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A PDF version of the 2005-2006 Academic Calendar is available here.

1. Welcome to Mount Allison University
2. Glossary of Academic Terms and Calendar of Events

Definitions
Calendar of Events 2005-2006

3. Admission

3.1. Contact Information
3.2. Admission to the University
3.3. Minimum General Admission Requirements
3.4. Additional Admission Requirements
3.5. Notes on Entry to First-Year Courses
3.6. Requirements for Non-Canadian Education Systems
3.7. English Requirements
3.8. Mature Students
3.9. Admission with Advanced Standing
3.10. Transfer Students
3.11. Special Circumstances
3.12. Graduate Studies

4. Fees

4.1. Fees and Expenses
4.2. Deposits for Full-Time Students
4.3. Payment of Fees
4.4. Late Fees and Interest Charges
4.5. Withdrawals and Student Accounts

5. Financial Assistance

5.1. Scholarships
5.2. Bursaries
5.3. Pre-Theological Bursaries
5.4. Special Summer Scholarships
5.5. The Donald A. Cameron Student Loan Fund

6. Academic Regulations

6.1. Registration Procedures
6.2. Changes in Registration/Programmes
6.3. Continuous Learning
6.4. Advanced Placement
6.5. Transfer Credits
6.6. Degree Requirements
6.7. Degree with Distinction Requirements
6.8. Honours Degree Requirements
6.9. Second Undergraduate Degree Requirements
6.10. Honours Certificate
6.11. Grading System
6.12. Standards of Performance
6.13. Academic Offences
6.14. Examination Regulations
6.15. Withdrawal from University
6.16. Transcripts
6.17. Replacement/Duplicate Diplomas
6.18. Graduation/Convocation
6.19. Notification of Disclosure of Personal Information to Statistics Canada
6.20. Email Communication

7. Academic Programmes

7.1. General Regulations
7.2. Bachelor of Arts
7.3. Bachelor of Science
7.4. Master of Science
7.5. Bachelor of Commerce
7.6. Bachelor of Music
7.7. Bachelor of Fine Arts
7.8. Certificate of Bilingualism
7.9. Certificat De Bilinguisme
7.10. Pre-Professional Requirements
7.11. Study Abroad Programmes

8. Continuous Learning

8.1. Evening Credit Programme
8.2. Miramichi First Year at Home Programme
8.3. Moncton First Year at Home Programme
8.4. The Correspondence Programme
8.5. Spring and Summer Courses
8.6. Seminars and Workshops
8.7. Fees
8.8. Financial Aid
8.9. Continuous Learning Courses as Part of a Normal Course Load
8.10. Continuous Learning Courses as Overload
8.11. Deadlines and Extensions for Continuous Learning Courses
8.12. Withdrawal from Correspondence Courses
8.13. Withdrawal from Spring/Summer Session Courses
8.14. Contact Information

9. Programmes and Courses of Instruction

American Studies
Anthropology
Art History
Biochemistry
Biology
Canadian Public Policy
Canadian Studies
Chemistry
Classics
Cognitive Science
Commerce
Computer Science
Drama
Economics
English Literatures
Environmental Science
Environmental Studies
Fine Arts
French Studies
Geography
German Studies
Greek
Hispanic Studies
History
International Economics and Business
International Relations
Japanese Studies
Latin
Linguistics
Mathematics
Modern Languages and Literatures
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Sociology / Anthropology
Spanish Studies
Women's Studies

10. Co-Curricular Life

10.1. The Student Union
10.2. The Argosy Weekly
10.3. CHMA FM
10.4. Garnet and Gold Society
10.5. Windsor Theatre
10.6. Student Entertainment Office
10.7. Residence Council
10.8. The Tantramarsh Club
10.9. Student Employment
10.10. Accommodation
10.11. Department of Physical Recreation and Athletics
10.12. Religious Life on Campus
10.13. Student Life
10.14. Student Life Resources
10.15. Services for Students With Disabilities

11. General Information

11.1. The Mount Allison University Libraries and Archives
11.2. The Libraries' Endowment Funds
11.3. The Mount Allison Federated Alumni, Inc.
11.4. Computer Facilities
11.5. Mount Allison University Bookstore
11.6. Banking Services
11.7. Performing Arts Series

