Last updated: March 20, 2003 @ 06:54PM

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology
This program is co-ordinated by the Department of Physics.

Co-ordinator
Edward Sternin, Department of Physics

Advisers
Edward Sternin, Department of Physics
Vladimir Wojcik, Department of Computer Science

Director, Co-operative Programs
Cindy Dunne

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Alice Witvoet

905-688-5550, extension 3412
Mackenzie Chown B210
http://www.brocku.ca/cast

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology is a unique undergraduate program of studies combining a thorough training in physics and natural sciences with an extensive education in computing. It offers a four-year honours program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Solid-State Device Technology degree as well as a Co-op option. The program emphasizes practical aspects of computing; use of computer-based and other solid-state electronic devices in control, manufacturing and research; and the skills needed to interface and use solid-state devices in real-world applications. Students participating in this program should expect a considerable lab load.

The faculty encourages and facilitate students' summer internship placement in relevant industrial positions.

This is an interdisciplinary program with emphasis on the practical aspects of computing and applications of solid-state device technology. Students who want a deeper theoretical understanding might want to consider a Physics and Computer Science combined major program.

Students are urged to give careful consideration to their choice of program, keeping in mind their areas of interest and capabilities, as well as their long-term career goals. Students should consult a faculty adviser when planning years 3 and 4 of the BSc programs.

The Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a four and one half year period. Students spend two years in an academic setting, where they acquire the necessary background prior to taking the first work placement. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Co-op students are assessed an annual administrative fee (see the Schedule of Fees).

Admission to the Co-op program is on the basis of marks, a review of personal résumés and employer availability. An interview may be required. The normal requirement is a minimum 80 percent average on six OACs (or equivalent). As this is a limited enrolment program, admission is not guaranteed by attainment of the minimum requirement. The Co-op Programs Office and the Faculty of Mathematics and Science will facilitate admission decisions.

Students admitted to the Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op program must follow the Co-op program. Failure to adhere to the schedule may result in removal from the Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op program. Eligibility to continue is based on the student's major average and non-major average. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non major will be permitted to continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Co-op program, but may continue in the Computing and Solid-State Device Technology non-Co-op program.

The Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.

Program Notes
  1. Computing and Solid-State Device Technology students are recommended to take COSC 2P50 and one of COSC 3P92, 3P93, 3P98, 4P14.
  2. COSC 2P13 must be taken in Year 3 or Year 4.
  3. In all 20 credit degree programs, at least 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, six of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and of these, three must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above. In all 15 credit degree programs, at least seven credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, three of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above.

Honours Program
Year 1
·   PHYS 1F25 or 1F90 (preferred)
·   COSC 1P02 and 1P03
·   MATH 1P01, 1P02, 1P66 and 1P67
·   one Humanities context credit or one Social Science context credit
Year 2
·   PHYS 2P31 and 2P92
·   CHEM 1P90
·   COSC 1P12, 2P03, and 2P90
·   MATH 2F05 or MATH 2P03 and 2P08
·   the Humanities context credit or Social Science context credit not taken in year 1
Year 3
·   PHYS 2P50, 2P51 and 3P92
·   COSC 2P32, 2P91, 3F00 and 3P71
·   one of COSC 2P13, 3V95, 4P78 (see program note 2)
·   MATH 1P12
Year 4
·   PHYS 3P70, 3P93, 4F90 and 4P92
·   one of COSC 2P13 (if not taken in year 3), 3V95, or 4P78 (see program note 2)
·   one of PHYS 3P35, 3P36, 3P41
·   one and one-half elective credits (see program note 1)

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op

Students admitted to the Computing and Solid-state Device Technology Co-op program must follow the program schedule as listed below. Failure to adhere to the schedule may result in removal from the program.
Year 1
·   PHYS 1F25 or 1F90
·   COSC 1P02, 1P03 and 1P12
·   MATH 1P01, 1P02, 1P12, 1P66 and 1P67
Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   one Humanities context credit or Social Science context credit
·   one-half elective credit
Year 2
·   PHYS 2P31, 2P50, 2P51 and 2P92
·   COSC 2P03, 2P13, 2P32 and 2P90
·   MATH 2F05 or MATH 2P03 and 2P08
·   SCIE 0N90
Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   PHYS 0N01
Year 3
·   PHYS 3P35, 3P70 and 3P92
·   PHYS 3P36 or 3P41
·   COSC 2P91, 3F00 and 3P71
·   the Humanities context credit or Social Science context credit not taken in Year 1
Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   PHYS 0N02
Year 4
Fall Term:
·   PHYS 3P93 and 4P92
·   CHEM 1P90
·   COSC 3V95 or 4P78
·   one-half elective credit
Winter Term:
·   PHYS 0N03
Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   PHYS ON00 (optional)
Year 5
Fall Term
COSC 4F90 or PHYS 4F90