March 2001

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CONTACT PERSON FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSE INFORMATION:
Dee Holisky, College of Arts and Sciences, 3-8721, dholisky@gmu.edu

New Courses for Approval

BIOL 576. Microbial Ecology of Soils (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: BIOL 305, 306 or permission of instructor.
The detection, identification and physiological role of microorganisms in soils from the root zone to the deep-subsurface. Emphasis is on the interactions of the microorganisms (viruses through protests) and their functions in soil.

EVPP 677. Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: EVPP/BIOL 607 or equivalent.
Use of ecological principles to manage natural resources. Course emphasizes hierarchical levels of organization within ecological systems, and the management of ecosystems to conserve biodiversity, natural resources, and the environment.

PSYC 527. Introduction to Neurobiology (2:2:0)
Prerequisites: Completion of 60 credits, including PSYC 372 or BIOL 213 and BIOL 303.
Introduction to neurobiology with overview of the embryological development of the nervous system in an evolutionary context. Regional and systems neuroanatomy is introduced by study of the mammalian visual system with a comparative perspective.

WMST 630. Feminist Theories Across the Disciplines (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
This multidisciplinary course will examine the central issues of feminist theory and explore the various strategies of feminist theorists. It will analyze the ways in which feminist theories have challenged established disciplinary boundaries and contested the traditional assumptions of the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences.

Modified Courses for Approval

ENGL 798. Directed Reading and Research (3:0:0)
Change from fixed 3 credits to variable 1-3 credits.

PSYC 531. Mammalian Neurobiology (4:3:3)
Change prerequisite to: "PSYC 527." Change credits to 3:2:3. Change catalog description to read: Functional anatomy of the brains of mammals, with emphasis on regional and systems neuroanatomy of humans. Anatomy is correlated with material from clinical neurology where possible. Laboratory component includes brain dissections and clinical correlations.

New Certificate Program

Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management

The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management (GCEM) would serve the needs of two prospective post-baccalaureate student populations at GMU. First, it would provide a graduate-level certificate program for students desiring to expand their knowledge of the environment and environmental management beyond their undergraduate training. Included would be students desiring professional certification that might not have the time or background to enroll in a graduate degree program leading to a thesis or dissertation. Second, it would provide a vehicle for students desiring admission to the MS or PhD programs in Environmental Science and Public Policy to demonstrate their qualifications to for admission to the graduate programs in ESPP.

Admission requirements are identical to those for the graduate programs in ESPP except that the GRE and undergraduate GPA targets are more flexible. Prospective students must have the following minimum requirements:

  • An undergraduate degree, preferably in biology, chemistry, geology, geography, earth systems science, or other environmentally-related discipline.
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with a lab.
  • Two semesters of general biology with a lab.
  • An undergraduate course in general ecology (or must take BIOL 607).

Requirements: Core:

  • EVPP 677 Applied Ecology & Environmental Management
  • GEOG 503 Conservation & Natural Resources
  • A course in ESPP, either BIOL 641 Environmental Science and Public Policy, EVPP 675 Environmental Planning and Administration, or SOCI 635 Environment and Society

Electives:

A. Natural Science Perspective (1 course)

  • BIOL/EVPP 546 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology
  • BIOL/EVPP 550 Waterscape Ecology and Management
  • BIOL/EVPP 577 Biogeochemistry
  • BIOL/EVPP 607 Fundamentals of Ecology
  • BIOL/EVPP 643 Microbial Ecology
  • BIOL/EVPP 644 Wetland Ecology and Management
  • BIOL/EVPP 645 Freshwater Ecology
  • BIOL/EVPP 745 Environmental Toxicology
  • GEOG 570 Environmental Hydrology

B. Social Perspective (1 course)

  • BIOL/EVPP 641 Environmental Science and Public Policy
  • BIOL/EVPP 670 Environmental Law for Biologists
  • CONF 501 Intro to Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  • EVPP 675 Environmental Planning and Administration
  • PHIL 555 Environmental Ethics
  • PRLS 526 Environmental Education and Resource Interpretation
  • PUAD 502 Administration in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
  • SOCI 635 Environment and Society

C. Environmental Methods (1 course)

  • BIOL/EVPP 650 Environmental Analysis and Modeling
  • GEOG 550 Mapping Foundations
  • GEOG 553 Geographic Information Systems
  • GEOG 579 Remote Sensing
  • GEOG 580 Digital Remote Sensing
  • GEOG 585 Quantitative Methods
  • SOCI 531 Statistical Reasoning

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CONTACT PERSON FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSE INFORMATION:

Stephen Nash, School of Information Technology & Engineering, 3-1678, snash@gmu.edu

New Courses for Approval

CEIE 605. Infrastructure Systems Analysis (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: STAT 344.
Probability and statistics topics for analysis of infrastructure systems; Bayesian decision theory, decision trees; Monte Carlo analysis and stochastic models. Economic analysis of infrastructure projects and systems, including life-cycle costing concepts, utility theory, and multiattribute utility analysis.