12. Personnel

12.1. Officers of the University
12.2. The Regents of Mount Allison
12.3. The Senate of Mount Allison
12.4. Officers of Administration
12.5. Chancellors Emeriti
12.6. Presidents Emeriti
12.7. Registrars Emeriti
12.8. Professors Emeriti
12.9. Librarians Emeriti
12.10. Academic Staff
12.11. Meighen Centre for Learning Assistance and Research
12.12. Student Life
12.13. Department of Physical Recreation and Athletics

Appendix

1. Lectureships, Trusts and Fellowships
2. Endowed Chairs
3. Faculty Awards
4. Scholarships
5. Bursaries
6. Endowed Funds
7. Prizes

Index

Physics

Physics seeks to describe the nature of the physical world. The most fundamental of the natural sciences, it forms an essential part of any serious programme of study in any branch of science, and indeed, to an increasing degree in the modern world, it is important in any well-balanced curriculum for the non-scientist as well.

In the undergraduate programme the development of fundamental concepts and mathematical formulation proceeds simultaneously in a selected series of courses in physics and mathematics, from the elementary ideas of classical mechanics through modern relativistic, quantum and nuclear theories.

Whether the student wishes to prepare for more advanced study in physics itself; for a career in applied areas such as photonics, materials science, or biomedical engineering; for a career in such fields as astronomy, space research, or oceanography; or simply wishes to be informed in an important area of scientific thought, he/she will be able to make an appropriate choice of courses from the list.

Disciplinary B.Sc. Programmes

MINOR in Physics is 24 credits earned as follows:

3from Physics 1051
6from Mathematics 1111, 1121 (or 1131)
3from Physics 1551, 3511, 3521
12from Physics, including 6 from the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor. Physics 1001 or Physics 2401, but not both, can be used on the Physics Minor

MINOR in Applied Physics is 24 credits earned as follows:

9from Physics 1051, 1551, 2801
6from Mathematics 1111, 1121 (or 1131)
9from Physics 3321, 3361, 3521, 3581, 3601, 3701, 3751 or Computer Science 1711

MAJOR AREA OF STUDY in Physics is 63 credits earned as follows:

6from Physics 1051, 1551
6from Chemistry 1001, 1021
3from Computer Science 1711
12from Mathematics 1111, 1121, 2111, 2121,
3from Mathematics 2221, 3141
18from Physics 2251, 2801, 3101, 3701, 3811, 4411
15from Physics with at least 12 at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

HONOURS in Physics is 87 credits earned as follows:

63credits in the Major including Physics 3401, 3701
Note that 6 of the 15 from Physics at the 3/4000 level must be from the 4000 level (not counting those listed below)
6from Physics 4990
6from Physics 3201, 3821
6from Mathematics 2221, 3131
3from Mathematics 3221, 3411, 3431, 4131, 4151
3from Physics or Mathematics at the 4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor

Interdisciplinary B.Sc. Programme

B.Sc. HONOURS in Mathematics and Physics is 90 credits earned as follows:

18from Mathematics 1111, 1121, 2111, 2121, 2211, 2221
3from Computer Science 1711
6from Chemistry 1001, 1021
12from Physics 1051, 1551, 2251, 2801
9from Mathematics 3111, 3211, 3311
9from Mathematics 3131, 3141, 4131
6from Mathematics 3121, 3151, 3231, 3321, 3411, 3431, 3531, 4111, 4151, 4211
18from Physics 3101, 3201, 3701, 3811, 3821, 4411
3from Physics at the 4000 level
6from Physics 4990

Note: The listing of a course in the calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department or Programme Coordinator must be obtained.

PHYSICS COURSES

PHYS 1001 (3CR)
ASTRONOMY
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 1.5 hours
This course provides a broad introduction to current ideas regarding the nature, evolution and future of the universe. Topics covered include observational astronomy, telescopes, celestial motions, the solar system, stellar evolution, black holes, relativity, cosmology, and life in the universe. A background in physics is not assumed, but basic concepts of physics are taught within the course. The laboratory experiences combine observational and laboratory based experiments.

