Interdisciplinary Sciences (IS)

University Directory
University Courses

IS 110 EXPLORATIONS
(2-0) 2 credits. This course will provide a themebased interdisciplinary approach to studying the relationships between science and society. The course will consist of lectures, student-led activities, and fieldwork, complemented by visiting lecturers and opportunities to gain regional, national, and global perspectives through organized trips.

IS 201 INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and sophomore standing. Prerequisite or corequisite: IS 110. Includes study of current issues within the IS specializations. Introduces students to how science and technology affect individual, societal, and global change (e.g., how science and technology influence ethical choices, the political and economic systems, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.) Required for all students seeking a B.S. in interdisciplinary sciences.

IS 401 WRITING & RESEARCH IN INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: IS 201, ENGL 289, and senior standing. Advanced writing in the interdisciplinary sciences with emphasis on research and explanation of science topics in the IS specializations. This course provides students with a basic understanding of the various styles of science writing, including writing for popular and professional audiences, and the use of library and/or laboratory research in formal research papers. This course is required for all students pursing the B.S. degree in interdisciplinary sciences.

IS 498 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH/SCHOLARSHIP
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing, permission of instructor, an approved Letter of Intent on file in the IS Office and successful completion of IS 401. Includes senior project, and capstone experience. Independent research problems/projects or scholarship activities. The plan of study is negotiated by the faculty member and the student. Contact between the two may be extensive and intensive. Does not include research courses which are theoretical. This course is required for all students pursuing the B.S. degree in interdisciplinary sciences. IS 691 INDEPENDENT STUDY .5 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory or fieldwork, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 191 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 192 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. A maximum of six credits will be allowed for degree credit. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 291 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems, and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 292 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. A maximum of six credits will be allowed for degree credit. This course can not count for social science/humanities credit.

IS 370 APPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH METHODS USING COMPUTER SYSTEMS
(1-0) 1 credit. Prerequisite: CSC 210 or permission of instructor. Course on advanced research methods, which involves analyzing electronic database systems and preparing research based on those systems. Resources to be utilized include the Internet, CD-ROM products, and/or private bulletin board systems. Methods of study include guest lectures, field trips to Internet providers, topical discussion of issues, and a major research project involving accessing, retrieving, and evaluating information. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 380 INTERNSHIP IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
1 to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. The opportunity for a student to complete a plan for an internship and thereby acquire practical job-related experience. A maximum of six credits will be allowed for degree credit. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 391 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 392 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. A maximum of six credits will be allowed for degree credit. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 492 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. A maximum of six credits will be allowed for degree credit. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

IS 692 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor. This course can not be counted for social science/humanities credit.

Contact: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
http://www.hpcnet.org/sdsmt/directory/courses/is