Courses in the ISAT Department
Geographic Science Courses
Integrated Science and Technology Courses
GEOG 161. Geospatial Tools and Techniques. 1-6 credits, variable.
An introduction to the use of geospatial tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing, applied to a variety of areas, including cultural geography, environmental science, ecology, geology, and public planning.
GEOG 200. Geography: The Global Dimension. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course promotes global understanding through the study of humans, their institutions and processes and the resulting interactions between humans and the environment. The course will include the study of western and non-western peoples and their social, cultural, political and economic relationships. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 210. Physical Geography (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
The physical aspects of man’s environment. World distributions of land forms, weather and climate, natural vegetation, soils, minerals and the interrelationships between these factors. Also considered are earth-sun relationships and map projections. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 215. Map Reading and Interpretation. 3 credits.
An introduction to a wide variety of maps used by the educator, layman and public official with critical analysis of various cartographic techniques used to represent and present information.
GEOG 230. Spatial Analysis. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course focuses on the theory and practice of spatial analysis. Research methods and quantitative techniques used in geographic analysis are presented. Topics include quantitative research design, the nature of spatial distributions, the use of maps as spatial models, univariate and bivariate analysis, spatial autocorrelation, index number development, point and area pattern analysis, shape and density measurement, the use of census data, and unobtrusive measures in geography.
GEOG 240. Natural Resource Conservation. 3 credits. Offered fall.
Examines the basic principles of resource use including geographic, economic, social and political processes. Explores concepts underlying such issues as resource consumption and conservation, environmental perception, resource and environmental conflict, population growth and control, carrying capacity and the evolution of the environmental movement. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 244. Introduction to Global Positioning Systems. 1 credit. Offered spring.
The course will provide basic training in the use of Global Positioning Systems. It will include instruction in the use of GPS field units, creation and use of data dictionaries, preplanning fieldwork, and post-processing of field data. This course is designed primarily for non-majors and will focus on the basics of using GPS so that students will be able to apply this knowledge and equipment in their own projects and independent studies within their own major.
GEOG 245. Global Positioning Systems. 3 credits. Offered spring.
The course will provide basic training in the use of Global Positioning Systems. It will include instruction in the use of GPS field units, creation and use of data dictionaries, preplanning fieldwork, and post processing of field data. The course will also include actual field projects and the use of mapping software. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 250. Agricultural Systems and Global Food Production. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course concentrates on the geographic study of various agricultural systems and emphasizes how social, cultural and economic behavior and the physical environment influences global food production. Issues on the interconnection between world hunger, the place-to-place differences in farming practices, agricultural policies and the environment will be covered.
GEOG 265. Thematic Cartography (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Thematic cartography introduces each student to basic cartographic theory and computer mapping techniques. Emphasis is placed on using maps for spatial analysis and geographic research. Using computer mapping software, students examine basic concepts of thematic map development, elementary cartometrics, map evaluation and map publication. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 280. Introduction to Cultural Geography. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
The course themes are human culture, cultural variations over the face of the earth and how these variations are related to selected global issues. Topics covered include world demographics, world religions and languages, patterns of human migration, political systems and human conflict, agricultural systems and impact on the physical world. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 285. Remote Sensing (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
The Remote Sensing class involves the study of the characteristics, quality, geometry and digital properties of remotely sensed aerial imagery. Methods of data collection, analysis, enhancement and presentation are discussed. Both the physical and cultural aspects of the imagery are examined. Prerequisite: GEOG 230.
GEOG 300. Population Geography. 3 credits. Offered fall.
An introduction to population measurement, sources of population data and modern population problems. Topics include distribution, the changing age structure and migration issues affecting the U.S. At the global scale topics include distribution, global migration patterns, the refugee crisis and prospects for feeding the rapidly increasing human population.
GEOG/GEOL 310. Environmental Issues. 1-4 repeatable credits, no limit. Offering TBA.
Courses cover environmental issues such as air pollution, forest and wildlife management, water, resource management, soils and land use, and energy and the environment (among other topics). Courses examine the interface between humans and environmental systems while addressing the impact of social, economic and political systems and activities on the environment. May be repeated as course content changes. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 311. Endangered Environments. 3 credits. Offered spring.
In this course an investigation is made of a selected number of environmental problem areas around the world. Some examples include the temperate rainforest of Valdivia, South America, the tropical rainforests of Borneo and the Aral Sea of Eastern Europe. In the course, students will explore physical aspects of each environment and explore human impact and potential solutions to the problems.
GEOG 315. Field Studies in Geography. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course exposes students to the methods and techniques commonly used by geographers while conducting fieldwork. The course will cover identifying and defining a researchable project, designing and testing data collection methods, and different methods of collecting, recording and presenting data. Students will also become familiar with various types of field equipment. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 335. Geography of Africa. 3 credits. Offered spring.
