Undergraduate Programs
Calendar 2004-05
Calendar 2004-05
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Undergraduate Programs Calendar 2004-05 |
Faculty of Science, including School of Computer Science
1 The Faculty
1.1 Location
Dawson Hall 853 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H3A 2T6 Canada Telephone: (514) 398-4210 Faculty Website: www.mcgill.ca/science Student Affairs Office Website: www.mcgill.ca/artscisaoThe Student Affairs Office and the Office of the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science are located in Dawson Hall, Rooms 110 and 115. The Student Affairs Office serves students in both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts.
1.2 Faculty Administrative Officers
Alan G. Shaver; B.Sc.(Car.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)
Dean
Morton J. Mendelson; B.Sc.(McG.), A.M., Ph.D.(Harv.)
Associate Dean (Academic)
TBA
Associate Dean (Student Affairs)
David H. Burns; B.Sc.(Puget Sound), Ph.D.(Wash.)
Associate Dean (Research)
Josie D'Amico
Assistant to the Dean
Sharon Bezeau; B.A.(Tor.), M.A.(C'dia)
Recorder and Chief Invigilator
Donald Sedgwick; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.)
Senior Adviser
1.3 Programs and Teaching in Science
The Faculty of Science is committed to providing outstanding teaching and research facilities. The Faculty draws on its involvement in cutting-edge research to ensure teaching excellence at the undergraduate level. Professors who are spearheading projects that are changing people's understanding of the world teach regularly at the undergraduate level. Also, research-based independent study courses offer students the opportunity to contribute to their professors' work, rather than just learn about it.
In an effort to supplement classroom learning with real life experience, the Faculty of Science has increased opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in fieldwork. Certain B.Sc. programs can include an internship component. This is on top of the many undergraduate students the Faculty hires for Work-Study projects and other research programs. McGill Science students have an opportunity to get involved in the structuring of their own education. A Science Undergraduate Society initiative launched Operation Open Access, a project that gives Science students universal access to e-mail, the Internet, and the latest in science software through computer `infopoints' located in areas of the campus frequented by Science students.
The Faculty of Science offers programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Admission is selective; fulfilment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Admission criteria are described under Admission Requirements.
There are also two Diploma programs offered in Science. The Diploma in Environment under the McGill School of Environment, is a 30-credit program available to holders of a B.Sc. or B.A. or equivalent. The Diploma in Meteorology, see section 12.2 "Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)", is a one-year program available to holders of a degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics and other appropriate disciplines who wish to qualify for a professional career in Meteorology. All credits for these diplomas must be completed at McGill.
The concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to obtain both a B.Sc. and a B.Ed. after a minimum of 135 credits of study. For more information see section 12.28 "Science for Teachers" and Concurrent Bachelor of Science (Major or Major Concentration with a Minor for Teachers) and Bachelor of Education Secondary Program, Faculty of Education.
A Bachelor of Software Engineering program is offered jointly with the Faculty of Engineering, refer to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering .
Finally, the Faculties of Arts and Science jointly offer the Bachelor of Arts and Science (B.A.&Sc.), which is described in the Arts and Science section of the Calendar.
1.4 Student Affairs Office
The Student Affairs Office, located in Dawson Hall, provides assistance in interpreting records as well as general academic information and advice on the following: prerequisites and programs, degree requirements, registration, course change, procedures for withdrawal, deferred exams, supplemental exams, rereads, academic standing, inter-faculty transfer, year or term away, transfer credits, second programs, second degrees, and graduation.
Special requests can be made, in writing, to the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs).
The Committee on Student Standing (CSS) will consider appeals of the Associate Dean's decisions. For information about CSS, see the Associate Dean's secretary.
2 Faculty Admission Requirements
For information about admission requirements for the B.Sc., please refer to Admission Requirements.
For information about inter-faculty transfers, please refer to the General University Information and Regulations, Inter-Faculty Transfer, as well as the relevant information posted on the Student Affairs Office Website at www.mcgill.ca/artscisao, and in the Student Affairs Office, Dawson Hall, Room 110.
3 Faculty Degree Requirements
Each student in the Faculty of Science must be aware of the Faculty Regulations as stated in this Calendar.
While departmental and faculty advisers and staff are always available to give advice and guidance, the ultimate responsibility for completeness and correctness of course selection and registration, for compliance with, and completion of, program and degree requirements, and for the observance of regulations and deadlines rests with the student. It is the student's responsibility to seek guidance from the Student Affairs Office if in any doubt; misunderstanding or misapprehension will not be accepted as cause for dispensation from any regulation, deadline, program or degree requirement.
To be eligible for a B.Sc. degree, students must fulfill all Faculty and program requirements as indicated below:
Minimum Credit Requirement
Residency
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
Time Limit for the Completion of the Degree
Program Requirements
Course Requirements3.1 Minimum Credit Requirement
Each student's minimum credit requirement for the degree is determined at the time of acceptance and is specified in the letter of admission.
Students are normally admitted to a four-year program requiring the completion of 120 credits, but advanced standing of up to 30 credits may be granted to students who obtain satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, Advanced Placement tests, or the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS). Quebec students with a DCS in Science are granted 30 credits advanced standing and will have normally completed the equivalent of, and are therefore exempt from, the basic science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, and physics. Students with satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests may be exempt from some or all of the basic science courses.
Students who are readmitted after interrupting their studies for a period of five consecutive years or more may be required to complete a minimum of 60 credits and satisfy the requirements of a program. In this case, a new CGPA will be calculated. The Associate Dean, in consultation with the appropriate department, may approve a lower minimum for students who had completed 60 credits or more before interrupting their studies.
Students who are readmitted after a period of absence are subject to the program and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission. The Associate Dean, in consultation with the department, may approve exemption from any new requirements.
3.2 Residency
To obtain a B.Sc. degree, students must satisfy the following residency requirements: a minimum of 60 credits of courses used to satisfy the B.Sc. degree requirements must be taken and passed at McGill, exclusive of any courses completed as part of the basic science requirements defined below. At least two-thirds of all departmental program requirements (Honours, Major, Faculty Program, or Minor) must normally be completed at McGill. However, students in Honours, Major, and Faculty Programs who pursue an approved Study Away or Exchange Program may, with departmental approval, be exempted from the two-thirds rule. In addition, some departments may require that their students complete specific components of their program at McGill.
