<p>I read where there was a plan to build a new science building proposed to be open in 2010/2011 with construction beginning as "early as spring 2008." However, I can't find now if that project has been suspended, deferred or what the deal is. Has construction begun and will it continue?</p>
<p>And what can we say about undergraduate sciences at georgetown in general? I have friends that went there and then on to gtown med school, but let's face it that was some 25 years ago. Science has changed so hugely since then and I was wondering how up to date the facilities are.</p>
<p>Also.. because this is a relatively new interest on the part of our S, can we also discuss how easy it is to change colleges or majors at this large university?</p>
<p>I'm really not in tune with Gtown's overall reputation in the sciences, but I do think that the building plans are still going forward. Georgetown received a huge private donation of 75 million dollars, so the bulk of that is going toward the new facilities.</p>
<p>As a biochem major at Gtown, I can safely say that I personally love the sciences here at Gtown. Although the facilities right now are not up to par with the likes of the its peer's, I believe the Gtown science program stands out with its commitment to undergraduate scientific research. There are TONS (literally) of ways to get involved with faculty research (from volunteering, to research assistant, and to honors thesis research) at Gtown. With the new science building coming up (I think the construction is delayed right now...), gtown will def improve its scientific reputation. </p>
<p>I think the gems of gtown's science departments are its Biology and Chem. Both are funded extensively by NIH for faculty research (my advanced biochem prof is being funded to elucidate the mechanisms of drug resistant malaria and is trying to find drug targets). The professor I work with, Dr. Heidi Elmendorf, heads one of the biggest Giardia Lamblia labs in the US along with Dr. Steven Singer and they are both head NIH and NSF funded projects. </p>
<p>Also, since the science program is relatively small (compared to most state schools and other universities like JHU), the classes aren't that big, esp the upper level classes. Obviously the courses like intro to bio, principles of physics, and orgo are the biggest (about 150-200 ppl), it pales in comparison to other universities of Gtown's caliber.</p>
<p>Thank you Tenniscostaleez.. and yes, I know the professors are funded quite well by a huge gift to the department which as I understand it is not for capital improvements like buildings. But the small department would be appealing to my son vs the huge possible numbers of JHU (where he also applied). So now I just have to track down the backstory on the building thing.</p>
<p>no prob modadunn, let me know if your S plans to apply to gtown</p>
<p>by the way, here is an article regarding the new science building construction delay:</p>
<p>Science</a> Center Construction Stalls in Sluggish Economy | The Hoya</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Georgetown is extraordinary slow with its capital projects, the business school building is delayed over 2 years (ish), but its on schedule to open fall of 2009 (after several push backs)... I just don't see how the Science Building will be up by 2011...</p>
<p>Considering the most recent one billion dollar capital campaign used this building as a catalyst to elicit funds is a little on the disappointing side.</p>
<p>
[quote]
In addition to the Southwest Quadrangle, which carried a $188 million price tag, the university plans to begin construction on a $30.8 million performing arts center, a $38 million science center and a $45 million graduate business center.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Additionally, the above article linked by tennis has the science center's price tag almost triple what was initially proposed in the campaign. Perhaps Gtown's price tags being under estimated in terms of costs also contributes to how slow capital projects manifest themselves. I understand inflation well, but this seems a little off base. Didn't do any research past the science center, but I think the new business school facility is well above the original 45 million dollar price tag as well.</p>
<p>When I visited, the Business school still wasn't done, so theres that. Also, they told us you just had to fill out an app to change majors, they said it was easy, also you can go in as undecided and spend a year in the college</p>
<p>tennis, thanks for all the info, I’ve read a lot about how the science programs at Georgetown “suck” and your comments were very enlightening :)</p>
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<p>Hey ScientistDancer. I just wanted to make sure you knew that this post was a year old. I think that the Science Building construction got going again with some of the stimulus funds, I and think that I heard that it should be complete by fall of 2012. No corroboration yet, however. If any G-Town students are reading this, maybe the next time you are walking by some of the construction people, you can ask them whether they think the project is on schedule or not. Sometimes that is the best way to get to the truth.</p>
<p>Can’t say whether it is on schedule or not, but you can find a regularly updated camera shot of what the construction looks like here: [The</a> new Science Center - Georgetown College](<a href=“http://college.georgetown.edu/programs/sciences/sciencecenter/]The”>http://college.georgetown.edu/programs/sciences/sciencecenter/)</p>
<p>Because of where it is located, there is a large amount of landscaping work (e.g. constructing massive retaining walls) associated with the Science Center. That helps explain why they’re only now starting to put up the superstructure.</p>