The physical environment, natural resources and human geographic patterns of Africa. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 336. Geography of North America. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
A study of the physical environment of North America followed by an analysis of the spatial structures of the area’s population and economy. The basis for the regional differentiation is considered, followed by a region-by-region analysis of each of these unique interactions of physical and cultural phenomenon.
GEOG 337. Geography of Latin America. 3 credits. Offered spring.
A study of countries in Latin America which includes their physical landforms, weather and climate, biogeography, natural resource base, attitudes toward the physical environment, characteristics of the economy, the current political role in international activities and population characteristics that include growth rate, distribution, migration and ethnicity.
GEOG 340. Biogeography. 3 credits. Offered spring.
Examines the distribution of plants and animals on Earth and the factors contributing to the existence and alteration of these patterns. The ecological and human processes shaping the natural environment are examined. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 344. Economic Geography and Development Issues. 3 credits. Offered spring.
An overview of the classification of economic activities, the factors involved in the location of various types of economic activities, and the regional variation in the standard of living associated with economic development. Additional topics include regional economic growth and types of economic systems and development perspectives, the roles that politics and demographics play in the economic development of a country, and the globalization of economic activities.
GEOG 346. Geography of Europe. 3 credits. offering to be arranged
Geographic assessment of regional and national characteristics of the European nations.
GEOG 348. Russia and the Former U.S.S.R. 3 credits. offering to be arranged
A study of the people and culture of Russia with an emphasis on their social, economic and political processes and situation. An analysis of how the interaction of geographic, social, political and economic factors affect the lives of the Russian people.
GEOG 349. Geography of East Asia. 3 credits. Offered fall.
A survey of the physical and cultural environments of China, Taiwan, Japan, the Koreas, Indochina and the countries of Southeast Asia. Topics covered include weather and climate, physiography, natural resources, population characteristics, political systems, aspects of the economy and the role that each country plays on the regional and world stage.View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 365. Advanced Thematic Cartography (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered spring.
Using automated mapping techniques, statistical software and the World Wide Web, students will examine advanced cartographic design theory, thematic map construction and investigate the use of maps for conducting spatial analysis within the discipline of geography. Laboratory work will require students to reproduce a publishable-quality map for a client.
GEOG 366. Geographic Information Science. 4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This lecture and lab course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of building a geographic information system. Computer-aided design is used to digitize, edit and plot spatial data. Attribute data and spatial data are combined in a GIS, and fundamental GIS functions are performed. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 380. Regional Geography Studies. 3 credits. Offered once per academic year.
Students will focus on one of 10 world regions (A-US/Canada; B-Latin American; C-Middle East/North Africa; D-Sub-Saharan Africa; E-Europe; F-Russia/Central Asia; G-East Asia; H-South Asia; I-Southeast Asia; J-Australia/Pacific). All students enrolled will meet with the instructor as a group once a week for discussion of general characteristics of world regions. Most work will be guided/independent.
GEOG 385. Advanced Remote Sensing (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered spring.
The Advanced Remote Sensing class involves a continuation of the subject matter of the basic course, which is its prerequisite. The subject matters include advance georeferencing and orthocorrection, refined methods and applications of digital image enhancement, and image classification methodologies. These tools are applied to the inventory and assessment of various environmental conditions. Prerequisite: GEOG 285. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 390. Research Design. 1 credit. Offered fall and spring.
The first in a sequence of two courses designed to involve students in research projects. This course focuses on designing a research project. It is taken as an independent study during the semester preceding the “Capstone” course (GEOG 490, GEOG 491 or GEOG 495).
GEOG 410. Urban Geography. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Study of the city in its geographic setting, giving perspective of modern urban problems, origin and growth of cities and influence of location on city functions. Looks at the internal structure of cities and the influence of the internal structure on its population groups.
GEOG 415. Climatology. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
The systematic study of the atmosphere with emphasis on such phenomena as temperature, pressure, humidity, air masses and fronts; the occurrence of these phenomena on a global basis; and a detailed survey of the worldwide distribution of climate types.
GEOG/ISAT 429. Sustainability: An Ecological Process. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course examines present global environmental impacts and efforts made to change production and consumption patterns toward those that reduce impact on ecosystems or promote increased ecosystems health. The focus lies in understanding the basic resources of productivity including soils, agricultural systems, agroforestry, forestry, and aquatic environments and applying solutions on a personal and community level. Prerequisite: ISAT 320 or permission of instructor.
GEOG 430. Geography of Crop Plants 3 credits
This course evaluates the influence of geography on crops and crop development by examining the evolution, genetic diversity and cultivation of agricultural crops. Topics include the origins of agriculture, patterns of geographic spread, and the interrelationships between domesticated plants and the societies that grow them.