The residency requirement for diplomas is 30 credits completed at McGill.
3.3 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
Each candidate for the degree must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00.
3.4 Time Limit for the Completion of the Degree
Students who need 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements are expected to complete their program in no more than eight terms after their initial registration for the degree. Students who exceed these limits must receive permission from the Faculty to continue their studies. Permission for exceeding the time limits will normally be granted only for valid academic reasons, such as a change of program (approval of the department is required) and part-time status.
Students in the Freshman Program become subject to these regulations one year after their initial registration.
3.5 Program Requirements
3.5.1 Freshman Program and Basic Science Requirements
Students who need 97-120 credits (four years) to complete their degree requirements must register in the Science Freshman Program, which is designed to provide the basic science foundation for a student's subsequent three-year Faculty, Major, or Honours program. The basic science requirements are as follows: two terms each of calculus, general chemistry, and general physics, and one term of biology.
Students who have completed the Diploma of Collegial Studies, Advanced Placement exams, Advanced Levels, the International Baccalaureate, the French Baccalaureate, or McGill placement examinations may receive exemption and/or credit for all or part of the basic science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, and physics. Similarly, students who have completed courses at other universities or colleges may receive exemptions and/or credits.
For a more detailed description of the Science Freshman Program, students should consult the Arts and Science Freshman Student information available on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/artscisao.
3.5.2 Faculty, Major, and Honours Programs
Science students who need 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements are required to have an approved degree program and to select their courses in each term with a view to timely completion of their degree and program requirements. Students must register in one of the following types of departmental programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science:
A Faculty program
is an approved coherent selection of courses giving students a useful concentration in a recognized area. Students in a Faculty program may choose a pattern of study that can range from one yielding a broad education to one specializing in particular areas.
Major programs
are more specialized than Faculty programs and are usually centred on a specific discipline or department. For prospective teachers, the Faculty also offers Major programs that can constitute the Science component of the Concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. Program. For more information about this joint degree, refer to section 3.5.5 "Concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. Program".
Honours programs
typically involve an even higher degree of specialization, often include supervised research, and require students to maintain a high academic standard. Although Honours programs are specially designed to prepare students for graduate studies, graduates of the other degree programs are also normally admissible to most graduate schools. Students who intend to pursue graduate studies in their discipline should consult a departmental adviser regarding the appropriate selection of courses in their field.
3.5.3 Minor and Minor Concentration Programs
In addition to the above degree programs, students in the Faculty of Science may select a Minor program. These are coherent sequences of courses in a given discipline or interdisciplinary area that may be taken in addition to the courses required for the degree program.
Science Minors consist of up to 24 credits.
Arts Minor Concentrations consist of 18 credits.
A minimum of 18 new credits must be completed in the Minor or Minor Concentration.
For a list of Minor Programs; for Minor Concentrations that are approved for Science students, see section 11.10 "Faculty of Arts Major and Minor Concentration Programs Available to Science Students".
3.5.4 Other Second Programs
In addition to a Faculty, Major, or Honours program, students may pursue a second Faculty, Major, or Honours program, or an Arts Major Concentration program. A minimum of 36 new credits must be completed in the second program.
3.5.5 Concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. Program
The Concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. Program described in section 12.28 "Science for Teachers", applies only to students who were already registered in it as of September 2002.
Admission into the program is open for September 2004.
Science students who might want to enter the program should visit the B.Sc./B.Ed. Web site at www.physics.mcgill.ca/~bscbed or contact Prof. Dik Harris, e-mail: dik.harris@ mcgill.ca.
3.5.6 Internship Program for Engineering and Science (IYES)
Certain B.Sc. programs offered by the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Department of Physics, and the School of Computer Science can include an internship component, see section 11.9 "Internship Programs - Internship Year for Engineering and Science (IYES)". Students from other departments are also eligible to apply for an internship year, but this will not be part of their degree designation. For more details, students should refer to the Faculty of Engineering, IYES: Internship Year for Engineering and Science.
3.5.7 McGill School of Environment
The Faculty of Science is one of the three faculties in partnership with the McGill School of Environment, see page 435.
3.5.8 Bachelor of Software Engineering and
B.Sc. in Software EngineeringThe School of Computer Science, jointly with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers a Bachelor of Software Engineering program. Graduates of the B.S.E. program should be eligible for accreditation (once accreditation standards for Software Engineers have been adopted). For program details, students should refer to the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering .
The School of Computer Science also offers a B.Sc. Major program in Software Engineering. For details of the B.Sc. Major, students should refer to section 12.8 "Computer Science (COMP)". The B.Sc. program does not lead to accreditation.
3.6 Course Requirements
All required and complementary courses used to fulfill program requirements, including the basic science requirements, must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students who fail to obtain a satisfactory grade in a required course must either pass the supplemental examination in the course or do additional work for a supplemental grade, if these options are available, or repeat the course. Course substitution will be allowed only in special cases; students should consult their academic adviser.
Normally, students are permitted to repeat a failed course only once. (Failure is considered to be a grade of less than C or the administrative failures of J and KF.) If a required course is failed a second time, a student may appeal to the Associate Dean for permission to take the course a third time. If permission is denied by the Associate Dean and/or by the Committee on Student Standing, on appeal, the student must withdraw from the program. If the failed course is a complementary course required by the program, a student may choose to replace it with another appropriate complementary course. If a student chooses to substitute another complementary course for a complementary course in which a D was received, credit for the first course will still be given, but as an elective. If a student repeats a required course in which a D was received, credit will be given only once.
Full details of the course requirements for all programs offered are given in each unit's section together with the locations of departmental advisory offices, program directors, and telephone numbers should further information be required.
3.6.1 Course Overlap
Students will not receive credit towards their degree for any course that overlaps in content with a course passed at McGill, at another university, at CEGEP, or advanced placement exams, Advanced Level results, International Baccalaureate Diploma, or French Baccalaureate. It is the student's responsibility to consult the Student Affairs Office or the department offering the course as to whether or not credit can be obtained and to be aware of exclusion clauses specified in the course description in the Calendar.
