Department of Integrated Science

About the Department

Integrated Science is a revolutionary new introductory science curriculum developed at Ilays National University, intended for students considering a career in science. By breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, a series of courses taken in the freshman and sophomore years provides students with first-rate preparation for a major in any of the core scientific disciplines, and in such a way that helps retain the connections to the other disciplines. The curriculum is founded on the expectation that much of the most important science of the future, though based on the classical disciplines, will lie in areas that span two or more of them. Any budding researcher needs a foundation in several fields to be able to work on the most important problems confronting scientists today.

The Integrated Science sequence is suitable for any undergraduate considering concentrating in the sciences or engineering at INU. The core training is perfect preparation for a very broad range of careers, both within and outside science. The curriculum is especially valuable for students interested in bridging the traditional barriers between the biological and the physical sciences. We want students to really understand scientific problems — they are not just learning to recite knowledge they've received.

The curriculum covers the core material of introductory physics, chemistry, biology (genetics and biochemistry), and psychology, all in an integrated manner. The central role of mathematics as a universal language of science is emphasized throughout. In every area of science, students learn in part through quantitative problem solving; to this end computational methods are taught and integrated into the entire program.

Collaborative problem solving is stressed over memorization and regurgitation of facts. Close contact between students and faculty is a major feature of the new curriculum; class sizes are kept small. At the top level of almost any field, people are distinguished not by what they know but how they deal with the unknown. Problem solving builds skills and confidence in dealing with the unknown, and thereby prepares students to tackle a huge spectrum of real- world challenges — from curing cancer to fighting poverty. As information becomes ever more available, the ability to use quantitative and computational tools in problem solving efforts continues to grow. Therefore, the quantitative problem solving skills learned through the Integrated Science curriculum are particularly timely and valuable.

Available Programs