systems analysis and design,
and for the management of technological issues encountered in contemporary
professional practice. The curriculum stresses the use of computers for
modeling and simulation, for the management of information and technology, and
for research methodology. The curriculum is unique in its incorporation of
social, legal and political aspects of science and technology.
Students focus on selected
areas of science and technology with practical, in-depth exposure to the size
and complexity of contemporary problems. Depth will be provided through thesis
or project study in one of several strategic technology areas distilled from
the national critical technologies. These areas include biotechnology,
information technology, manufacturing, energy and the environment. Such a class
of graduates is unique in having
§ 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; and
§ the ability to integrate scientific and
technological factors with political, social, economic, and ethical
considerations in problem solving.
By developing a systems
approach to problem solving, the graduate will be skilled in identifying and
capitalizing on the fact that most problems encountered in business or
government are inherently systems problems. Characteristics of such systems
involve complex interplay of technical, social, political, regulatory, and
business issues; multiple, interdependent groups, units, or organizations
working in coordination with sometimes conflicting needs; rapid flow of
information between individuals and groups; multi-step processes for making
products or decisions with ample opportunity for feedback and bottlenecks; and
numerous local random events and disturbances that profoundly affect the
performance of the overall system.
Integrated Science and Technology
The 30-credit hour curriculum
consists of 15 credit hours of common core courses followed by 15 credit hours
of elective courses tailored to the individual course of study. The core
component reinforces the student’s foundation in science, explores methods of
research and analysis in a multidisciplinary environment, and imparts
sensitivity to the social context of applying science and technology.
As part of the curriculum,
students will be required to complete a six-credit thesis or capstone project.
This project/thesis will require students to conduct research, evaluate
potential solutions, and implement the selected solution.
Entrance, Continuation and Exit
Requirements
Enrolled students will be provided with the ISAT Graduate
Student Handbook. This document provides background information about the
university, the college, ISAT, and the ISAT Masters Curriculum. It is intended
to facilitate progress through the program by identifying the skills all
entering students should have, and as a guideline for progress.
All full-time students must attend an orientation held the
working day prior to the start of term. Part-time students are strongly
encouraged to attend the orientation. The purpose of this workshop is to define
the guidelines that will facilitate successful completion of the degree. ISAT
faculty and Masters’ candidates will discuss strategies for success, group
dynamics, and provide tutorials in selected skill areas.
Graduation requires successful completion of 30 graduate
credit hours in a sequence approved by the student’s graduate adviser with a
GPA of 3.0 or better, and with no more than six credit hours of C’s. Time
limitations for completion of the program will follow College of Graduate and
Professional Programs guidelines.
Curriculum
Components and Details
The 30 credit-hour curriculum for the Master’s Degree in
Integrated Science and Technology includes a 12-15 credit core program
consisting of 4-5 courses in integrated science and technology; 12 graduate
elective credits approved by the adviser; and 6 credits of capstone project or
thesis research.
The minimum requirements for the program and program course
descriptions follow.
|
Minimum
Requirements
|
Credit
Hours
|
|
ISAT 510. Foundations in Integrated Science and Technology1
|
3
|
|
ISAT 610. Social Context of Science and Technology
|
3
|
|
ISAT 620. Research Methods in a Multidisciplinary Environment
|
3
|
|
ISAT 630. Computer Modeling and Simulation
|
3
|
|
ISAT 640. Information and Technology Management
|
3
|
|
Approved electives
|
12
|
|
ISAT 690/700. Capstone Project/Thesis
|
6
|
|
|
|
As part of the strategic area, the student will be required
to complete a six-credit thesis or capstone project. This project/thesis will
involve research, investigation and development undertaken by students individually
and/or as part of project teams.
To complete the program in one year, students must accomplish
two, 12-hour semesters which represents a course overload. A student is
encouraged to complete two core courses and two electives per semester. Six hours
of thesis, ISAT 700, will be completed in the summer following the second
semester.
Course Offerings
ISAT 501. Workshop in Technology. 1-3 credits.
Intensive study of special topics in technology of
relevant interest. May be repeated for credit when content is different.