GEOG 440. Wilderness Techniques. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Wilderness legislation, legal mandates and wilderness issues are examined. Human impacts due to overuse or conflicting uses are studied, as are the philosophical aspects of wilderness ethics. This course is taught entirely in the field. Camping, hiking and permission of the instructor are required. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 441. Management and Protection of Natural Resources. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course provides a managerial perspective for protection and management of natural resources. A systems approach for applied management strategies is provided for aquatic, terrestrial, threatened and endangered ecosystems. Topics include application of state, federal, international laws, regulations, policies and guidelines. Students develop management plans and explore jurisdictional resource protection issues. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 442. Wildlife Management. 3 credits. Offered fall.
An introductory discussion of applied management strategies for wildlife species and their ecological requirements is provided relative to human influences. Management techniques that are useful for determining population or health status are demonstrated for select vertebrate species. The evolution of wildlife laws, polices and management strategies are addressed to provide relevant awareness into the appropriate concepts of wildlife management.
GEOG 450. Topics in Geography. 1-3 credits. Offering TBA.
Examination of geographic topics that are of current interest. Can be repeated as course content changes. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 465. Applied Thematic Cartography. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Student performs and independent, client-based map project that addresses complex data visualization concepts and issues in thematic cartography. Students also explore issues such as: Responsibilities of the Cartographer to the Client, contracting Cartographic projects, cartographic communication models, cognitive issues in Cartographic Visualization, methods for disseminating Maps to Users, Modeling geographic phenomena with application to client-based problems, quality control scenarios when actualizing Cartographic projects, Legal Contract issues, and delivery issues with the completed Cartographic product. Prerequisite: GEOG 265.
GEOG 466. Managing GIS and Geographic Databases. 4 credits. Offered once each academic year.
An introduction to the creation, use and management of digital spatial data used by industry and government. Integration of large spatial data sets into the geographic information system, data management and data exchange, and the geodetic transformation of data sets are emphasized. Digital elevation models, land use data, population data, digital topographic map and street network data will be used. Prerequisite: GEOG 366. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 467. Selected Topics in Applied Geographic Information Systems. 4 credits.
The course advances the knowledge of GIS in theory and practice by focusing on specific application areas. Spatial databases and complex attribute data will be created and GIS modeling techniques will be used to solve problems relevant to the specified topical area. The course may be repeated once for additional credit when the topic changes. Prerequisite: GEOG 366. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 468. Internet Geographic Information Systems. 4 credits. Offered spring.
Theoretical and practical exploration of methods, standards and policies related to the development and utilization of geographic information systems on the Internet. Students will create and utilize distributed geospatial data and analytical systems using the world wide web and the Internet to address geographical problems. Prerequisite: GEOG 366. View Syllabus [PDF]
GEOG 475. Political Geography. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Geopolitical conflicts and issues are examined. Concepts such as territoriality, nationalism, religious and ethnic struggle, environmental degradation and freedom and justice are discussed in the context of political unrest. Significant geopolitical theories and social and economic processes are explored.
GEOG 486. Applied Digital Image Processing. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course advances the knowledge and theory of digital image processing of remote sensed imagery. Analytical functions will be applied to projects relevant to further study and issues faced by clients. Prerequisite: GEOG 285 or GEOG 385.
GEOG 490. Special Studies in Geography. 1-3 credits each semester. Offered fall and spring.
Designed to give capable students in geography an opportunity to complete independent study under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Admission by recommendation of the instructor and permission of the department head.
GEOG 491. International Studies-Capstone. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course fulfills the capstone experience requirement for students majoring in geography. Students will make arrangements for the international experience. A research project or work-study project will be designed by the student and faculty member prior to departure. The research or work will be carried out in the country of travel.
GEOG 495. Internship in Geography. 3-6 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Practical experience in and observation of a public agency utilizing geographic methodology. Work experience will be supervised by an official of the agency and a faculty member. Periodic seminars and written reports are required. Prerequisites: Geography major of junior or senior standing and permission of department coordinator.
GEOG 499. Honors. 6 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Year course.
Integrated Science and Technology Courses
ISAT 101. ISAT First Year Students Seminar. 1 credit. Offered fall.
This seminar course will introduce the ISAT curriculum and career options to first year students and will describe how various elements of the curriculum and available ISAT elective sequences in each technology sector relate to the goals and objectives of the program. Prerequisite: First year students at JMU.
GISAT 112. Environmental Issues in Science and Technology (2, 2). 4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course integrates the study of biology, chemistry and statistics within the context of environmental issues that include ozone depletion, acid rain, global warming, waste management and biodiversity. View Syllabus [PDF]
GISAT 113. Issues in Science and Technology: Living Systems (2, 2). 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course introduces current topics in the life science technologies through lecture and laboratory exercises. Topics include advances in genetic engineering, the hierarchy of life and the rise of infectious diseases. Prerequisite: GISAT 112. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 131. Technology, Science and Society (1, 2). 2 credits. Offered spring.
