College of Science

www.science.vt.edu/

Dean, Lay Nam Chang
Associate Dean for Curriculum and Instruction:   Gary L. Long
Associate Dean for Research and International Outreach:  Timothy E. Long
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and Strategic Inititatives:  J.P. Morgan
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies: Jerry W. Via
Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration:  Janet Sanders
Science student

Overview

    The College of Science at Virginia Tech provides students with an interdisciplinary training in analytical skills and a comprehensive foundation in the scientific method. Outstanding faculty members conduct research and teach courses in nine disciplines leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees. Coursework from the College of Science also provides a foundation of knowledge in a number of fundamental and advanced subjects for students in all Colleges across the campus. The College of Science also offers academic advising and appropriate preparatory coursework for students interested in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine, and patent or intellectual property law.

    Students may major in the following disciplines:

Biochemistry Biological Sciences Chemistry
Economics Geosciences Mathematics
Physics Psychology Statistics

    In addition to traditional majors, the college offers courses in nanoscale science, computational science, systems biology, and neuroscience as well as intellectual property law, and supports research centers in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, applied mathematics, macromolecular science, and many other critical technologies and applied sciences that encompass other Colleges at the University. Allied disciplines emphasize the study of behavioral science awell as economic and strategic decision making. The College is committed to providing research opportunities for interested students at all levels.

Degree Programs

    Specific degree programs include:

    • Biochemistry (B.S.; option in Biotechnology)
    • Biological Sciences (B.S.; option in Microbiology/Immunology)
    • Chemistry (B.S. or B.A.)
    • Economics (B.A.; specializations in Business Economics, Macroeconomics and Finance, Economic Theory, Econometrics and Empirical Economics and Public Policy)
    • Geosciences (B.S.; options in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics and Earth Science Education)
    • Mathematics (B.S.; options in Traditional Mathematics, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Applied Discrete Mathematics, and Mathematics Education)
    • Physics (B.S. or B.A.)
    • Psychology (B.S.)
    • Statistics (B.S.)

    The college offers minors in all of the majors listed above as well as minors in actuarial science and science, engineering, and law. A leadership minor is available to members of the Corps of Cadets.

General Requirements for Graduation

    A student in the College of Science must complete at least 120 hours for an undergraduate degree as well as satisfying the following requirements:

    • achieve a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 for all hours attempted
    • achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 for all hours attempted in all work applied to the major
    • complete all other requirements established for their degree by the major department
    • complete all college and Curriculum for Liberal Education requirements

    No course required for the major/minor may be elected to be taken on a pass/fail (P/F) basis (i.e., pass/fail may be used for free electives only). This excludes courses that are offered P/F only.

College Core Curriculum

    A description of the Curriculum for Liberal Education may be found in the Academics chapter of this catalog or on the Curriculum for Liberal Education website (http://www.cle.prov.vt.edu/). College Specific Requirements related to the Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE):

    Area 6: Creativity and Aesthetic Experience

    • Satisfactorily complete a three-credit hour course approved for the university Curriculum for Liberal Education. (The one-credit courses for the CLE will not fulfill this requirement.)
    Foreign Language· Must complete the third year (level III) of a single foreign language [including Sign Language (ESL)] in a secondary school. This requirement may also be fulfilled by successful completion of one of the following:
    • Satisfactorily complete 1106 for any foreign language offered including any prerequisites
    • Satisfactorily complete an accelerated course which combines 1105 and 1106 of a foreign language
    • Students who have not completed two (2) units of a single foreign language in high school must satisfactorily complete 1106 or an accelerated course which combines 1105 and 1106 of a foreign language. These hours are in addition to the 120 hours required for graduation, so these hours will not count towards graduation.
    • Credit by examination for a foreign or classical language. The credit by examination option is available only to students who have gained knowledge of a foreign language without the benefit of formal training. This privilege is intended to recognize informal, non-academic learning experience. This option is restricted and does not carry credit towards graduation. Requests must be made through the Foreign Language office. See http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html for available tests and procedures.
    • Students whose native language is not English may be exempted from the foreign language requirement through demonstrating satisfactory knowledge of the foreign language as prescribed by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. All requests for exemption should be addressed to and must be approved by the head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. This option does not carry credit towards graduation.