Sometimes the same course is offered by two different departments. Such courses are called "double-prefix" courses. When such courses are offered simultaneously, students should take the course offered by the department in which they are obtaining their degree. For example, in the case of double-prefix courses CHEM XYZ and PHYS XYZ, Chemistry students would take CHEM XYZ and the Physics students would take PHYS XYZ. If a double-prefix course were offered by different departments in alternate years, students could take whatever course best fits their schedule.
Credit for computer and statistics courses
offered by faculties other than Science requires the permission of the Associate Dean of Science (Academic and Student Affairs) and will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
Credit for statistics courses
will be given with the following stipulations:
1. Credit will be given for ONLY ONE of the following introductory statistics courses: AEMA 310, BIOL 373, ECON 227D1/ ECON 227D2, ECON 257D1/ECON 257D2, EPSC 215, GEOG 202, MATH 203, MGCR 271, PSYC 204, SOCI 350.2. Credit will be given for ONLY ONE of the following intermediate statistics courses: AEMA 411, ECON 227D1/ECON 227D2, ECON 257D1/ECON 257D2, GEOG 351, MATH 204, MGCR 272, PSYC 305, SOCI 461.3. Students who have already received credit for MATH 324 or MATH 357 will NOT
receive credit for any of the following: AEMA 310, AEMA 411, BIOL 373, ECON 227D1/ECON 227D2, ECON 257D1/ECON 257D2, EPSC 215, MATH 203, MATH 204, MGCR 271, MGCR 272, PSYC 204, PSYC 305, SOCI 350.
4. For 500-level statistics courses not listed above, students must consult a program adviser to ensure that no significant overlap exists. Where such overlap exists with a course for which the student has already received credit, credit for the 500-level course will not be allowed.5. Credit for statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science requires the permission of the Associate Dean of Science (Academic and Student Affairs), except for students in the B.Sc. Major in Environment, who may take required statistics courses in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences necessary to satisfy their program requirements.3.6.2 Project Courses
Students may normally receive no more than 12 credits for individual project or independent study courses toward a B.Sc. degree.
3.6.3 Courses outside the Faculties of Arts and Science
Students in the Faculty of Science should consult the statement of regulations for taking courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science. The regulations are posted in the Student Affairs Office, Dawson Hall, and on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/ artscisao. A list of approved/not approved courses in other faculties is posted with the regulations; students may take courses on the approved list and may not, under any circumstances, take courses on the not-approved list. Requests for permission to take courses that are not on either list should be addressed to the Associate Dean.
The regulations are as follows:
- Courses in other faculties that are considered as taught by Science (e.g., BIOT, EXMD, and PHAR) are so designated in the Science section of the Calendar.
- Courses in Music are considered as outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, except MUAR courses which are considered as Arts courses.
- Courses in other faculties can be taken as elective courses or as part of a program as specified in the Calendar.
- Students may take only 6 credits per year, up to 18 credits in all, of courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
- Students must have the necessary prerequisites and permission of the instructor for such courses.
- Credit for courses in Education and Continuing Education requires the permission of the Associate Dean of Science.
- Credit for computer and statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science requires the permission of the Associate Dean of Science and will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
- Students who use Minerva to register for a course that exceeds the specified limitations or that is not approved will have the course flagged for no credit after the course change period;
- Credit will not be given for any "how to" courses offered by other faculties that are intended to provide students with only practical or professional training in specific applied areas. Examples include courses that teach the use of certain computer packages (databases, spreadsheets, etc.) or computer languages (SQL, COBOL, FORTRAN, etc.), machine shop or electronic shop courses, technical drawing courses, and professional practice courses.
- Students in the Major in Software Engineering may take as many courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as are necessary to complete their program of study. They may also take up to 18 credits of approved courses outside the Faculties of Arts and Science beyond the requirements of their major.
- For students registered in the McGill School of Environment before September 2003: Students in the MSE may take as many courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as are necessary to complete their program of study. They may also take up to 18 credits of approved courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science beyond the requirements of their MSE programs.
- For students who registered in the McGill School of Environment on or after September 2003: Students in the MSE may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete their program of study.
- Students in the Major in Software Engineering may take as many courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as are necessary to complete their program of study. They may also take up to 18 credits of approved courses outside the Faculties of Arts and Science beyond the requirements of their major.
- Students taking the Minor in Management may take 21 credits of courses outside of the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
- The 18-credit limit applies to students taking the Minor in Nutrition; equivalent courses in Science should be taken instead of courses in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
3.6.4 Courses taken under the Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory Option
Students may take one elective course per term that is to be graded under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option, to a maximum of 10% of credits taken at McGill to fulfill their degree requirements. The decision to have an elective course graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory must be made by students before the end of the Drop/Add period. For more information, students should consult Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option.
3.6.5 Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL courses are open to Science students under the regulations specified by the English and French Language Centre.
3.6.6 Auditing of Courses
No auditing of courses is permitted at McGill.
3.6.7 Course Credit Weight
The credit assigned to a particular course should reflect the amount of effort it demands of the student. Normally, one credit will represent three hours total work per week for one term - including a combination of lecture hours, other contact hours, such as laboratory periods, tutorials, and problem periods, as well as personal study time.
4 Advising
Fall-term academic advising for newly admitted students takes place during the week prior to the beginning of classes. Students who are newly admitted to the winter term should consult the Calendar of Dates for exact advising dates.
Students who need 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements must consult an academic adviser in their proposed department of study to obtain advice and approval of their course selection. Quebec students with a Diploma of Collegial Studies in Science have normally taken the equivalent of, and are therefore exempt from, the 100-level basic science courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics. Such students may also be exempt from some 200-level courses. Students with satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests may also be exempt from some or all of the basic sciences courses. To facilitate program planning, they must present their transcripts and letters of admission. For a detailed description of advising and registration procedures, students should refer to Welcome to McGill, which they receive upon acceptance from the Admissions, Recruitment and Registrar's Office, as well as to the information posted on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/ artscisao.