This course introduces the social aspects of technology and science. It covers social science methods and related philosophical and ethical analyses. Students learn how the practice of science relates to the human-built world and why critical evaluations of science and technology policies are important. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 180. Topics in Integrated Science and Technology. 1-4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Special topics in integrated science and technology which are of interest to the entry-level student. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Students should consult the instructor prior to enrolling for the course. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
ISAT 181. Student Research Report. 1-6 credits, variable.
Research project on a science and technology topic of interest, as arranged with a faculty research adviser. Projects will include as assessment of the non-technical issues that surround the technical problem.
ISAT 211. Issues in Modern Production (2, 2). 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course introduces the structure and function of a manufacturing enterprise, product design and process selection with emphasis on computer-based automation and integration technologies. Total Quality Management (TQM), statistical process control, principles of engineering drawings and engineering economy will also be covered. Prerequisite: GISAT 151 or consent of instructor.
ISAT 212. Energy Issues in Science and Technology (2, 2). 3 credits. Offered spring.
Introduction to scientific and economic concepts relevant to energy. Concepts are taught within the context of three or four themes, e.g., residential energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, “make-or-buy” fossil energy application and space power systems. Themes may change from year to year reflecting contemporary issues and opportunities to link with industry and government agencies. Prerequisite: ISAT 152 or consent of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 231. Political Economy of Technology and Science. 3 credits. Offered fall.
Solutions to human problems are mediated by economic and political institutions, which in turn help to shape technology and science. The course covers basic political and economic concepts, institutions and processes as they relate to American and international science and technology.
ISAT 252. Analytical Methods IV: Programming and Problem Solving (2,2). 3 credits. Offered spring.
Use of formal logic to represent and assess properties of natural language constructs important to scientific inquiry, with application to the development and use of knowledge-based systems; introduction to procedural programming and its uses for producing and tailoring information systems supporting scientific, technical and business problem solving. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 253. Analytical Methods V: Instrumentation and Measurement (2, 2). 3 credits. Offered spring.
Fundamental nature of measurement in the practice of science, how and why measurements are taken and representative instrumentation. Data collection in science (measuring physical properties and biometrics), statistical tools for analyzing data and visualization of data. Prerequisite: ISAT 251 and ISAT 152. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 280. Projects in Integrated Science and Technology. 1-4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Projects or special topics in integrated science and technology, which are of interest to the lower-division student. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Projects or topics selected may dictate prerequisites. Students should consult the instructor prior to enrolling for the course. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
ISAT 301. Instrumentation and Measurement in Energy (0, 2). 1 credit. Offered fall.
Instrumentation is used to acquire data from representative systems that include mechanical, thermal, solar, chemical and nuclear energy. Students analyze the data to enhance understanding of these forms of energy. Energy transport processes are also characterized. Computer-based data acquisition is emphasized. Prerequisites: ISAT 212 and ISAT 253 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 302. Instrumentation and Measurement of the Environment (0, 2). 1 credit. Offered fall and spring.
Traditional and contemporary analytical laboratory and field techniques used in environmental quality monitoring are surveyed. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical, chemical and biological basis of these techniques. Hands-on laboratory and field work will be emphasized, in addition to quality control/assurance of environmental data. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 303. Instrumentation and Measurement in Engineering and Manufacturing (0, 2). 1 credit. Offered spring.
Instrumentation is used to acquire data from representative systems that are relevant to modern manufacturing processes. Process control instrumentation is also studied. Topics include shop floor data collection, electronic sensors and actuators, pneumatics and hydraulics. Computer-based data acquisition is emphasized. Prerequisites: ISAT 211 and ISAT 253, or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 305. Instrumentation and Measurement in Biotechnology (0, 2). 1 credit. Offered fall.
This course provides a hands-on experience of the techniques and instrumentation used in the modern biotechnology laboratory. Topics include aseptic techniques for establishing microbial cultures, detection and analysis of recombinant DNA molecules, protein purification, SDS gel electrophoresis and the use of PCR technology for genetic analysis.
ISAT 310. Energy Fundamentals I. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course covers the integration of fundamental concepts from physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering within the context of energy applications. Principles governing energy transformations, transport and conversion, including laws of thermodynamics, chemical and nuclear reactions and thermal science. Prerequisite: ISAT 212 or consent of instructor.
ISAT 311. Role of Energy in Modern Society. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course covers the role of energy in the U.S. and world economies. Geology of energy-valued natural resources; size, quality and economics of domestic and world resource base. Models for energy use by different sectors. The role of energy in global climate change; other energy-related environmental concerns; and the implications for national and international security will be studied. Prerequisite: ISAT 212 or consent of instructor.