TCOM 513. Optical Communications Networks (1.5:1.5:0)
Prerequisites: TCOM 503.
Introduction and overview of current developments in optical communications networks. Course emphasis will be on the underlying technologies that make the all-optical networks possible. Specific topics include components needed for wavelength division multiplexed systems - tunable wavelength lasers, wavelength add/drop multiplexers, space division switching, and wavelength-routing networks.

TCOM 516. Global Positioning System (GPS) (1.5:1.5:0)
Prerequisites: TCOM 500 and TCOM 551.
Background in long range navigation developments; early global systems; space based systems; GPS and GLONASS systems; system architecture; spacecraft and earth station characteristics; design concepts of the CA and P GPS signal modes; frequencies, modulation, and other design aspects; clock issues; range and accuracy calculations and limitations; advanced concepts.

TCOM 590. Selected Topics in Telecommunications (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: specified by instructor.
Selected topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the TCOM program. The course is designed to help the professional engineering community keep abreast of current developments. The 1.5 credit course lasts for one half semester (approximately seven weeks), while the 3 credit course lasts for the full semester.

TCOM 591. Selected Topics in Telecommunications (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: specified by instructor.
Selected topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty Modules 4 and 5 of the TCOM program. The course is designed to help the professional engineering community keep abreast of current developments. The 1.5 credit course lasts for one half semester (approximately seven weeks), while the 3 credit course lasts for the full semester.

TCOM 598. Independent Study in Telecommunications (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor/advisor.
Directed self-study of special topics in telecommunications that relate to Specialty Modules 1, 2, and 3. Topics must be arranged with an instructor and approved by the Program Director before registering. The course may be taken for either 1.5 credits or 3 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters. NOTE: No more than a total of six credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

TCOM 599. Independent Study in Telecommunications (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor/advisor.
Directed self-study of special topics in telecommunications that relate to Specialty Modules 4 and 5. Topics must be arranged with an instructor and approved by the Program Director before registering. The course may be taken for either 1.5 credits or 3 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters. NOTE: No more than a total of six credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

TCOM 696. Independent Reading and Research (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor/advisor.
Study of a selected area within Specialty Modules 1, 2, or 3 under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required. NOTE: No more than a total of six credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

TCOM 697. Independent Reading and Research (1.5, 3:1.5, 3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor/advisor.
Study of a selected area within Specialty Modules 4 or 5 under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required. NOTE: No more than a total of six credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

TCOM 698. Telecommunications Projects Course (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: graduate standing with at least 18 credits or permission from the department.
To be taken towards the end of the degree program with Modules 1, 2, or 3. completion of a major applied project within a group of 2-3 people. Project ideas can come from students or industry managers. Some classroom time will be used for discussion of the projects. Class will also have readings and discussion of current trends, difficulties, and new opportunities. Course will conclude with presentation of projects to department faculty.

TCOM 690. Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor.
Advanced topics from recent developments and applications within Specialty Modules 1, 2, and 3. Topics are chosen that do not duplicate existing TCOM courses. Students will write and present papers in research areas of the topic. Designed to enhance the professional engineering community's understanding of break-through developments in specific areas.

TCOM 691. Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: Specified by instructor.
Advanced topics from recent developments and applications within Specialty Modules 4 and 5. Topics are chosen that do not duplicate existing TCOM courses. Students will write and present papers in research areas of the topic. Designed to enhance the professional engineering community's understanding of break-through developments in specific areas.

Modified Courses for Approval

CEIE 601. CEIE Modeling and Problem Solving (3:3:0)
Change course title to "Infrastructure Modeling". Change prerequisites to "CEIE 605." Change course description to read: Concepts of modeling for infrastructure engineering. Cover modeling, simulation, optimization, deterministic and stochastic models, and limitations of modeling approaches. Also included are multiple objective, multiple decision maker problems, and case studies in areas such as transportation, water resources, the environment, energy, telecommunications, and construction.

CEIE 670. Urban Systems Decision Methods and Tools (3:3:0)
Change course title to "Infrastructure Systems Decision Methods and Tools". Change prerequisites to "CEIE 605." Change course description to read: Principles of decision making and of knowledge acquisition in the context of building knowledge-based decision support tools for urban systems engineering. Includes solving complex problems from several areas of urban systems engineering, including construction, environmental, and transportation engineering; and using various decision support tools, based on the Bayesian decision theory and on the principles of artificial intelligence, including knowledge-based systems and learning systems.