Students who need 97-120 credits to complete their degree requirements will normally be registered in a Freshman Program until they complete their first year. They must consult an adviser in the Student Affairs Office to obtain advice and approval of their course selection. For a detailed description of advising and registration procedures, Freshman students should refer to Welcome to McGill, which they receive upon acceptance from the Admissions, Recruitment and Registrar's Office, as well as the information on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/artscisao.
Advising for all returning students takes place in March for the coming academic year. For more information, students should refer to the information on the Student Affairs Website www.mcgill.ca/artscisao.
Academic advising is also available by e-mail. The address is adviser.artsci@mcgill.ca.
5 Registration
All students register by Minerva, McGill's Web-based registration system.
New students register in August prior to the first day of classes. For detailed information about registration, students should refer to Registration, Welcome to McGill, to the information on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/artscisao, and to the Minerva Website, www.mcgill.ca/minerva.
Returning students register at the end of March, April and May for the coming academic year. For detailed information about registration, students should refer to Registration, and to the information on the Student Affairs Website www.mcgill.ca/artscisao, and to the Minerva Website, www.mcgill.ca/minerva.
Students who fall into unsatisfactory standing at the end of the academic year will have their registration cancelled. They may not reregister in the Faculty. However, students who can provide proof of exceptional extenuating circumstances that affected their academic performance may appeal to the Associate Dean of Science for readmission. For more information, students should consult the Student Affairs Office, Dawson Hall, or read the information on the Student Affairs Website www.mcgill.ca/artscisao.
Students who have an outstanding fee balance from a previous term or outstanding fines will not be permitted to register. In addition, students who have registered for the upcoming academic year, but subsequently take summer courses without paying the fees, will have their registration cancelled. Registration on Minerva will be denied until these debts are paid in full. Students must pay all debts before the end of the registration period to be permitted to reregister. Students with financial problems should consult the Student Aid Office, Brown Student Services Building.
Students who decide not to return to McGill after initiating registration must withdraw from all of their courses on Minerva or inform the Student Affairs Office in writing. The deadline for withdrawal from the University is the same deadline as for a course withdrawal; see the Calendar of Dates. After the deadline, students may, under exceptional circumstances, be granted permission to withdraw from the University. Such students should contact the Student Affairs Office in Dawson Hall for further information.
5.1 Program Registration
Students should refer to Welcome to McGill, the Arts and Science Registration information on the Student Affairs Website, www.mcgill.ca/artscisao, or the Minerva Website, www.mcgill.ca/ minerva.
See section 11 "Lists of Programs Offered" for a list of programs that can be taken by Science students.
5.2 Course Registration
All courses have limited enrolment.
Subject to the course restrictions listed in this section and unless otherwise indicated, students in the Faculty of Science may register for and take for credit any course in the sections of the Calendar applicable to the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
Since the registration system is unable to verify whether or not Faculty regulations are respected, it is technically possible to register for courses that are closed to Science students. When students' records are manually verified, however, any "closed" courses will be flagged after the end of course change period as "not for credit towards the B.Sc.". As a result, the students' expected date of graduation may be delayed.
Some courses may require special permission. Students should consult this Calendar and/or the Class Schedule to determine if permission is required of the instructor, the department, or the Faculty for any course they wish to take.
Students who believe they have valid reasons to take a course that is normally closed to Science students must obtain permission from the Associate Dean of Science (Academic and Student Affairs) before registering for the course. Only the Associate Dean or, on appeal, the Committee on Student Standing, can make exceptions to the Faculty rules.
5.2.1 Registration for First-Year Seminars
Registration for First-Year Seminars is limited to students in their first year of study at McGill, i.e., newly admitted students in U0 or U1. These courses are designed to provide a closer interaction with professors and better working relations with peers than is available in large introductory courses. These seminars endeavour to teach the latest scholarly developments and expose participants to advanced research methods. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum number of students in any seminar is 25, although some are limited to even fewer than that.
Students may take only one First-Year Seminar. Students who register for more than one will be obliged to withdraw from all but one of them. Please consult the departmental listings for course descriptions and availability.
The First-Year Seminars offered by the Faculty of Arts are also open to Science students. For a complete listing, please consult Arts First Year Seminars.
5.3 Registration for Graduation
Students in their final year must indicate their expected date of graduation on Minerva and must verify this date on verification forms. When final-year students change their expected date of graduation, they must notify the Student Affairs Office immediately. Failure to do so may postpone graduation.
Students who complete their degree requirements at any time after their last registered term at McGill must apply to the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) to graduate. Application to graduate must be made sufficiently in advance of the expected graduation date to allow the Faculty to verify the student's record. For further information, students should contact the Student Affairs Office.
6 Grading and Credit
Before the end of the course change (drop/add) period, each instructor will inform students of the following:
- whether there will be a final examination in the course;
- how term work will affect the final mark in the course;
- how term work will be distributed through the term;
- whether there will be a supplemental examination in the course, and if so, whether term work will be included in the supplemental grade (courses normally have supplemental examinations, and courses with formal final examinations must have supplementals);
- whether students with marks of D, F, J or U will have the option of submitting additional work, and, if so, how the supplemental mark will be calculated with the extra work.
6.1 Incomplete Grades
An instructor who believes that there is justification for a student to delay submitting term work may extend the deadline until after the end of the course. In this case, the instructor will submit a grade of K (incomplete), indicating the date by which the work is to be completed. The maximum extensions for the submission of grades to the Student Affairs Office are as follows:
Students' deadlines for submitting their work must be sufficiently in advance of these dates to ensure that the work can be graded and the mark submitted on time. It is important to note that instructors may impose earlier deadlines than those listed above.
If marks to clear Ks have not been submitted to the Student Affairs Office by April 30 for fall courses, or July 30 for winter courses and courses spanning fall/winter, the K is automatically changed to a KF and counts as an F in the GPA.
Students with a grade of K who have serious extenuating circumstances may request an extension of the K deadline (KE) from the Associate Dean (Student Affairs). Please refer to Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA) for more information about grading and credit.
7 Examinations
Students should refer to Examinations for information about final examinations and deferred examinations. Note that for the Faculty of Science, University Regulations Concerning Final Examinations applies to courses up to and including the 500 level.
