College of Science

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Course Descriptions & Programs of Study

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Overview

The College of Science at Virginia Tech provides students with interdisciplinary training in analytical skills, a comprehensive foundation in the tools of science and the scientific method, and rigorous education in any of a wide variety of scientific fields. Outstanding faculty members conduct research and teach courses in fourteen disciplines leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees. Coursework from the College of Science further 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.

Degree Programs

Specific degree programs include:

• Biochemistry (B.S.)
• Biological Sciences (B.S.); option in Biology Education, Biomedical option, option in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
• Chemistry (B.S.; majors in Medicinal Chemistry and in Polymer Chemistry, or B.A.)
• Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (B.S.; options in Physics, Economics, Biological Sciences, Cryptogtaphy & Cybersecurity)
• Economics (B.A.; options in Business, Managerial Economics & Data Science, and Policy & Regulation)
• Geosciences (B.S.; options in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Earth Science Education, Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, and Geobiology & Paleobiology)
• Mathematics (B.S.; options in Traditional Mathematics, Applied Computational Mathematics, Applied Discrete Mathematics, and Mathematics Education)
• Microbiology (B.S.; Biomedical option)
• Nanoscience (B.S.; majors in Nanoscience and in Nanomedicine)
• Neuroscience (B.S.; majors in Clinical Neuroscience, in Computational and Systems Neuroscience, in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, and in Experimental Neuroscience)
• Physics (B.S. or B.A.; options in Physics Education, Pre-Law, and Pre-Health)
• Psychology (B.S.)
• Statistics (B.S.)
• Systems Biology (B.S.)

In addition to traditional majors, the college offers courses in 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 interface with other Colleges at the University. Allied disciplines emphasize the study of behavioral science as well as economic and strategic decision making. The College is committed to providing research opportunities for interested students at all levels.

The college offers minors in:

• Actuarial Science
• Astronomy
• Biological Physics
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Data and Decisions
• Economics
• Geosciences
• Materials in Society
• Mathematics
• Nanoscience
• Physics
• Psychology
• Science, Technology, and Law
• Statistics
• Systems Biology

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) established for their degree by the major department for all hours attempted
• achieve a minimum in-major GPA established for their major by the department 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 General Education Requirements (Pathways to General Education) may be found in the Academics chapter of this catalog or on the Pathways to General Education website (www.pathways.prov.vt.edu).

Foreign Language Must complete the second year (level II) 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 option 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 Pathways to General Education by the time 96 semester hours have been attempted.

Honors College

The Honors College welcomes highly motivated College of Science students. The mission of the Honors College is to inspire and facilitate an extraordinary education for students of exceptional ability who seek to be active learners and who will apply their knowledge and skills to critical real-world problems.

Currently enrolled Virginia Tech students will receive an invitation to apply to the Honors College at the end of each fall or spring semester, provided they have achieved a 3.60 or better cumulative GPA and have at least four (4) semesters remaining at Virginia Tech before they graduate. More information about honors academic requirements and how to earn an honors diploma is available on the Honors College website: http://www.honorscollege.vt.edu/index.html.

Integrated Science Curriculum

Designed for students seeking an in-depth understanding of 21st century science, the Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC) provides a novel, integrated scientific foundation for any degree program in the College of Science. It employs a collaborative, active-learning environment emphasizing teamwork, skill acquisition, independent thought, and creativity. Structurally, ISC is a 30-credit two-year course sequence that covers the fundamentals of college-level chemistry, physics, and biology integrated with each other and with calculus and linear algebra. Teamwork, written and oral presentation, and problem-solving are central components throughout the curriculum. See a full description of the ISC at https://www.ais.science.vt.edu/academics/isc.html

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

Career and Professional Development offers advising to all students who are considering graduate or professional school as part of their career planning process. Students are welcome to seek advising for decision-making on whether graduate school is the path to their career goal, how to research school and programs, and reviews resumes and personal statements. Students interested in any health profession requiring graduate or professional school are encouraged to participate in health professions advising https://career.vt.edu/advising/hpa.html. Health professions advising is particularly helpful in advising students interested in nursing, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, allopathic medicine (MD), osteopathic medicine (OD), physical therapy, becoming a physician's assistant/nurse practitioner, etc. 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 centralized Career and Professional Development, located at the Smith Career Center, offers many services to aid with your career journey. Beginning with career and major exploration early in your time on campus, through the process of assisting you in the job search or graduate and professional school application, Career and Professional Development advisors can be a resource for you along the way. Career advisors have resources to guide your every step in the career journey, as well as assisting in gaining valuable experience through internships and other opportunities in your career field(s) of interest. Specialized Health Professions Advisors are also available for those that are choosing to pursue post-graduate education in a Health Profession. For more information, visit www.career.vt.edu. The departments within the College of Science also host panels and information sessions with employers interested in hiring students with degrees from the college. Every major has departmental advisors who specialize in guiding students from their field towards career success.