CEIE 685. Urban Systems Engineering Information Management. (3:3:0)
Change course title to " Civil Engineering Information Management". Drop prerequisite of CEIE 601. Change course description to read: Advanced course in information resources management as applied to urban systems engineering problems and microcomputer data management. Covers all phases of the information management life cycle from the conceptual design data collection phases, through systems development, archiving and disposal. Software engineering (structured analysis, rapid prototyping, object-oriented analysis, etc.) as applied to urban systems infrastructure problem solving is covered. Reviews civil engineering applications of database technology, spreadsheets, communications software, customized applications software, groupware, and graphics software (including computer aided design and geographic information systems). Covers the selection and use of appropriate software to match specific urban systems engineering problems related to the design, construction, and management of civil engineering infrastructure (transportation, water resources, environment, facilities, etc). Includes the design and development of a system for an urban systems engineering application.

CEIE 798. Directed Readings in Urban Systems Engineering (3:0:0)
Change course title to "Research Project". Change course description to read: Analysis and investigation of a contemporary problem in urban systems engineering. Prior approval by a faculty member who supervises the student work is required. Written report is also required.

ECE 528. Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering (3:3:0)
Add 0 credit recitation to assist new students with intense math requirements.

New Certificate for Approval

Graduate Certificate in Discovery, Design and Innovation (GCDDI)

GCDDI responds to the growing need for professional knowledge in the area of innovation. The courses provide students with a balanced understanding of the entire process from the discovery of knowledge, its use in inventive problem solving, and the development of inventions. The program is taught in the context of Information Technology and teaches students fundamental knowledge and the use of various design and inventive problem solving computer tools. The instructors are researchers in the area of innovation, but also inventors with patents in various countries.

The GCDDI is available to students who hold master's degrees in engineering and scientific disciplines, or who are currently in graduate status in such programs. Students may pursue the certificate concurrently with any of the graduate programs in the School of Information Technology and Engineering.

Candidates must complete the following for a total of 15 credits:

Required of all students (9 credits):

  • INFT 944 The Process of Discovery and its Enhancement in Engineering Applications
  • INFT 894 Design and Inventive Engineering
  • SYST 520 System Design and Integration

And two of the following elective courses (6 credits):

  • CEIE 670 Decision Methods and Tools
  • CEIE 601 Modeling and Problem Solving
  • SYST 512 Systems Engineering for Design and Development
  • SYST 573 Decision and Risk Analysis
  • STAT 664/SYST 664 Bayesian Inference and Decision Analysis
  • INFS 781/STAT 781 Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery
  • STAT 652 Statistical Inference
  • STAT 700 and 701 Multivariate Statistics and Data Analysis
  • OR 671/SYST 672 Judgment and Choice Processing and Decision Making
  • INFT 819 Computational Models for Probabilistic Inference

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CONTACT PERSON FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSE INFORMATION:
Mark Goor, Graduate School of Education, 3-2080, mgoor@gmu.edu

New Courses for Approval

EDUC 674. Assessing Learning and Teaching in the Secondary School Classroom (3:3:0)
Prerequisites; Completion of the teacher licensure component of the Secondary Education program.
Supports beginning teachers' development and design of assessment practices for promoting student learning. Focuses on the individual differences and classroom, teacher, school, and cultural factors that impact assessment; different types and purposes of assessment; and the relationship of assessment to national and state standards.

EDCD 630. School Counseling Leadership (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: masters degree in counseling or related counseling field from an accredited institution and/or admission to School Counseling Leadership Certificate Program and/or permission of Program Coordinator AND completion of EDCD 629.
Studies basic theories, models, and application of leadership in education. Major emphasis is on leadership in school counseling.

Modified Courses for Approval

EDSE 647. Medical & Developmental Risk Factors for Children with Disabilities (3:3:0)
Renumber to EDSE 547.

EDCD 629. Principles and Practices of School Counseling Leadership Administration (3:3:0)
Change course abbreviation to "PRIN/PRAC SCH CNSL LDRSP"

EDCI 552. Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0)
Change from fixed 3 credits to variable 1-3 credits (1-3:1-3:0). Change grade type to GT.

EDCI 553. Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0)
Change from fixed 3 credits to variable 1-3 credits (1-3:1-3:0). Change grade type to GT.

EDCI 554. Social Studies Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0)
Change from fixed 3 credits to variable 1-3 credits (1-3:1-3:0). Change grade type to GT.

EDCI 556. Literacy Teaching and learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms II (3:3:0)
Change from fixed 3 credits to variable 1-3 credits (1-3:1-3:0). Change grade type to GT.