ISAT 320. Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Technology I. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course provides the student with a basic understanding of environmental pollution, processes and control technologies. The course begins with a review and extension of the basic sciences supporting environmental science. Water and wastewater quality, management and treatment are then addressed, culminating in independent team projects in this area. Prerequisite: GISAT 112 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 321. Fundamentals of Environmental Science and Technology II. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course continues to build the student's basic understanding of environmental pollution, processes, and control technologies. The course considers solid and hazardous waste and its management, discusses the principles of environmental risk assessment, and addresses air quality analysis and management, culminating in independent team projects in this area. Prerequisite: GISAT 112 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 330. Manufacturing Systems: Techniques and Technologies. 3 credits. Offered fall.
The course will introduce students to the various manufacturing systems within a manufacturing organization. The systems studied will be selected from the following areas: (a) manufacturing/production management—batch and continuous (b) resources utilization, (c) material management and (d) scheduling and inventory control. Prerequisites: ISAT 152 and 211 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 331. Automation in Manufacturing. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course offers an in-depth treatment of the structure and function of computer integrated manufacturing processes; integration and automation in design and manufacturing; product and process design, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, process planning, robotics and flexible manufacturing systems; production planning and product data management. Prerequisites: ISAT 152 and ISAT 211 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 340. Software Development. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course is an introduction to the processes, methods and techniques of efficient and effective software application development. Students will create or enhance software systems in a sophisticated development environment. Prerequisite: ISAT 252.
ISAT 341. Modeling and Simulation. 3 credits. Offered spring.
The development and use of models to understand, analyze and improve systems in several areas of science and technology. Students will use computer simulation in a variety of modeling projects. Prerequisites: Junior standing and ISAT 340 or CS 139 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT/CS 344. Intelligent Systems. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
In-depth introduction to current and future intelligent systems, including expert systems, neural networks, hybrid intelligent systems and other intelligent system technologies and their development, uses and limitations. Prerequisites: Junior standing and ISAT 340 or CS 139.
ISAT/CS 345. The Software Industry. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Study of means for the development and maintenance of high quality software products, delivered on time and within budget. Topics include requirements analysis and specification, software design, implementation, testing, maintenance, project management, ethics, and the responsibilities of software engineering professionals. Prerequisites: CS 139 or ISAT 340 and sophomore standing.
ISAT 348. The Multimedia Industry. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Students are introduced to a variety of tools for viewing multimedia and to the issues in designing effective human-computer interactions. This includes an introduction to the many forms of media that occur in computing systems (text, graphics, images, sound, animation) and to the characteristics of well-produced media. Prerequisite: CS 139, ISAT 340 or permission of the instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 350. Biotechnology for the New Millennium I. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course covers the scientific foundations and historical development of biotechnology. Specific topics include living system nanotechnology; cell structure and function; origins of genetic engineering; and recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisite: GISAT 113 or equivalent.
ISAT 351. Biotechnology for the New Millennium II. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course is a continuation of ISAT 350 and describes applications of biotechnology in agriculture, industry and medical science as well as associated social, ethical and philosophical issues. Topics include study of an emerging infectious disease; energy transduction in living systems; and novel applications of biotechnology. Prerequisite: ISAT 350. Corequisite: ISAT 305 View Syllabus [PDF]
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ISAT 360. Fundamentals of Telecommunication. 3 credits. Offered fall.
An introduction to telecommunications systems, including principles of electromagnetism and electromagnet waves, transmission media, encoding systems, and information theory; the social impacts of telecommunications systems and an overview of telecommunication policy and regulation; and the telecommunications industry sectors, major corporate players and regulatory agencies. Prerequisite: ISAT 152, PHYS 250 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 399. Instrumentation and Measurement in Telecommunications. 1 credit. Offered fall.
This course is designed to prepare students to safely and intelligently use laboratory and field instrumentation (with associated software) commonly encountered in the telecommunications field. The student will also be required to plan, design, build, and present a semester project involving the use of principles learned in the course. Prerequisite: ISAT 152or PHYS 250.
ISAT 401. Advanced Computer-Based Instrumentation I. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This is largely a laboratory course in which students build and program their own instruments. Topics include programming techniques for real-time instrumentation programming; buffered analog and digital input and output; timing considerations; passive analog filters and active analog filters; digital-filtering techniques; and real-time programming issues. Prerequisites: ISAT 253 and ISAT 252, or permission of instructor.
ISAT 402. Advanced Computer-Based Instrumentation II. 3 credits. Offered spring.
Students design and build their own instruments. Topics include representative sensor techniques as applied to physical, chemical and biological systems as well as basic and advanced circuits for signal manipulation: buffers, amplifiers and active and passive filters. An instrument design project is the capstone of the course. Prerequisites: ISAT 253 and ISAT 252, or the permission of the instructor.