As part of a service to you, Career and Professional Development offers each student a FREE Handshake account. Students who are seeking any type of career-related experience or employment, including internships, co-ops, career-related summer employment, and permanent positions are eligible to use Handshake. You may upload your resume, search for companies interested in Virginia Tech students, apply for positions, review job fairs, and sign up for on-campus interviews listed in Handshake. Additional information about this resource can be found at https://career.vt.edu/job-search/Handshake.html.

Graduate Programs in Science

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 Descriptions (BDS)

2005-2006: FUNDAMENTALS OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION SCIENCE Introduction to the major scientific models of decision making and applications to real-life situations. Economic models highlighting optimal choices and psychological models highlighting decision making tendencies. 2005: Emphasis on individual decision making in non-strategic choice settings. Probabilistic reasoning and economic model of rationality. Violations of the rational choice model, and psychological, physiological, and statistical models that accommodate this behavior. Applications to social settings and longer periods of time. Common ethical dilemmas and making ethical choices as an individual. 2006: Individual decision making in interactive and strategic choice settings as well as group decision making. Simultaneous, sequential, dynamic, repeated, and incomplete information games. Preferences for fairness, reciprocity, and cultural differences in interactions. Limitations when making group decisions. Ethical reasoning and computational analysis of strategy. Applications to voting, negotiations, and cooperation. (3H,3C)

3134 (ECON 3134): CHOICE AND BEHAVIOR Theories of rational choice, utility, and revealed preference. Intertemporal decision problems and choice under uncertainty with applications to insurance and investments. Behavioral regularities and evidence of violations of rational choice theory. Behavioral models that accommodate this behavior. Applications of behavioral models to economic problems, ethical questions, policy, and organization design. Pre: ECON 2005. (3H,3C)

4184 (PSYC 4184): THE SCIENCE OF GIVING Overview of the science of giving, altruism, helping, cooperation, and prosocial behaviors and decision making. Exploration of the personality contextual, cognitive, and affective factors that move people to help others in need. Application of psychological and behavioral principles necessary to craft interventions such as nudges to increase giving with emphasis on public policy. Methodological issues related to laboratory and field experiments. Ethical considerations in persuasion and influence. Pre: PSYC 1094 or HD 3014 or SOC 3204. (3H,3C)

4194 (PSYC 4194): PREDICTING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR Overview of the process of predicting human choices, preferences, and actions in social contexts. Applications of measurement theory to data preparation, formatting, and scaling. Implications of psychological biases for data transformation and cleaning. Theory-guided predictor variable selection and development. Applications of machine learning to social settings. Evaluating prediction quality, bias, and generalizability. Developing predictive models in software. Ethical and societal implications of predicting human behavior. Pre: (PSYC 1094 or ECON 3254), (BIT 2405 or STAT 2004 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3005 or ST AT 3615). (3H,3C)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (COS)

1004: EXPLORE SCIENCE SEMINAR Overview of the college and its degrees as well as the various career opportunities available to College of Science graduates. Introduction to University resources that aid in strategic academic and career planning. Intended for first-year Explore Science majors in the College of Science. (2H,2C)

1015-1016: SUCCESSFUL STARTS IN SCIENCE: CURIE & DA VINCI LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITIES

First year experience course for students living in the Curie or Da Vinci Living Learning Communities at Virginia Tech. Provides resources and fundamental skills to enhance learning experiences and support academic success in the sciences. Engages students with professional and academic development activities both in the classroom and within a science-themed residence hall. Uses a learn by doing approach to blending technical know-how with leadership, ethical, interpersonal and professional skills fundamental to the practice of science. Requires teamwork to envision, design, and implement research projects while using innovative discipline-specific technology. Provides first-year students with support through a weekly peer mentoring program. 1015: Emphasis on scientific inquiry, curriculum planning, career planning in the sciences, skills to promote academic success, awareness of academic and career resources and opportunities. 1016: Emphasis on collaborative problem-solving skills using innovative discipline-specific technology, critical thinking; Integration of ideas and experiences to encourage life-long learning through service work related to their academic/ career interests. (1H,1C)

1984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

2015-2016: PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE: CURIE & DA VINCI LLC LEADERSHIP COURSE

Leadership and professional development course for sophomore science majors in the Curie and Da Vinci Living Learning Communities (LLCs). Applied experience in fundamental leadership and project management skills associated with practice of science, gained through service learning within the LLC. 2015: Academic peer mentoring, application and development of leadership and communication skills; applicationi and development of project planning, organizational and collaboration skills; emphasis on written communication skills. 2016: Application of team mentoring and project management skills, including project planning and coordination, leadership strategies, collaboration, communication, conflict resolution, understanding group dynamics and the importance of diversity, and facilitating group discussion on scientific problem solving; emphasis on verbal communication skills. Pre: 1016 for 2015; 2015 for 2016. (1H,1C)

2164 (ENGR 2164): 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.