Satisfactory Progress

    In addition to the university and to the departmental criteria (see specific departments in this chapter), all students in the College of Science are evaluated for continued enrollment at Virginia Tech. The two College of Science criteria for satisfying progress toward degree state that:

      1) Students who have attempted 72 semester hours must have completed their foreign language requirement by the close of the academic year (Spring Semester), and

      2) Students must have completed all credits for the Curriculum of Liberal Education by the time 96 semester hours have been attempted.

The Honors Program

    The University Honors Program is available to students in the College of Science. These programs provide an enriched environment for qualified students who are highly motivated and possess outstanding scholastic ability. Specific requirements for the three possible honors degrees are available from the honors program and participating departments.

Dean's List

    An undergraduate student who attempts at least 12 credit hours graded on the A-F option and who earns a 3.4 GPA for either spring or fall semester will be included on the online Dean’s List for that term. Please note: Students will not appear on the online Dean’s List if they are listed in the system as confidential or if they do not have an active permanent address. Questions about omissions from the online list should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar.

Pre-Professional Advising in the College of Science

    Pre-health advising (e.g., pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, and pre-veterinary) is coordinated through the Office of Health Professions located in Career Services. Advising for students interested in patent or intellectual property law careers is available in the college advising center.

Phi Beta Kappa

    Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society dedicated to recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Students in the College of Science who have exhibited outstanding academic ability in eligible coursework may be eligible for selection to Phi Beta Kappa.

Scholarships

    A number of scholarships are available for outstanding students enrolled in the College of Science. Descriptions and deadlines are available on the Scholarships and Financial Aid website.

Undergraduate Research

    Research opportunities and experiencing the excitement of discovery can play an important part in undergraduate training in science. College of Science departments offer diverse research opportunities in which students may choose to participate. Individuals interested in undergraduate research should contact a faculty member in the department where they wish to conduct research.

Internships, Co-op Opportunities and Enrichment Programs

    Students are encouraged to participate in internship and co-op opportunities to gain relevant work experience prior to graduation. Career advisors in the college advising center as well as departmental career advisors can help students identify opportunities. In some cases, students can receive credit for qualifying work experience. Enrichment studies include field station opportunities, study abroad and summer laboratory experiences outside of the university.

Career Advising

    Career advising is available from a number of sources. The university offers centralized career services and on-campus interviewing. The College of Science works with employers interested in hiring students with degrees from the college and organizes employer panels and information sessions. Every major has a departmental career advisor who specializes in guiding students from their field towards career success. Information about upcoming events is available at www.science.vt.edu/career.

    Career Services offers each student a FREE Hokies4Hire account. Undergraduate students who are seeking any type of career-related employment, including internships, co-ops, career-related summer employment, and permanent positions are eligible to use Hokies4Hire. You may upload your resume and apply for jobs listed in Hokies4Hire. These include jobs with on-campus interviews as well as job postings. Additional information may be found at http://www.career.vt.edu/H4H-OCI/H4HIndex.html

Graduate Programs in Science

    All College of Science departments offer graduate degrees at both the Master's and Ph.D. levels. Complete information on these programs including descriptions of graduate courses can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Undergraduate Course Description (CMDA)

2005-2006: INTEGRATED QUANTITATIVE SCIENCES
2005: Integrated topics from quantitive sciences that prepare students for advanced computational modeling and data analytics courses.  Topics include: probability and statistics, infinite series, multivariate calculus, linear algebra.  Co: MATH 1114, MATH 1224 for 2005. 2006: Intermediate Linear algebra, regression, differential equations, and model validation. Pre: CS 1114, MATH 1206 for 2005; 2005 for 2006. (6H,6C)