ISAT 406. Transmission Electron Microscopy. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This practical laboratory course provides hands-on experience in the preparation and examination of biological specimens with the transmission electron microscope. Techniques to be mastered include support film preparation for negative staining of bacteria and viruses, fixation, embedding, and thin sectioning of tissues, electron optical alignment and microscope operation. Prerequisite: ISAT 253 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 410. Sustainable Energy Development. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course is concerned with science and the applications of solar and other renewable technologies, e.g., solar thermal electric, photovoltaics, wind power, biomass-derived alcohols, solar hydrogen and ocean thermal energy conversion. Energy storage systems and materials, combined renewable-conventional systems for peaking and load management and alternative energy sources for transportation will be studied. Prerequisite: ISAT 310 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 411. Energy Economics and Policy. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course is concerned with methods for analyzing the economics, environmental and societal benefits of energy technologies. Topics include optimization techniques, utility planning and finance, cost-benefit techniques, discounting for time and risk, econometric models and input-output analysis. The role of government in determining energy costs supply and markets will be considered. Prerequisite: ISAT 311 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 412. Dynamic Control of Energy Systems. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course considers methods for developing dynamic models of energy processes and technologies to achieve improved process control and increased efficiency with applications of differential equations and discrete math equations. Dynamic models are used to evaluate load management strategies and to develop computer control algorithms for building energy systems. Prerequisite: ISAT 310 or consent of instructor.
ISAT 413. Options for Energy Efficiency. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course makes detailed examination of new technologies to increase the efficiency of energy conversion, transportation systems and end-use technologies. Examples include MHD, combined-cycle systems, advanced nuclear reactors, intelligent transportation systems, high-efficiency lighting, energy management and utilization of low-temperature heat. Consideration is made of the socioeconomic and governmental barriers to energy efficiency. Prerequisites: ISAT 310 and ISAT 311, or consent of instructor.
ISAT 414. Energy Fundamentals II. 3 credits. Offered once an academic year.
Introduction to the sciences of fluid mechanics and heat transfer and the physical laws governing the mechanical behavior of liquids and gasses. Conservation of mass, energy, and momentum. Discussion of heat transfer by one-dimensional conduction, convection and radiation. Fluid statics, internal and external fluid flow. Pipe networks and heat exchanger analysis. Prerequisite: ISAT 310 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 416. International Energy Studies. 3 credits. Offered summer.
Study-abroad course examining international energy problems and providing team-oriented project experiences. Course addresses energy issues associated with economic and social development. Project participation, tours and meetings with local experts illustrate energy-related problems that are compared with those in the United States. Prerequisites: ISAT 212 and ISAT 253.
ISAT 420. Environmental Analysis and Modeling. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course explores applications of mathematical techniques and computer models to the environmental field. The course introduces the principles underlying environmental analysis and modeling, including limitations and pitfalls. Several environmental models and analytical systems are then discussed and applied, using a variety of computational platforms. Prerequisite: ISAT 321 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 421. Environmental Policy and Regulation. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course will familiarize students with basic environmental laws and regulations. The course discusses the purpose of environmental policy, the role of environmental economics in policy decisions, and the policy instruments available to environmental regulators. Current federal and state statutes affecting waste disposal, air quality, and water quality are discussed. Corequisite: ISAT 321 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 422. Environmental Management. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course addresses environmental issues faced by industry, including such topics as waste management, chemical inventories, pollution prevention, and discharge permitting. Industrial Ecology is introduced as an approach to the development of a sustainable industrial society, including treatment of Life Cycle Analysis, Design for Environment, Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing, and ISO14000.
ISAT 423. Environmental Remediation. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course will examine the principles of environmental chemistry which apply to the remediation of contaminated soil and water, including the properties of soils systems and the factors controlling mass transport, partitioning, and chemical fate. Current and emerging remediation technologies and their limitations in soil and groundwater restoration are reviewed. Prerequisites: ISAT 320 and ISAT 321 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 424. Natural Resource Management. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course focuses on how resource management decisions affect the human and natural communities involved. Topics include definition and importance of natural resources, resource management styles and policies, and planning for resource conservation. Conservation biology is introduced as a tool for developing sustainable resource use policies. Mandatory weekend field trip. Prerequisite: ISAT 320 and ISAT 321 or permission of the instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 425. Environmental Hydrology. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course integrates the study of surface water and ground water hydrology and examines current technologies used to assess the behavior and quality of water in the environment. Topics include monitoring and management at the watershed level, the influence of wetlands on water quality, and the impact of current regulations. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 426. Environmental Information Systems. 3 credits. Offered summer.
This course provides students with practical experience applying advanced environmental information systems technologies to environmental problems. Students will employ such technologies as decision support systems, geographic information systems, expert systems, relational databases, multimedia systems, and modeling and simulation. This course is often offered in a study-abroad format. Prerequisite: ISAT 320 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 427. Industrial Hygiene. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course provides an introductory survey of the field of Industrial Hygiene. Chemical hazards are addressed first, focusing on respiratory and dermal exposures, followed by a treatment of physical hazards including sound, radiation, and temperature. The course includes industrial case studies illustrating administrative and engineering controls in common use. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 428. Industrial Ecology. 3 credits. Offered summer.