PHYS 1051 (3CR)
GENERAL PHYSICS I
Format: integrated lecture/collaborative learning/laboratory 6 hours
This algebra based introductory physics course will cover kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum in one dimension, fluid mechanics, waves and sound, DC circuit electricity, geometrical and physical optics, and an introduction to modern physics. This course provides a basic knowledge of the concepts of physics needed in all sciences. Students enrolling in Physics 1051 should normally have completed a university preparatory level course in Mathematics.

PHYS 1551 (3CR)
GENERAL PHYSICS II
Format: integrated lecture/collaborative learning/laboratory 6 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or PHYS 1051, MATH 1011 and Coreq MATH 1111; or permission of the Department
This calculus based introductory physics course will cover rotational motion, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, gravitation, electric fields forces and potentials, capacitors, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, introductory thermodynamics, nuclear reactions and additional selected topics in modern physics.

PHYS 2251 (3CR)
CLASSICAL WAVES
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121; or permission of the Department
In this course the study of free, forced and damped harmonic oscillator is followed by a treatment of discrete coupled oscillators in one dimension. This is then generalized to the study of traveling and standing waves in continuous media. Ideas of Fourier components of signals are introduced. A number of examples will be taken from physical optics, and the topics in this course provide the theoretical basis for understanding modern photonic devices.

PHYS 2401 (3CR)
PHYSICS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: Completion of 24 credits or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PHYS 2401 (Structure of Physics)
This course, designed primarily for non-science majors who have successfully completed their first year, examines the relationship between a variety of phenomena in everyday life and physics principles. Experiential activity including a number of field trips, experiments in the laboratory and relevant data analysis form the underpinnings of this study of physics. Topics include principles and applications of particle, rigid body and fluid mechanics; thermodynamics, magnetism; electricity, and optics. Participation in field trips and a major report/presentation are required.

PHYS 2801 (3CR)
DATA ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or permission of Department
This experimentally oriented course is designed to give the students an exposure to the techniques and software tools that can assist them in using computers to enhance their work throughout a science curriculum. Basic methodology for data manipulation is introduced (error analysis, statistical analysis of data, linear regression, graphing, Fourier transform techniques), as are aspects of simulation, digitization, interfacing and data acquisition, and presentation. The course will also include sensors and transducers to convert a variety of signals (light, pressure, strain, radioactivity, sound, etc.) into electrical form.

PHYS 3001 (3CR)
ASTROPHYSICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1001 and 1551, MATH 1111; or permission of the Department
This course will examine issues in stellar, galactic and extra-galactic astrophysics. Topics covered include celestial coordinate systems, astronomical luminosity relationships, astrophysical instrumentation, stellar spectra, Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, stellar evolution, protostars, stellar deaths (white dwarfs, neutron stars, stellar black holes), energy processes and transport in stars, stability and variable stars, the structure of our galaxy, galaxy types and evolution, and energetic sources such as quasi-stellar objects.

PHYS 3021 (3CR)
LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1001 and at least second-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course will examine issues concerning the origin, evolution and survival of life in the universe from an astrophysical perspective. Topics covered include cosmology and the origin and evolution of the universe, solar system origin, detection of extrasolar planets, what is life and what conditions are necessary to sustain it, searches for life in the solar system, habitable zones, complex organics in extraterrestrial materials, delivery of organics to the primordial and current Earth and other planets, astrophysical threats to life on Earth, life in space, and searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.

PHYS 3101 (3CR)
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory/problem solving 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1551, MATH 2111 and MATH 2121; or permission of the Department
This course will cover vector analysis, differential and integral calculus as well as solutions of the Poisson and Laplace equations for different electrostatic problems. Certain special techniques such as method of images, separation of variables and multiple expansion are then introduced. Magnetostatics and electric and magnetic fields in matter are also examined leading to the conclusion of this course where Maxwell equations are integrated and applied.

PHYS 3201 (3CR)
STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3701 and MATH 2111; or permission of the Department
The conditions under which the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, the Bose-Einstein distribution, and the Fermi-Dirac distribution apply are developed. Applications of these distributions to many physical systems are examined in detail.