3605-3606: MATHEMATICAL MODELING: METHODS AND TOOLS
3605: Mathematical modeling with ordinary differential equations and difference equations.  Numerical solution and analysis of ordinary differential equations and difference equations. Stochastic modeling, and numerical solution of stochastic differential equations. 3606: Concepts and techniques from numerical linear algebra, including iterative methods for solving linear systems and least squares problems, and numerical approaches for solving eigenvalue problems. Ill-posed inverse problems such as parameter estimation, and numerical methods of computing solutions to inverse problems.  Numerical optimization.  Emphasis on large-scale problems. Pre: 2006 for 3605; 3605 for 3606. (3H,3C)

4604: INTERMEDIATE TOPICS IN MATH MODELING
Introduction to partial differential equations, including modeling and classification of partial differential equations. Finite difference and finite elements methods for the numerical solution of partial differential equations including function approximation, interpolation, and quadrature.  Numerical solution of nonlinear systems of equations. Uncertainty quantification, prediction. Pre: 3606. (3H,3C)

4664 (STAT 4664): COMPUTATIONAL INTENSIVE STOCHASTIC MODELING
Stochastic modeling methods with an emphasis in computing are taught. Select concepts from the classical and Bayesian paradigms are explored to provide multiple perspectives for how to learn from comples, datasets. There is particular focus on nested, spatial, and time series models. Pre: 2006. (3H,3C)

Undergraduate Course Description (COS)

2304: LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Study of process of civil litigation from commencement of lawsuit through final judgment under modern statutes and rules of court, special emphasis on intellectual property lawsuits; Introduction to US intellectual property law including copyrights, patents, trademarks & unfair competition and trade secrets; Commonalities and differences among different intellectual property rights and related state and federal doctrines; Introduction to legal research and writing. Pre: (ENGL 1105, ENGL 1106) or ENGL 1204. (3H,3C)

2614 (ENGR 2614): INTRODUCTION TO SCIENEERING
Seminar-based course providing a survey of current interdisciplinary science and engineering research problems; introduction to interdisciplinary thinking and communication; issues related to interdisciplinary research teams. (1H,1C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4064 (ENGR 4064): SCIENEERING CAPSTONE
A capstone experience centered around an open-ended, faculty-advised senior project involving the design of a process, material, or technique for solving an interdisciplinary problem. Pre: Enrollment in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Science Minor. Pre: ENGR 2464 or BIOL 2124. (3H,3C)

4304: PATENT LAW
The protection and enforcement of patent law, U.S. case law that interpret Sections 35 of the US Statutory code; Analysis of the goals and costs of the patent law system; patentability requirements, infringement, remedies, patent prosecution issues, and patent transactions; Patent and intellectual property strategies. Pre: 2304. (2H,2C)

4314: CURRENT TOPICS IN SCIENCE, TECHOLOGY, AND LAW
The seminar course covers current developments, problems and cases at the intersection of science, technology and law. Particular focus is placed on intellectual property law and on social, ethical and other legal issues prompted by new technologies and scientific advancements. Topics will include informative privacy, fair use and plagiarism, patenting of life forms, stem cell research, etc. Pre: 2304 or 4304 or 4324. (3H,3C)

4324: GLOBAL ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Comparative study of international intellectual property systems; international treaty arrangements for copyrights, patents and trademarks; protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in foreign markets; policy analysis of the globalised intellectual property system. (3H,3C)

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Description (ISC)

1105-1106: INTEGRATED SCIENCE I
Introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in an integrated environment. Discrete dynamical systems, differentiation and integration, differential equations, population dynamics, chemical reactions, chemical kinetics, Newton's law, linear and rotary motion, kinetic and potential energy. Restricted to majors in the College of Science. Only by permission of the instructor. Co: 1115 for 1105; 1116 for 1106. (6H,6C)

1115-1116: INTEGRATED SCIENCE LABORATORY I
Laboratory component of Integrated Science Curriculum where students conduct project-based interdisciplinary laboratories organized into content modules. Tools of scientific research, gene delivery, kinetics, solar energy. Restricted to majors in the College of Science. Only by permission of the instructor. Co: 1105 for 1115; 1106 for 1116. (6L,2C)

2105-2106: INTEGRATED SCIENCE II
Introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in an integrated environment. Molecular cell biology, metabolism, photosynthesis, membrane transport, quantum theory, spectroscopy, elasticity, waves, fluids, electricity and magnetism, linear algebra, genomics, probability theory. Restricted to major in the College of Science. Only by permission of the instructor. Pre: 1106, 1116 for 2105; 2105 for 2106. (6H,6C)