Industrial Ecology, the "science of sustainability", seeks to encourage the development of a sustainable industrial society. This course introduces and examines this relatively new field of inquiry and practice. We address various practical topics which are associated with Industrial Ecology, including Life Cycle Assessment, Design for Environment, and Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing.
ISAT/GEOG 429. Sustainability: An Ecological Process. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course examines present global environmental impacts and efforts made to change production and consumption patterns toward those that reduce impact on ecosystems or promote increased ecosystems health. The focus lies in understanding the basic resources of productivity including soils, agricultural systems, agroforestry, forestry and aquatic environments and applying solutions on a personal and community level. Prerequisite: ISAT 320 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT/MATS 430. Materials Science in Manufacturing. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course is the study of engineering materials used in the fabrication of products including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites and elastomers. Topics include physical, mechanical and electrical properties of materials, elements of strength of materials, failure criteria and materials selection. Prerequisites: ISAT 211 and ISAT 152, or permission of instructor.
ISAT/MATS 431. Manufacturing Processes. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course provides an introduction to the processes used for fabricating parts, such as machining, grinding and casting and sheet-metal fabrication, including both traditional and nontraditional processes. Topics include interaction of materials, processing and design, economics of manufacturing, design for improved processing. Manufacturing processes for metals, plastics and composites are addressed. Prerequisite: ISAT 430 or permission of instructor.
ISAT/MATS 432. Selection and Use of Engineering Materials. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course deals with the interplay between engineering product specification, design, economics, environment, energy, materials selection, fabrication route, manufacturing cost and product service requirements. Students will be taught how to perform design projects that involve understanding the behavior of materials and selection of materials for a specific function. Prerequisite: ISAT 211 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 433. Selected Problems in Manufacturing. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course addresses selected problems in manufacturing and their solutions. Materials, processes and systems will be stressed. Solutions may involve laboratory experiments and/or other analytical tools, such as modeling, system selection and evaluation and process selection and improvement. Case studies and current projects from industry will be used. Prerequisite: ISAT 330 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 435. Integrated Product and Process Development. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This courses focuses on the integrated approach for developing products simultaneously with manufacturing processes. Students learn about successful product development techniques and effective organization of product development teams. Topics include design for manufacturing, design for the environment, rapid prototyping, economics of product development and managing of development projects. Prerequisite: ISAT 331 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT/MATS 436. Micro-Nanofabrication and Applications. 3 credits. Offered spring.
This course examines processes used in the manufacture of microelectronic devices (VLSI integrated circuits, optoelectronic devices, flat panel displays), microelectromechanical devices (micromotors, microactuators), data storage media (magnetic and optical disks, including CDs), optical fibers and some sensors and transducers. Principles of operation of semiconductor and other devices are also studied. Prerequisite: ISAT 253, PHYS 150, PHYS 250 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 440. Seminar in Knowledge Management. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Philosophical, ethical, social and political issues in information and knowledge management, the information and knowledge management industries and information and knowledge management systems. Prerequisite: Senior standing. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 450. Biotechnology and the Environment. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course will examine the impact of biotechnology on the environment, biotechnology solutions to environmental challenges as well as associated regulatory, ethical and legal issues. Topics include bioremediation, biosensors, release of engineered organisms and risk assessment. Prerequisite: ISAT 320 or ISAT 350.
ISAT 451. Biotechnology in Industry and Agriculture. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course illustrates the applications of biotechnology in agriculture and industry, linking scientific discoveries to business and manufacturing practices. Topics include pharmaceutical product development, genetic engineering in agriculture, biotechnology in food processing and regulatory issues. Prerequisite: ISAT 330 or ISAT 350.
ISAT 452. Medical Biotechnology. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course will survey the research development and implementation of select biomedical technologies, including genetic-based medical technologies, biomedical diagnostics, bioengineering at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, imaging technologies, lasers in medicine and relevant regulatory and legal issues. Prerequisite: ISAT 351 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 453. Energy and Living Systems. 3 credits. Offered spring.
The potential of living systems as alternative energy sources will be explored by describing energy production and transduction in living systems in the context of current and anticipated applications of biotechnology to energy production. Prerequisite: ISAT 310, ISAT 351 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 454. Computer Applications in Biotechnology. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Students learn how complex biological molecules support and regulate processes in living systems through building interactive computer models of protein and nucleic acid structures. Other computer applications include image processing, genome data manipulation and NMR data processing. Written and oral presentations are also required. Prerequisite: ISAT 350 or permission of instructor.
ISAT 455. Regulatory Issues in Biotechnology. 3 credits. Offered fall.