PHYS 3321 (3CR)
ANALOG ELECTRONICS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and PHYS 2801 and MATH 1121; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3311
This is a course in analog electronics and in analog signal processing, and would be valuable both for those planning to go on in technical careers and for scientists who wish to develop tools for the collection and analysis of data. Topics include impedance matching considerations, semiconductor physics, pn junction diodes, AC circuit analysis, passive filter designs, DC power supply construction including regulation, junction and field effect transistors and transistor amplifier circuits, operational amplifiers, active filter designs, signal conditioning circuits such as Schmitt trigger, modulation and demodulation, noise (sources, frequency characteristics, and control measures), integrating sensors and electronics, practical issues in electronics, and an introduction to the photonic transition.

PHYS/COMP 3361 (3CR)
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND ELECTRONICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 2251 and PHYS 2801 and COMP 1711; or PHYS 1551 and COMP 2611 and COMP 2931; or permission of the Department
Note: This course is cross-listed with COMP 3361 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.
Exclusion: PHYS/COMP 3351
This course introduces students to both digital electronic circuits and digital signal processing, and would be valuable both for those planning to go on in technical careers in computer science or in physics, and for scientists who wish to develop tools for the collection and analysis of data. Topics to be covered include digital logic gates, Boolean algebra, counting circuits, digital signal conditioning, sampling considerations such as the Nyquist criterion, analog to digital and digital to analog conversion, Fourier Transform theory and application as FFT, correlation and convolution, digital filtering using finite impulse response and infinite impulse response circuits including the ztransform and filter design, and digital image processing including two dimensional FFT techniques, microprocessors, microcontrollers and digital signal processing integrated circuits.

PHYS 3521 (3CR)
PHYSICS OF THE LIVING BODY
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3521 (Biosensory Physics)
This course is intended primarily for students in biology and psychology. The course will introduce and describe from a physics perspective the many physical processes involving living organisms. Study will include the human body, with examples from other animals given for purposes of comparison. Topics will include sound and hearing (including Fourier analysis and resonance), light and vision (including microscopy), electrical pulses, electrocardiac measurement, mechanics of body motion, scaling relations, fluid flow, feedback relationships and thermodynamics.

PHYS 3581 (3CR)
MEDICAL PHYSICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1051 and MATH 1111; PHYS 1551 or PHYS 3521 ; or permission of Department
This course is intended both for physics students who are considering a career in medical physics or in the field of medicine, and for students in other programmes with similar interests. The course will consider fundamental concepts of ionizing radiation, diagnostic applications of medical physics, and therapeutic applications of medical physics. Topics in the diagnostic area will include x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine and ultrasound. Topics in the therapeutic area will include radiation generators, absorbed dose calculations, dose measurement, treatment planning, quality assurance and brachytherapy.

PHYS 3601 (3CR)
FLUID MECHANICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121; or permission of the Department
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of fluid properties. Topics include: Fluid properties, static forces in fluids, kinematics and dynamics of flow, Bernoulli's and momentum equations, dimensional analysis and similitude, and flow through pipes.

PHYS 3701 (3CR)
THERMODYNAMICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 2801 and MATH 2111, or permission of the Department
The objective of the course is to develop a clear and broad understanding of the First and Second Law of Thermodynamics, with application to a wide range of problems. Topics include: the general energy equation, First Law, Second Law, entropy, limiting-cycle efficiencies, irreversibility and availability, steam power plant, refrigeration and gas engine applications.

PHYS 3751 (3CR)
PHYSICS OF ENERGY PRODUCTION AND TRANSFER
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: CHEM 1021, PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121
Prereq or coreq: PHYS 3701 or CHEM 2211; or permission of Department
The goal of this course is to teach aspects of energy harvesting, storage and transmission with particular emphasis on the theory and development of renewable energy resources. The specific technologies considered will vary somewhat according to the interests of the class but will normally include wind power, photovoltaic generation, other forms of solar energy, nuclear fission and fusion energy generation, hydroelectric, combustion based fuel generation, tidal energy and fuel cells.

PHYS 3811 (3CR)
MODERN PHYSICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 2251
Coreq: PHYS 3101 and MATH 2121; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PHYS 3811- Quantum Waves
This course considers the two major revolutionary ideas of modern physics, quantum mechanics and special relativity. Lorentz transformations, length contraction and time dilation, relativistic mass and momentum are considered, including the fourvector relativistic notation. Evidence for quantization along with early models for atoms is then briefly examined and De Broglie's hypothesis for the matter wave is discussed. The Schrodinger equation and its solutions for some usual systems are the main topics of this course. The course ends with a look at the three dimensional systems and a discussion of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.