The exam schedules are posted on the McGill Website, www.mcgill.ca and in the Student Affairs Office, Dawson Hall, Room 110, normally one month after the start of classes for Tentative Exam Schedules, and two months after the start of classes for Final Examination Schedules. Students should also refer to the Student Affairs Website for more information, www.mcgill.ca/ artscisao.
8 Supplemental Assessments
8.1 Supplemental Examinations
Students who wish to write supplemental examinations for certain courses must apply to the Student Affairs Office for permission. The following conditions apply:
- students must be in satisfactory or probationary standing;
- students must have received a final grade of D, F, J or U in the course;
- students must avail themselves of this privilege at the time of the next supplemental examination period;
- special permission is required if a student wishes to write supplementals totalling more than 8 credits;
- only one supplemental examination is allowed in a course;
- the supplemental result may or may not include the same proportion of class work as did the original grade; the instructor will announce the arrangements to be used for the course by the end of the course change period;
- the format of the supplemental examination (e.g., multiple-choice or essay questions) will not necessarily be the same as the format for the final examination, so students should consult the instructor about the format of the supplemental;
- the supplemental result will not erase the grade originally obtained, which is used in calculating the GPA; both the original mark and the supplemental result will be calculated in the CGPA;
- in courses in which both a supplemental examination and additional work are available, the student may choose the additional work or the examination or both; where both are written, only one supplemental mark will be submitted, reflecting marks for both the supplemental examination and the additional work;
- additional credit will not be given for a supplemental exam where the original grade for the course was a D and the student already received credit for the course;
- supplemental examinations in courses outside the Faculties of Arts or of Science are subject to the deadlines, rules and regulations of the relevant faculty;
- no supplemental examinations are available for students who fail to achieve satisfactory grades in a course with a deferred examination.
For courses in the Faculties of Arts and of Science, the supplemental examination period for fall courses is during the months of April and May; for winter courses, and courses spanning fall/ winter, the supplemental examination period is during the last week of August.
Supplemental applications are available at the Student Affairs Office. The deadline for submission of applications is March 1 for fall courses and July 15 for winter courses and courses spanning fall/winter. A non-refundable fee for each supplemental paper is payable at the time of application. Students who register for a supplemental examination and subsequently find themselves unprepared for it should not write it; except for the loss of the registration fee, there is no penalty for not writing a supplemental examination. Students should consult the Student Affairs Office for further information.
8.2 Additional Work
Instructors of courses that include graded written term work may choose to provide the option of additional work to eligible students. The following conditions apply:
- if there is an option for additional work, it must be announced in the course outline at the beginning of the course;
- additional work involves revising one or more previously submitted papers or submitting new written work to replace the original work;
- students must be in satisfactory or probationary standing;
- students must have received a final grade of D, J, F, or U in the course;
- the weight of the additional work will be equal to the weight given the work revised or replaced when the original mark was submitted;
- the mark resulting from the revised or additional work will be recorded as a supplemental mark;
- the supplemental result will not erase the grade originally obtained, which is used in calculating the GPA; both the original mark and the supplemental mark will count in calculating the CGPA;
- in courses in which both a supplemental examination and additional work are available, the student may choose the additional work or the examination or both; where both are written, only one supplemental mark will be submitted, reflecting marks for both the supplemental examination and the additional work;
- additional work in courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science is subject to the deadlines, rules, and regulations of the relevant faculty.
Additional work applications are available in the Student Affairs Office. The deadline for submission of applications is March 1 for fall courses and July 15 for winter courses and courses spanning fall/winter. A non-refundable fee is payable for each course at the time of application. Students should consult the Student Affairs Office for further information.
8.3 Reassessments and Rereads
In accordance with the Charter of Student Rights, and subject to the conditions stated therein, students have the right to consult any written submission for which they have received a mark, to discuss this submission with the examiner, and to obtain an impartial and competent review of any mark.
The Faculty of Science recognizes two types of impartial reviews: reassessments of course work (i.e., of term papers, mid-terms, assignments, quizzes, etc.) and rereads of final examinations. In both cases, rather than recorrect the work and grade it as they would have done themselves, reviewers assess the appropriateness of the original grade based, for example, on the application of the grading key to the student's work. If a grade is deemed unfair, it is changed, whether the new grade is higher or lower than the original - i.e., the reviewer's grade takes precedence over the original grade.
A. Reassessment of Course Work
Reassessments of course work are administered and conducted solely by the units involved according to procedures specified by the units and made available to staff and students. Requests for such reassessments must be made within 10 working days after the graded material has been made available for students to view it. Reassessments should normally be completed within 20 working days of the request.
B. Rereads of Final Examinations
Rereads of final examinations are administered by the Student Affairs Office, but conducted by the units involved. Students must apply in writing to the Student Affairs Office by March 31 for courses in the Fall term and by September 30 for courses in the Winter or Summer terms (these deadlines are strictly enforced and no requests for rereads will be accepted past them). Students are assessed a fee of $35 for such rereads. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that students consult the instructor of the course before requesting a reread of a final examination.
Reassessments and rereads in courses not in the Faculty of Science are subject to the deadlines, rules, and regulations of the relevant faculty.
9 Academic Standing
Academic standing is based primarily on students' cumulative grade point average (CGPA), but may also be affected by their term grade point average (TGPA). Academic standing is assessed in January for the fall term, in May for the winter term, and in September for the summer term. Academic standing in each term determines if students will be allowed to continue their studies in the next term and if any conditions will be attached to their registration.
Decisions about academic standing in the fall term are based only on grades that are available in January. Grades for courses in which students have deferred examinations and fall-term grades for courses that span the fall and winter terms do not affect academic standing for the fall term, even though they will ultimately affect students' fall TGPA. Therefore, academic standings for the fall term that are designated as "interim" should be interpreted as advisory. Note that interim standing will not appear on external transcripts. Interim standing decisions are mentioned below only if the rules for them differ from those for regular standing decisions.
Satisfactory/Interim Satisfactory Standing
Students in satisfactory standing may continue in their program.