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CONTACT PERSON FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSE INFORMATION:
Don Lavoie, School of Public Policy, 3-3994, dlavoie@gmu.edu

New Courses for Approval

PUBP 605. State and Local Government Policy in Economic Development (3:3:0)
Prerequisites: None.
Examination of state and local government policies and processes designed to promote local economic development including: institutional arrangements, financing and tax incentives, non-financial strategies and approaches, land use, environmental and other relevant regulations, and relationships across government and non-government organizations.

PUBP 709. Research Design and Writing (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: None.
A course designed to help a student revise a draft scholarly paper into a form that would be acceptable in a refereed public policy journal. Focuses on how to find a researchable question, identify appropriate methods, build a bibliography, outline an argument, find supporting evidence, etc.

PUBP 804. Multivariate Statistical Analysis in Public Policy (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: MNPS 704 or equivalent.
This course explores the multivariate techniques of contingency table analysis, reliability and validity assessment, factor analysis and scaling, multivariate regression and path analysis, the analysis of variance and covariance, and other selected multivariate techniques. Emphasis is on applying these techniques to real policy data using sophisticated statistical packages.

PUBP 805. Public Policy Systems and Theory (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: PUBP 730 or equivalent.
An inquiry on an advanced level into the national and international policy-making environment, with special emphasis on the dynamic character of the political arena. The seminar examines policy systems and their key components: the major actors, institutions of governance, and the influence of outside groups, political parties, and special interests.

PUBP 806. Advanced Management Science for Public Organizations (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: PUBP 712 or equivalent.
The primary emphasis is to understand the techniques of operations research/management science, cost benefits and cost effectiveness for public policy decision-making. Some familiarity with elementary calculus and linear algebra will help the students understand the mathematical basis of algorithms used to solve models, and to help understand the reliability and validity of these techniques. Case studies and computer solutions are used to help the student understand when and how to use OR models.

PUBP 807. Advanced qualitative Research: Theory and Methods (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: SOCI 530, SOCI 634 or equivalent.
A course in advanced qualitative social research to prepare students who intend to use qualitative methods in their public policy PhD dissertations. Methods covered include ethnography, the theory and practice of survey research, case study, and discourse analysis.

PUBP 808. Advanced Economic Analysis for Policy Research (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: PUBP 720 or equivalent.
Aims to build analytical skills in the use of economic analysis for policy modeling. Designed for graduate students in public policy with competence in elementary calculus and matrix algebra. The course will review basic mathematical techniques and then cover basic consumer theory, demand estimation and forecasting, production theory, technological change and productivity analysis, market structure and competition, capital budgeting and the role of the public sector.

PUBP 880. Global and International Public Policy (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: None.
Explores the multiple dimensions of globalization and internationalization relative to public policy processes and consequences. Offers insight into contemporary public policy dynamics from a global and comparative perspective. Examines a broad range of international cultural, political, technological, and economic policy issues, and their interactions and implications at all levels of analysis. The course engages relevant theoretical and methodological approaches and debates in order to provide students with tools for analyzing various world problems and policies.

PUBP 882. International Financial Policy (4:3:0)
Prerequisites: None
Addresses the theory of international finance, its application to financial policy such as exchange rate regimes, and the institutions of international finance. It covers the operations of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the development of the European Monetary Union, and the debate over "international financial architecture."

Modified Courses for Approval

PUBP 705. Rational Choice and Uncertainty: Modeling Judgment (3:3:0)
Change course title to "Advanced Statistical Methods in Policy Analysis". Change course description tot read: Classical regression methods and their application to public policy analysis. Simple and multiple regression, analysis of variance, time series, and simultaneous equation structural models. The problems associated with applications include specification error, multicollinearity, qualitative variables, heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, and structural identification. The course allows students to develop analysis skills by discussing sample empirical studies and models using advanced statistical computer software.

PUBP 814. International Trade Policy (2:2:0 to 4:3:1)
Renumber to PUBP 881. Change credits to fixed 4:3:0. Change course description to read: This course addresses international trade theory, trade policy analysis, regional economic integration, and the institutional arrangements governing world trade. It covers the World Trade Organization (including its constituent agreements in the areas of goods, services, intellectual property and trade-related investment measures), regional agreements such as NAFTA, dispute settlement regimes, and the relations between trade and the environment.

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CONTACT PERSON FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSE INFORMATION:
Jim Vail, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, 3-1913 , jvail@gmu.edu

New Courses for Approval

NURS 544/HSCI 544. The Washington Internship in Health Policy (1:0:2)
Prerequisites: Undergraduate requires permission of instructor.
This course provides a one-week (40 hours) of exposure to an organization with a public policy agenda in health. Placement may be in a Capitol Hill office, a federal health agency, a national association, or other policy organization. Interns will engage in a variety of field experiences related to the legislative process and develop a network of policy-interested contacts to expand students' ability to impact the health policy-making process.

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