3015-3016: APPLICATIONS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE ORION SCIENCE LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY Applications of science leadership for sophomore through senior students in the Orion Science Living Learning Community (LLC). Students learn leadership skills while mentoring and designing activities to help younger students develop skills needed to succeed in college and future science careers. 3015: Recognize the needs of first- and second-year college students: help students find their own solutions; cooperatively plan and run activities that help first- and second-year college students develop professional skills and meet learning objectives; practice communication and motivation skills; model professional and ethical conduct; assess self as a learner and a leader. 3016: Coach teams and manage projects: help first- and second-year college students to apply their existing knowledge to a new project; identify problem-solving strategies and propose solutions; facilitate teamwork; communicate scientific information to the public in writing and orally; articulate the relationship between service to others and effective leadership. Pre: 1016 or 2016 for 3015; 3015 for 3016. (1H,1C)

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)

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 globalized intellectual property system. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (ISC)

1004: INTEGRATED SCIENCE CURRICULUM ORIENTATION SEMINAR Introduction to the different fields of science and mathematics, and academic and career planning for College of Science majors that are enrolled in the Integrated Science Curriculum. Discussion of academic plans and university and college requirements. Resume building for internships, research experiences, and graduate school. Exposure to areas of practice and research, and opportunities for education, training, and employment in fields of interest to students graduating from the College of Science. (1H,1C)

1005,1006: INTEGRATED SCIENTIFIC REASONING Introduction to scientific reasoning in the context of integrated science. Exposure to the scientific process through sample topics that showcase the science involved. Data collection and analysis in physical and life sciences through hands-on lab components integrated into the class. Ethical issues as related to physical and biological systems. 1005: Integrated Science: Water and Life on Earth. 1006: Integrated Science: Forms of Energy. (3H,3C)

1105-1106: INTEGRATED SCIENCE I Introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in an integrated environment. Application of these principles to large-scale societal problems, including the areas of food, energy, health, water, the environment, and more. 1105: Discrete dynamical systems, differentiation and integration, differential equations, population dynamics, chemical reactions, chemical kinetics, Newtons laws, linear and rotary motion, kinetic and potential energy. 1106: Genetics, evolution, molecular biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, thermodynamics, gases, heat engines, oscillations. Co: 1115 for 1105; 1116, 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. Discussion of ethical issues connected to scientific advances. 1115: tools of scientific research, water, ecology, kinetics. 1116: tools of scientific research, environmental chemistry, surfactants, nanomedicine. Co: 1105 for 1115; 1106 for 1116. (6L,2C)

1224: DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS FOR THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE CURRICULUM A course for students in the Integrated Science Curriculum needing MATH 1225 content not covered in the ISC sequence. Limits and continuity, derivatives of trigonometric and logarithmic functions, Newtons method, applied optimization, definite and indefinite integrals. Partially duplicates MATH 1225. Co: 1105. (2H,2C)

2105-2106: INTEGRATED SCIENCE II Introduction to the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in an integrated environment. 2105 Molecular cell biology, metabolism, photosynthesis, membrane transport, quantum theory, spectroscopy, elasticity, waves, fluids, electricity and magnetism, linear algebra, genomics, probability theory. 2106: Gene regulation, signal transduction, development, motility, intramolecular forces, stochastic processes, optics and microscopy, materials science, analytical tools. Restricted to majors in the College of Science. Only by permission of the instructor. Pre: 1106H for 2105; 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, Genomics and Proteomics, Nanoscience, and Electromagnetism. 2116: Tools of Scientific Research, Neuroscience, Optics, and Independent Research Project. Pre: 1116 for 2115; 2115 for 2116. Co: 2105 for 2115; 2106 for 2116. (3L,1C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (STL)

2304: FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & LAW US legal system and the rule of law; legal research, analysis, and writing; history, evolution, and moral justifications of intellectual property; intellectual property as it relates to innovative and creative activity; ethical and social issues surrounding intellectual property. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H. (3H,3C)

4304: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Comprehensive study of the principal legal theories and moral justifications relating to the protection and infringement of intellectual property, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and related state and federal doctrines (e.g. trade secrets); analysis of commonalities and differences between the different rights; interpretation and application of relevant statutes, rules, and cases; challenges that are posed by new technologies. Pre: 2304. (3H,3C)

4314: CURRENT TOPICS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & LAW Current developments, problems, and cases at the intersection of science, technology & 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 include copyright protection in a digital environment; patent law challenges such as patent trolls, patent thickets, ethical considerations related to patenting of life forms; design patents; innovation policy and economic considerations; intellectual property reform efforts; advanced discourse. Pre: 2304 or 4304 or 4324. (3H,3C)

4324: GLOBAL ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Comparative study of international intellectual property protection and enforcement; international treaty arrangements for copyrights, patents and trademarks; policy analysis of the globalized intellectual property system; discussion of global challenges such as access to knowledge, access to essential medicines, adequate protection of geographical indications. Pre: Senior standing. (3H,3C)

4334: PATENT PREPARATION & PROSECUTION Practice of patent law, specifically procedural and substantive laws, rules, and procedures relating to patent application, patent prosecution, and patent maintenance. Filing and prosecuting patents. Ethical issues relating to patent practice. Preparation to take US Patent and Trademark Offices (USPTO) Patent Bar Examination. Pre: 2304. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (TBMH)

4964: FIELD WORK/PRACTICUM Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.