Probationary/Interim Probationary Standing
Students in probationary standing may continue in their program, but must carry a reduced load (maximum 14 credits per term) and raise their TGPA and CGPA to return to satisfactory standing (see above). They should see their departmental adviser to discuss their course selection.
Students in interim probationary standing may continue in their program, but should evaluate their course load and reduce it as appropriate. They are strongly advised to consult a departmental adviser, before the withdrawal deadlines, about their course selection for the winter term.
- Students who were previously in satisfactory standing will be placed in probationary standing if their CGPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99.
- Students who were previously in probationary standing will remain in probationary standing if their CGPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99 and their TGPA is 2.50 or higher, although the TGPA requirement will not apply to the summer term.
- Students who were previously in interim unsatisfactory standing will be placed in probationary standing if their CGPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99 and their TGPA is 2.50 or higher.
- Students who were previously in unsatisfactory readmitted standing will be placed in probationary standing (for the fall or winter term) if their CGPA is less than 2.00, and if they satisfy relevant conditions specified in their letter of readmission.
Unsatisfactory Readmitted Standing
Students who were previously in unsatisfactory standing and who were readmitted to the Faculty by the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) or the Committee on Student Standing will have their standing changed to unsatisfactory readmitted standing. Their course load is specified in their letter of readmission as are the conditions they must meet to be allowed to continue in their program. They should see their departmental adviser to discuss their course selection.
Unsatisfactory/Interim Unsatisfactory Standing
Students in interim unsatisfactory standing may continue in their program, but should evaluate their course load and reduce it as appropriate. They are strongly advised to consult a departmental adviser, before the withdrawal deadlines, about their course selection for the winter term.
Students in unsatisfactory standing have failed to meet the minimum standards set by the Faculty. They may not continue in their program, and their registration will be cancelled.
Appeals for readmission by students in unsatisfactory standing should be addressed to the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) no later than July 15 for readmission to the fall term and November 15 for the winter term. Readmission will be considered only when proof of extenuating circumstances that affected academic performance can be provided (e.g., medical or other documentation). Students in unsatisfactory standing for the second time must withdraw permanently.
Normally supplemental examinations are not permitted; however, students in unsatisfactory standing may appeal to the Associate Dean for permission to write a supplemental examination, clearly stating the reasons for special consideration and providing proof as appropriate.
- Students will be placed in unsatisfactory standing (winter or summer term) or interim unsatisfactory standing (fall term) if their CGPA falls or remains below 1.50.
- Students who were previously in probationary, unsatisfactory readmitted, or interim unsatisfactory standing will be placed in unsatisfactory standing (fall or winter term) if their TGPA falls below 2.50 and their CGPA is below 2.00.
- Students who were previously in unsatisfactory standing and who were readmitted to the Faculty by the Associate Dean or the Committee on Student Standing and who have not at least satisfied the conditions to attain probationary standing that were specified in the letter of readmission will be placed in unsatisfactory standing.
Students in the Concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. Program who receive an F or J in any Education Field Experience course are placed in unsatisfactory standing. Although they may complete their term, they are required to withdraw from the Concurrent Program. However, they may apply to transfer to a conventional B.Sc. program as outlined in section 12.28 "Science for Teachers".
Incomplete Standings
Standing awaits deferred examination.
Must clear Ks, Ls or Supplemental.
Standing Incomplete.Students with incomplete standings in the winter or summer term may register for the fall term, but their standing must be resolved by the end of the course-change period for that term. Students whose incomplete standing changes to satisfactory, probationary, or interim unsatisfactory standing may continue in the program. Students whose standing changes to unsatisfactory standing may not continue in their program, and their registration will be cancelled.
Students whose standing changes to unsatisfactory and who wish to ask for permission to continue in their program must make a request to the Associate Dean as soon as they are placed in unsatisfactory standing. Readmission will be considered only when proof of extenuating circumstances that affected academic performance can be provided (e.g., medical or other documentation).
Students whose standing is still incomplete by the end of course change period should immediately consult with the Student Affairs Office.
At the end of the winter term, students with a mark of K or L will be placed in the appropriate standing in June, if the outstanding mark in the course will not affect their result. Otherwise the standing decision will only be made once their incomplete marks have been cleared. For more information about incomplete grades please refer to section 6.1 "Incomplete Grades".
10 Awards and Honourary Designations
10.1 Honours and First-Class Honours
Departments may recommend to the Faculty that graduating students registered in an Honours program be awarded Honours or First-Class Honours under the following conditions:
- students must complete all requirements imposed by the department;
- for Honours, the CGPA at graduation must be at least 3.00;
- for First-Class Honours, the CGPA at graduation must be at least 3.50;
- some departments may impose additional requirements, which must be met before students are recommended for Honours or First-Class Honours. These will be found in the departmental descriptions of Honours programs.
Students in an Honours program whose CGPA is below 3.00 or who did not satisfy certain program requirements must consult their adviser to determine if they are eligible to graduate in a program other than Honours.
10.2 Distinction or Great Distinction
Students in Faculty or Major programs whose academic performance is appropriate may be awarded their degrees with Distinction or Great Distinction under the following conditions:
- students must have completed a minimum of 60 McGill credits towards the B.Sc. degree to be eligible;
- for Distinction, the CGPA at graduation must be 3.30 to 3.49;
- for Great Distinction, the CGPA at graduation must be 3.50 or greater;
- these designations may be withdrawn, in the case of transfer students, if their CGPA in another faculty or at another university is not comparable to the CGPA earned in the Faculty of Science.
10.3 Dean's Honour List
The designation Dean's Honour List may be awarded to graduating students under the following conditions:
- students must have completed a minimum of 60 McGill credits towards the B.Sc. degree to be considered;
- students must be in the top 10% of the Faculty's graduating class of students; this calculation is based on the CGPA;
- this honorary designation may be withdrawn, in the case of transfer students, if their CGPA in another faculty or at another university is not comparable to the CGPA earned in the Faculty of Science.
The designation Dean's Honour List may be awarded at the end of each academic year to continuing students under the following conditions:
10.4 Medals and Prizes
Various medals, scholarships and prizes are open to continuing and graduating students. Full details of these are set out in the Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards Calendar, available in the Admissions, Recuitment and Registrar's Office or on the Web www.mcgill.ca. No application is required except in the case of the Moyse Travelling Scholarships.