ISAT 510. Foundations in Integrated Science and
Technology. 3 credits.
This course introduces the student to the
fundamental concepts of science and the methodologies required for using an
integrated problem-solving approach in the technical area. ISAT graduates are
ineligible.
ISAT 515. Energy Systems. 3
credits.
This course will present an overview of energy
generation and distribution technologies that are in use or under development.
Selected technologies will be covered in detail including the underlying
scientific principles. In addition, students will study tools and techniques
used to measure, control, and analyze energy consumption.
ISAT 525. Environmental Systems. 3 credits.
This course covers the basics of environmental
pollution, processes, and control technologies. Three major areas of
environmental concern (air, water, and waste) are addressed. Environmental risk
and decision making are discussed. Topics are presented in an integrated manner
in the context of the regulatory programs. Participation in environmental
projects such as impact assessment, site remediation, water quality management,
air quality monitoring are required.
ISAT 530. Manufacturing Systems. 3 credits.
This course covers systematic and analytical
treatment of manufacturing systems to identify opportunities for improving
existing systems, to design more effective systems, and to improve
decision-making processes in manufacturing. Topics include manufacturing
systems; tools for automation and integration in manufacturing; automated
process planning; technology change and strategies for implementing new
technologies; and others.
ISAT 540. Information and Technology Management Systems. 3 credits.
This course focuses on the representation,
manipulation, storage, and retrieval of data, information and knowledge from
both a historical and contemporary perspective. Students will be introduced
both to programming skills and also to introductory concepts in database design
and development. The course will stress aspects of data quality, privacy, and
security
ISAT 550. Biotechnology Systems. 3 credits.
This course is an intensive survey of the scientific
foundations of biotechnology. Specific topics include the history, theory, and
applications of recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, transgenic
organisms, and the role of biotechnology in society.
ISAT 551. Bioinformatics. 3
credits.
The amount of DNA sequence data being collected
today is increasing rapidly. The student will learn, through lectures and
hands-on laboratory exercises, a compendium of algorithms that can search for
sequence similarities, create alignments for finding consensus sequences, model
three-dimensional structures and more. Prerequisites: ISAT 351, ISAT 454 and
ISAT 340 (or their equivalents), or permission of the instructor (requires
knowledge of Molecular Biology and database technology).
ISAT 580. Readings and Research. 1-3 credits.
This course will allow graduate and advanced
undergraduate students to undertake intensive study of selected topics that are
of special interest. May be repeated when content changes. Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor.
ISAT 610. Social Context of Science and Technology. 3 credits.
Critical perspectives on the economic and political
systems as they affect scientific research and technological activity in the
U.S. and the world. Case studies of major public policy debates involving
science and technology. Identifying institutional players and their value
commitments, describing political relationships among players, and designing
dynamic solutions to social context dilemmas.
ISAT 620. Research Methods in a Multidisciplinary
Environment. 3 credits.
An introduction of applied systems analysis approach
to problem solving in a multidisciplinary context. Applications taken from
biotechnology, energy, environment, health, information management, and
manufacturing. Topics include introduction to systems analysis and its
application to social systems, technological systems, and systems in nature;
systems characterization and optimization; advanced project management.
ISAT 630. Computer Modeling and Simulation. 3 credits.
Use of simulation tools to understand and optimize
commonly occurring systems in the concentration areas. Development of
simulation models, validation of models, and use of models to aid decision
making. Topics include: applicability and limitations of simulation models; the
model-building process; discrete-event models; dynamic models; deterministic
and stochastic models; system optimization and validation.
ISAT 640. Information and Technology Management. 3 credits.
This course focuses on
the acquisition, representation, storage, retrieval, and distribution of data,
information and knowledge from both a historical and contemporary perspective.
It places special emphasis on IKM technology in science and technology and the
information economy, the management of data, information, and knowledge as
critical enterprise assets. Students will study computer systems as tools for
information and knowledge management and examine ethical, legal, and social
issues in the management of data, information, and knowledge, including
intellectual property, privacy, and security.
ISAT 650. Advanced Integrated Science and Technology. 3 credits.
