Last updated: March 20, 2013 @ 01:51PM

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology

This program is offered through the Department of Physics

Co-ordinator
Edward Sternin

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

Director, Co-operative Programs
Cindy Dunne

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth Horvath

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

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology (CAST) is a unique Honours undergraduate program 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.

First-year CAST students should consult the departmental web page, brocku.ca/cast, for additional information before choosing courses for their program of study.

Co-op Program
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).

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 average 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.

All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Handbook (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-handbooks) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student's major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.

Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.

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. Students are recommended to include COSC 3P01.
  2. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
    In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.

Honours Program

Year 1
·   PHYS 1P21 or 1P91 (recommended)
·   one of PHYS 1P22, 1P23, 1P92 (recommended), 1P93
·   CHEM 1P90
·   COSC 1P02 and 1P03
·   MATH 1P01 and 1P02, or MATH 1P05 and 1P06 (recommended)
·   MATH 1P12
·   one Humanities context credit or one Social Sciences context credit

Year 2
·   PHYS 2P31 and 2P32
·   COSC 2P12 and 2P13
·   MATH 1P66 and 1P67
·   MATH 2P03 and 2P08
·   the Humanities context credit or Social Sciences context credit not taken in year 1

Year 3
·   PHYS 2P50, 2P51 and 3P92
·   one of PHYS 3P35, 3P36, 3P41
·   COSC 2P03, 2P90 and 2P91
·   one of COSC 2P93, 3P01, 3P71, 3P92, 3P95, 4P78
·   one elective credit (see program note 1)

Year 4
·   PHYS 3P70 and 3P93
·   one of PHYS 3P35, 3P36, 3P41 not taken in year 3
·   PHYS 4F90 or both PHYS 4P92 and COSC 3P99
·   one credit from COSC 2P93, 3P01, 3P71, 3P92, 3P95, 4P78 (not taken in year 3)
·   one and one-half elective credits (see program note 1)

Computing and Solid-State Device Technology Co-op

Students admitted to the Co-op program must follow an approved program pattern. The most common pattern is listed below. For other approved patterns, consult the Co-op Office.

Year 1
·   PHYS 1P21 or 1P91 (recommended)
·   one of PHYS 1P22, 1P23, 1P92 (recommended), 1P93
·   CHEM 1P90
·   COSC 1P02 and 1P03
·   MATH 1P01 and 1P02, or MATH 1P05 and 1P06 (recommended)
·   MATH 1P12
·   one Humanities context credit or Social Sciences context credit

Year 2
·   PHYS 2P31 and 2P32
·   COSC 2P12 and 2P13
·   MATH 1P66 and 1P67
·   MATH 2P03 and 2P08
·   SCIE 0N90
·   the Humanities context credit or Social Sciences context credit not taken in Year 1

Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   PHYS 0N01 and 2C01

Year 3
·   PHYS 2P50, 2P51, 3P92 and 3P93
·   one of PHYS 3P35, 3P36, 3P41
·   COSC 2P03, 2P90 and 2P91
·   one of COSC 2P93, 3P01, 3P71, 3P95, 4P78
·   one-half elective credit

Spring/Summer Sessions:
·   PHYS 0N02 and 2C02

Year 4
Fall Term:
·   PHYS 3P70
·   one of PHYS 3P35, 3P36, 3P41 (not taken in year 3)
·   one credit from COSC 3P01, 3P71, 3P95, 4P78 (not taken in year 3)
·   one-half elective credit

Winter Term:
·   PHYS 0N03 and 2C03

Year 5
Fall Term
·   PHYS 4F90 or both PHYS 4P92 and COSC 3P99
·   one and one-half elective credits

Description of Courses

See relevant calendar entry for course descriptions.