11 Lists of Programs Offered
11.1 Faculty Programs
11.2 Major Programs
11.3 Joint Major Programs
11.4 Honours Programs
11.5 Joint Honours Programs
11.6 Minor Programs
Notes:
1. The Minor in Computer Science is not available to students in the following programs: Honours in Computer Science; Honours in Mathematics and Computer Science; Faculty Program in Mathematics and Computer Science.2. The Minor in Chemical Engineering is only available to students in Chemistry.3. The Minor in Electrical Engineering is only available to students in the Major program in Physics.11.7 Concurrent B.Sc/B.Ed. Program (Science for Teachers)
Programs Accepting Students as of September 2004:Programs No Longer Accepting New Students:11.8 Bachelor of Arts and Science
Please see the Arts and Science section of the Calendar for details.
11.9 Internship Programs - Internship Year for Engineering and Science (IYES)
The following programs are also available with an Internship component. For more information, please see IYES: Internship Year for Engineering and Science.
Atmospheric and Oceanic SciencesComputer ScienceMathematics and StatisticsPhysics11.10 Faculty of Arts Major and Minor Concentration Programs Available to Science Students
For more information, please see the relevant departmental entries in the Faculty of Arts section.
Major ConcentrationsMinor Concentrations12 Academic Programs
12.1 Anatomy and Cell Biology (ANAT)
Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building 3640 University Street, Room 1/48 Montreal, QC H3A 2B2 Telephone: (514) 398-6335 Website: www.medicine.mcgill.ca/anatomyChairJohn J.M. BergeronEmeritus ProfessorsYves Clermont; B.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.C.S.Dennis G. Osmond; B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., D.Sc.(Brist.), M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., F.R.S.C.H. Warshawsky; B.Sc.(Sir G.Wms), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)ProfessorsAlain Beaudet; M.Sc., Ph.D., M.D.(Montr.) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Gary C. Bennett; B.A., B.Sc.(Sir G.Wms.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)John J.M. Bergeron; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D., D.Phil.(Oxon.)James R. Brawer; B.S.(Tufts), Ph.D.(Harv.)M. Burnier; M.D.,M.Sc.,Ph.D.(Brazil) (joint appoint. with Ophthalmology)Louis Hermo; B.A.(Loyola), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Charles P. Leblond; M.D.(Paris), Ph.D.(Montr.), D.Sc.(Acad.), F.R.S., F.R.S.C.Sandra C. Miller; B.Sc.(Sir G.Wm.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Carlos R. Morales; DVM.(U.N., Argentina), Ph.D.(McG.)Barry I. Posner; M.D.(Man.), F.R.C.P.(C) (joint appoint. with Medicine)Charles E. Smith; D.D.S., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Dentistry)Associate ProfessorsPhilip Barker; B.Sc.(S.Fraser), Ph.D.(Alta.) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Orest W. Blaschuk; B.Sc.(Winn.), M.Sc.(Manit.), Ph.D.(Tor.) (joint appoint. with Surgery)Eugene Daniels; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Man.)Samuel David; Ph.D.(Man.) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Elaine Davis; B.Sc., M.Sc.(W.Ont.), Ph.D.(McG.)Timothy Kennedy; B.Sc.(McM.), M.Phil, Ph.D.(Columbia) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Antonis E. Koromilas; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Aristotelian U., Greece) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Paul F. Lasko; A.B.(Harv.), Ph.D.(M.I.T) (joint appoint. with Biology)Martin Laterich; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Durham)Marc D. McKee; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG) (joint appoint. with Dentistry)Peter McPherson; B.Sc.(Manit.), Ph.D.(Iowa) (William Dawson Scholar) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Alfredo Riberio-da-Silva; M.D., Ph.D.(Oporto) (joint appoint. with Pharmacology and Therapeutics)Hojatollah Vali; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich) (joint appoint. with Earth and Planetary Sciences)Dominique Walker; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Geneva) (joint appoint. with Psychiatry)Assistant ProfessorsChantel Autexier; B.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(McG.)Fiona Bedford; B.Sc.(Birm.), Ph.D.(Lond.)Eric Chevet; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Paris) (joint appoint. with Surgery)Michael T. Greenwood; B.Sc.,M.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(McG) (joint appoint. with Medicine)Nathalie Lamarche; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.)Craig Mandato; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Wat.)John F. Presley; B.A., Ph.D.(Texas)Wayne Sossin; S.B.(M.I.T.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Stefano Stifani; Ph.D.(Rome), Ph.D.(Alta.) (joint appoint. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)Gary E. Wild; B.Sc., Ph.D., M.D.,C.M.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Medicine)Associate MemberDavid Y. Thomas (Biochemistry)Adjunct ProfessorsDaniel Cyr; B.Sc., M.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(Manit.)Jacques Drouin; B.Sc., D.Sc.(Laval)Sadayuki Inoue; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Hok. U.)André Nantel; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Laval), Ph.D.(Chapel Hill)Jackson G. Snipes; Ph.D., M.D.(Vanderbilt)The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology offers courses which deal with cell biology, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, and gross anatomy. The Honours Program is designed as the first phase in the training of career cell and molecular biologists. The Major and Faculty programs offer decreasing levels of specialization in Anatomy and Cell Biology but with a broader base in other biological sciences. These programs also form a sound background for graduate studies in Anatomy and Cell Biology, or for further professional training in schools of medicine, dentistry and other health sciences. A B.Sc. in Anatomy and Cell Biology provides an excellent preparation for technical and administrative positions in laboratories of universities, research institutions, hospitals and pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
The Department is equipped to perform cell fractionation, protein purification, recombinant DNA technology, micro-injection of molecules into single cells, cytochemical, immunocytochemical and fluorescent analysis and electron microscopy, proteomics and genomics. The Department has a well-equipped centre for electron microscopy as well as a centre for confocal and immunofluorescence.