This course focuses on applied science and
technology applications for K-12 teachers and industry trainers. Students will
develop and assess sources of information on applied science and technology and
develop inquiry-based activities to incorporate new issues in applied science
and technology into existing curricula.
ISAT 651. System Requirements Analysis. 3 credits.
This course will
introduce students to the theory and practice of system requirements analysis
and definition. Students will explore issues surrounding stakeholder
identification and interaction, needs assessment, prototyping, and technical
requirements specification. Consideration will be given to various aspects of
system requirements, including human factors analysis, traceability,
testability, and validation.
ISAT 652. Regulatory Issues. 3 credits.
The course will introduce the policy process
affecting regulation and deregulation of various industries. Study of the
theory behind and the institutional forms of regulation will be supplemented by
case studies of specific industries. The course will also look at international
politics and trade as they affect regulatory regimes globally. Prerequisite:
ISAT 610.
ISAT 653. Quantitative Systems Analysis. 3 credits.
Focuses on the life-cycle
model of systems design and development. Includes concepts related to data
modeling, economic evaluation, optimization methods, human factors, queuing
theory, system test and evaluation, and design validation techniques.
Object-oriented analysis and design considerations emphasized. Prerequisite:
ISAT 630.
ISAT 654. Advanced Technology Management. 3 credits.
This course will
introduce students to methods, tools, and techniques for effective management
of technology development and application including management of technology
within a company; R&D management; Test and Evaluation procedures and
metrics; investment strategies; intellectual property issues; fostering
entrepreneurialship; managing innovation; and technology transfer. The course will
also address managing technology as a tool, e.g., equipment modernization. Prerequisite:
ISAT 640.
ISAT 655. Technology Assessment. 3 credits.
This course will introduce students to the theory
and methods of technology assessment and transfer. Students will apply
techniques such as risk analysis, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, trend
impact analysis, and technology sequence analysis to assess the impacts of new
technologies on society. In addition, students will study the process of
technology innovation, diffusion, and transfer in the context of both developed
and developing nations. Prerequisite: ISAT 620.
ISAT 656. Systems Design Methodology. 3 credits.
This course introduces applied systems analysis in a
multidisciplinary context. The course introduces methods for planning,
implementing, and evaluating management information systems. Topics include
data and process modeling, requirements definition, design synthesis,
verification, analysis, and control tools. Projects cover applications in
biotechnology, energy, environment, health, information management, and
manufacturing. Prerequisite: ISAT 620 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 657. Management Information Systems. 3 credits.
This course examines the organizational and
technological foundations of information systems in a production operations
setting. Topics include selecting and implementing tools and systems, database
management, information integration, production planning and execution systems,
supply chain integration and management and managing system security. Prerequisite:
ISAT 640 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 658. International Contexts of Science and
Technology. 3 credits.
This course will make students aware of the global
nature of scientific and technological decision-making and sensitive to the
impact of culture on science and technology issues. Research and development
system of the United States is placed in a global context. A comparative study
of the R&D systems around the world is done. International technical
issues, where solutions transcend political boundaries, are covered.
ISAT 680. Reading and Research. 1-3 credits.
Opportunity for supervised reading and research in
areas of special interest to the student. Reading and research may be done only
in the major field of study.
ISAT 690. The Capstone Project. 6 credits.
The required capstone project for all non-thesis
graduate students. Emphasis will be in the student’s designated strategic area,
but integrated with at least one other area. The project/thesis will report the
results of a project, investigation, or development undertaken by the student
individually or as part of a project team.
ISAT 698. Comprehensive Continuance. 1 credit.
Continued preparation in anticipation of the
comprehensive examination. Course may be repeated as necessary.
ISAT 699. The Capstone Project/Thesis Continuance. 2 credits.
Students completing registration for the maximum
number of hours of project credit are required to register for continuance each
semester, including summer, until they have received their degree. Continuance
credits carry no credit hour production and do not count toward graduate
program requirements
ISAT 700. Thesis. 6
credits.
A research thesis with an emphasis in the student’s
designated strategic area, but integrated with at least one other area. The
thesis will report the results of original research undertaken individually by
the student.