PHYS 3821 (3CR)
QUANTUM MECHANICS I
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3811 and MATH 2221; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to formal quantum mechanics: the matrix formulation, harmonic oscillator, perturbation theory, two-state systems, multiparticle systems, and an introduction to the general theory of angular momentum.

PHYS 4101 (3CR)
ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 2251 or MATH 2121; PHYS 3101; or permission of the Department
An advanced treatment of static and time-dependent electric and magnetic fields in materials. Particular attention will be given to wave solutions of Maxwell's equations for spatial dependent media such as wave guides.

PHYS 4201 (3CR)
SOLID STATE PHYSICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3811; or permission of the Department
A study is made of the various quantized models used to describe the thermal, electrical, optical and electromagnetic properties of solids. Conductors, semi-conductors and insulators are analysed.

PHYS 4311 (3CR)
MODERN OPTICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 2251 and PHYS 2801 and PHYS 3101; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: PHYS 4401
This course provides an advanced treatment of a number of topics in modern optics with particular emphasis on topics of industrial and research importance. A brief treatment of geometric optics will concentrate on the design of optical systems. Topics in physical optics may include dispersion in materials, production and properties of polarized light, interference, diffraction in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer limits, Fourier optics, holography and an introduction to quantum optics. Applications of this theoretical background will be made in such areas as fibre-optic transmission, photonic devices, thin film coatings, and electrochromic devices. There will also be some considerations of electro-optical devices such as lasers, charge coupled device detectors, image intensifiers and photodiodes.

PHYS 4411 (3CR)
CLASSICAL MECHANICS AND RELATIVITY
Format: integrated lecture/collaborative learning/laboratory 6 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3101, 3811 and MATH 2121; or permission of Department
Exclusion: PHYS 4701
This course will cover three-dimensional dynamics of both particles and rigid bodies using various coordinate systems. The course focuses on an introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, followed by application of these approaches to problems in constrained motion. Other topics covered include motion in resistive fluids, planetary orbits, motion in accelerated reference frames and the inertia tensor. The latter part of the course will provide an introduction to general relativity including spacetime invariants, metric and metric tensor, the field equations and tests of general relativity.

PHYS 4831 (3CR)
QUANTUM MECHANICS II
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
The principles of quantum mechanics developed in Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 3821) are extended. Properties of continuous and discrete representations are compared. Time-independent perturbation theory is developed for first order, second order, and degenerate cases. Small perturbations are also treated through direct diagonalization of large matrices. Central force problems, elements of scattering theory. And the addition of quantized angular momenta are examined, then time-dependent perturbation theory is introduced to describe transitions between stationary levels in a quantum system. The course concludes with aspects of relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and the evolution of spin from these equations.

PHYS 4841 (3CR)
ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours, occasional laboratory
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
This is a course on the quantum mechanical theory of atomic and molecular structure, and treats orbital and spin angular momentum, fine structure, Zeeman and Stark effects, Lamb shift, molecular orbital theory and molecular spectra.

PHYS 4851 (3CR)
NUCLEI AND FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLES
Format: lecture/discussion 3 hours
Prereq: PHYS 3821; or permission of the Department
This is an introductory course in nuclear theory and particle physics and discusses nuclear energy levels and spectra, scattering experiments, symmetry and conservation principles, quantum electrodynamics, and the weak and strong interactions.

PHYS 4911 (3CR)
CURRENT TOPICS IN PHYSICS
Format: seminar
Prereq: PHYS 3811; or permission of Department
This course will introduce students to current topics and trends in physics which are not represented in other courses in the curriculum. This will be a seminar format course with sessions led by students, faculty and guest speakers. A key part of the course will be development of skills for identification and critical evaluation of primary literature in physics.

PHYS 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS
Format: independent study/term paper
Students may select up to two three credit courses or one six credit course from topics to be approved by the Department. This choice is normally available only to fourth year Physics students.

PHYS 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS
Format: independent study/thesis
Normally, a student electing this course is expected to accomplish work equivalent to any fourth year course. Students are encouraged, but not required, to work on the project in the Department during the summer immediately preceding the senior year. The topic often involves experimental work, but must have a theoretical component.

 

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