This course examines the policies and guidelines of federal government agencies that regulate the use of recombinant DNA technology, genetically engineered organisms and the manufacturing of biotechnology products. Issues of product safety, product labeling, physical and biological containment, environmental release and mammalian cloning are presented. Prerequisite: ISAT 351 or permission of instructor. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 456. Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Biotechnology. 3 credits. Offered spring.
The ethical, legal and social implications of the field of biotechnology and its applications are explored in this course. Students will analyze at an in-depth level the social impacts and ethical implications of human subjects and biological materials research, cloning, human genetic engineering and transgenic agricultural crops. Prerequisites: ISAT 131 and ISAT 231, or permission of instructor.
ISAT 457. Business of Biotechnology. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
This course will discuss the business concepts behind the biotechnology industry. Specifically, students will learn how the industry was born, how product concepts arise and develop, how biotech products are developed and marketed, what factors lead to company success and/or failure, what the role of intellectual property protection and regulatory issues play in the industry. Prerequisite: ISAT 351 or permission of the instructor.
ISAT/CS 460. Local Area Networks. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
An overview of LAN hardware, LAN topology and design, and LAN protocols. Installation and management of LAN operating systems and LAN services (address management, name management, file and print sharing, account management). Prerequisite: CS 350, CIS 320 or equivalent. Formerly CS 451.
ISAT/CS 461. Internetworking. 3 credits. Offered spring.
Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitian Area Network (MAN) design. Audio, voice, data and TV transmission over ATM/B-ISDN networks. The SONET signal hierarchy and Q3 standard interface model. Network security. Performance analysis of a given network. Prerequisite: ISAT/CS 460.
ISAT/CS 462. Network Applications Development. 3 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Design and implementation of network-based applications using languages and architectures such as sockets, JAVA, TL1 and CORBA. Concepts in distributed processing, including synchronization of interprocess communication and management of replicated data. Analysis of performance issues related to distributed applications. Prerequisites: CS 239 or CIS 344 and ISAT/CS 460.
ISAT/CS 463. Network Analysis and Design. 3 credits. Offered spring.
In-depth introduction to the techniques and tools used to design and analyze computer and telecommunications networks. Overview of issues related to network performance, including the impact on cost, reliability and security. Prerequisites: CS/ISAT 460 and ISAT 340 or equivalent.
ISAT/CS 464. Issues in the Telecommunications Business. 3 credits. Offered fall.
Addresses complex business concepts and issues in the telecommunications industry. Explores the interrelation of the economics of the telecommunications industry with ensuing social, ethical and security issues. Discusses topics in product and service creation, marketing, customer service and billing, and electronic commerce. Prerequisites: CIS 320 , SMAD 356 and ISAT 340, or equivalent.
ISAT 471. Transportation: Energy, Environment and Society. 3 credits. Alternating years
This course provides an overview of transportation’s role in energy demand, environmental change and economic development. Domestic and global transportation trends are compared and their impacts on fossil fuel consumption, air pollution, climate, ecosystems and social structure are analyzed. Contemporary technological, policy and behavioral solutions are critically examined with an emphasis on alternative fuels, advanced vehicle architectures and regulatory measures..
ISAT 472. Transportation: Air Quality Modeling and Regulation. 3 credits. Offered annually.
This course introduces transportation as a CLIOS (complex, large-scale, integrated, open system) that has bi-directional interactions with the social, political, and economic aspects of society. Fundamental systems operation principles, institutions, and regulations are explored with respect to environmental, energy, economic, land use, and developmental issues. Building upon this foundation, students develop an understanding of regional planning and regulatory measures. They gain practical experience utilizing transporation and air quality models to quantify transportation impacts and to compare the effectiveness of various transportation control measures. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ISAT 480. Selected Topics in Integrated Science and Technology. 1-4 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Topics in integrated science and technology, which are of interest to the upper-division student, but not otherwise covered in the regular course offerings. Offered only with the approval of the program coordinator. May be repeated for credit when course content changes. Students should consult the instructor prior to enrolling for the course. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing required. Topic selected may dictate prerequisite. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 491, 492, 493. Senior Thesis. 6 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Three-course sequence. Student performs an independent research project, either alone or within an investigative team, to identify and analyze a technologically based problem, develop alternative solutions, recommend the best solution and provide a written and oral technical report. ISAT 491 (one credit) is for project identification and proposal. ISAT 492 (two credits) and ISAT 493 (three credits) follow. View Syllabus [PDF]
ISAT 499. Honors Thesis. 6 credits. Offered fall and spring.
Three-course sequence. Student performs an independent research project that meets the requirements set forth by the honors program. Student must identify and analyze a technologically based problem, develop alternative solutions, recommend the best solution and provide a written and oral technical report of the effort. May be taken in lieu of ISAT 491, 492, 493 sequence.