2115-2116: INTEGRATED SCIENCE LABORATORY II
Laboratory component of Integrated Science Curriculum where students conduct project-based interdisciplinary laboratories organized into content modules. 2115: tools of scientific research, measurements with tools of science, forensics and environmental analysis, nanoparticles, sensing and sensor. 2116: tools of scientific research, measuring with tools of science, geoscience, neuroscience, circuits and electricity & magnetism. Pre: 1116 for 2115; 2115 for 2116. Co: 2105 for 2115; 2106 for 2116. (6L,2C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.


Undergraduate Course Description (NANO)

1015-1016: INTRODUCTION TO NANOSCIENCE
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of nanoscience with perspectives from biology, geoscience, computational science, chemistry, and physics. Historical perspectives; public perception, economic impact, nanoscience in biology and environment; quantum physics principles; characterization tools; mathematical modeling. (3H,3C)

2024: QUANTUM PHYSICS OF NANOSTRUCTURES
Introduction to the quantum physics which governs the properties of matter at the nanoscale. Specific topics include: Quantization, wave-particle duality, and Schrodinger equation, with applications to the hydrogen atom, periodic crystals, and nanostructures; electron spin, spintronics, and quantum statistical physics. Pre: 1016, PHYS 2306, CHEM 1036, MATH 2214. (3H,3L,4C)

2114: NANO RESEARCH SEMINAR
Readings and discussion of current research areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology including nanofabrication, scanning probe techniques, functional nanomaterials, molecular engineering, bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Presentations by guest nanoscience faculty on their research activities. Pre: 1016. (1H,1C)

2124: NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH ROTATIONS
Research experiences in campus nanoscience research laboratories. Rotation through three to four laboratories to obtain detailed understanding and hands-on experience of specific research projects. Pre: 2114. (6L,2C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3015-3016: NANOSCALE SYNTHESIS, FABRICATION, AND CHARACTERIZATION
Tools for synthesis, fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures including organic and polymer synthesis, self-assembly, and top-down fabrication as well as methods for identifying their structure and electronic, optical, and thermal properties. Multiphase macromolecules; electron and scanning probe microscopies; fullerenes, graphene, and nanotubes; optical and electron spectroscopies, thermal analysis; quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. Pre: 2024, CHEM 2514 for 3015; 3015 for 3016. (3H,3L,4C)

3114: PROFESSIONAL DISSEMINATION OF NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH
Technical skills for dissemination of nanoscience research.  Effective use of the nanoscience and nanotechnology literature, use of technologies that support collaborative oral and written communcation. Key elements of effective journal publications and conference presentations. Pre: 2124. (1H,1C)

3124: NANOSCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction to the connections between nanoscience, nanotechnology, and the environment. Overview of environmental science, why environmental issues are relevant to industry/business/research, naturally-occurring nanomaterials and their roles on Earth, and what is currently known about how manufactured and incidental nanomaterials interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere. Pre: 1016, CHEM 1036, (BIOL 2104 or BIOL 2124). (3H,3C)

4124: ADVANCED NANOMATERIALS AND DEVICES
Overview of types of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, quantum dots, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, graphene, and ultra-thin films. Special nanocomposite materials. Electronic, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of nanomaterials. Interactions between nanomaterials and substrates or interfaces. Applications of nanomaterials for electronics, magnetic storage, and energy-efficient devices. Pre: 3016. (3H,3C)

4314: NANOMEDICINE
Medical use of nanomaterials including basic, translational, and clinical research. Nanomedical approaches to drug delivery. Diagnostic sensors. Use of nanomedical tools over conventional techniques to treat diseases/disorders. Technical issues associated with medical applications. Bioavailability of nanotherapies. Use of quantum dots for imaging. Ethical concerns and economic benefits associated with nanomedicine. Pre: 3016, (BIOL 2104 or BIOL 2124). (3H,3L,4C)

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Description (NEUR)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Description (SYSB)


2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

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