Inquiries about programs should be directed to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.A Science Major Concentration in Biomedical Sciences is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major Concentration is described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Biomedical Sciences for details.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY(57 credits)Required Courses(39 credits)* If the equivalents to these courses were passed in CEGEP, they are not required for the Anatomy and Cell Biology programs, and may not be re-taken at McGill. Students must take the equivalent number of credits in Elective Courses to satisfy the total credit requirement for their degree.
Complementary Courses(18 credits)
12 credits selected from biologically oriented courses (BOC) in the following list:
BIOL 300, BIOL 301, BIOL 303, BIOL 306, BIOL 313, BIOL 314, BIOL 357, BIOL 370, BIOL 389, BIOL 468, BIOL 475, BIOL 516, BIOL 518, BIOL 520, BIOL 522, BIOL 524, BIOL 530, BIOL 531, BIOL 532, BIOL 544, BIOL 551, BIOL 572, BIOL 588. ANAT 322, ANAT 365, ANAT 381, ANAT 432, ANAT 458/BIOC 458, ANAT 541; BIOC 311, BIOC 312, BIOC 450, BIOC 454, BIOC 455, BIOC 503. BIOT 505. EXMD 401, EXMD 502, EXMD 503, EXMD 504, EXMD 506, EXMD 507, EXMD 508, EXMD 509, EXMD 510, EXMD 512D1/ EXMD 512D2. MIMM 314, MIMM 323, MIMM 324, MIMM 386D1/MIMM 386D2, MIMM 387, MIMM 413, MIMM 414, MIMM 465, MIMM 466, MIMM 509. NEUR 310. NUTR 307. PATH 300. PHAR 300, PHAR 301, PHAR 303, PHAR 562, PHAR 563. PHGY 311, PHGY 312, PHGY 313, PHGY 314, PHGY 451, PHGY 502, PHGY 508, PHGY 513, PHGY 515, PHGY 516, PHGY 517, PHGY 518, PHGY 552, PHGY 556. PSYT 500.MAJOR IN ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(69 credits)Required Courses(48 credits)Complementary Courses(21 credits)HONOURS IN ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY(81 credits)Students should register at the Major level in U1 and, if accepted, may enter the Honours Program at the beginning of U2. To enter the program, the student must obtain a CGPA of at least 3.00 at the end of U1. For promotion to the U3 year of the Honours program, or for entry into the program at this level, the student must have a CGPA of at least 3.20 at the end of their U2 year. It is expected that at the beginning of the third year the students who wish to continue in the Honours Program will be those who feel that they are seriously interested in a career in Cell Biology. The Honours Degree will be recommended after successful completion of the Program with a CGPA of at least 3.20.
Required Courses(78 credits)Complementary Courses(3 credits)12.2 Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)
Burnside Hall, Room 945 805 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Telephone: (514) 398-3764 Fax: (514) 398-6115 E-mail: undergraduateinfo.aos@mcgill.ca Website: www.mcgill.ca/meteoChairJohn R. GyakumEmeritus ProfessorsRoddy R. Rogers; B.S.(Texas), S.M.(M.I.T.), Ph.D.(N.Y.U.)Edward J. Stansbury; M.A., Ph.D.(Tor.)ProfessorsJacques F. Derome; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Mich.)Henry G. Leighton; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Alta.)Charles A. Lin; B.Sc.(U.B.C.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Lawrence A. Mysak; B.Sc.(Alta.), M.Sc.(Adel.), A.M., Ph.D.(Harv.), F.R.S.C. (Canada Steamship Lines Professor of Meteorology)Ronald E. Stewart; B.Sc.(Man.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)Man Kong (Peter) Yau; S.B., S.M., Sc.D.(M.I.T.)Isztar I. Zawadzki; B.Sc.(Buenos Aires), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Associate ProfessorsPeter Bartello; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Mathematics and Statistics)John R. Gyakum; B.Sc.(Penn.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(M.I.T.)David Straub; B.S., M.S.(SW Louisiana), Ph.D.(Wash)Assistant ProfessorParisa Ariya; B.Sc., Ph.D.(York) (William Dawson Scholar) (joint appoint. with Chemistry)Frédéric Fabry; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with McGill School of Environment)Adjunct ProfessorsGilbert Brunet, Pierre Gauthier, Stéphane Laroche, Richard Ménard, François Saucier, Ayrton ZadraThe Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers, at the undergraduate level, a broad range of courses and degree programs in atmospheric science. At the postgraduate level, programs of study are offered in physical oceanography, air-sea interaction, and climate research as well as in different branches of atmospheric science. The study of atmospheric science is based largely on physics and applied mathematics. All required courses except those at the introductory level generally have prerequisites or corequisites in physics, mathematics, and atmospheric science. One of the goals of the discipline is to develop the understanding necessary to improve our ability to predict the weather, but atmospheric science is more than weather forecasting.
Another important area of study focuses on the possible changes in global climate caused by the changing chemical composition of the atmosphere. The approach is always quantitative. Like other parts of physics, atmospheric science attempts to create theoretical models of its complex processes, as a means of analyzing the motion and composition of the air, its thermodynamic behaviour, and its interaction with radiation and with the solid or liquid surface beneath it.
From one viewpoint, the atmosphere may be studied as a large volume of gas by the methods of fluid mechanics: winds, circulation patterns, turbulence, and energy and momentum exchanges are the ideas employed in this approach. Alternatively, the atmosphere may be studied from the point of view of its detailed physics: how water condenses in the air, how cloud droplets make rain, how sunlight warms the ground and the ground warms the air above it by radiation and convection, and how the atmosphere and ocean interact to shape the weather and climate. A comprehensive understanding requires both viewpoints, and these are reflected in the curriculum.
The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers four main programs in Atmospheric Science: Honours, Major, Minor, and a Joint Major in Atmospheric Science and Physics. The Honours program is meant for students with high standing. It is based on courses similar to those in the Major program, but provides the opportunity to take advanced optional courses. The Major program, although somewhat less intensive, satisfies the requirements for a professional career as a meteorologist, and like the Honours program equips the student to undertake postgraduate study in meteorology, atmospheric science, and related sciences (for example physical oceanography) at any of the leading universities. The Department also offers a special one-year Diploma program to B.Sc. or B.Eng. graduates.
A degree in Atmospheric Science can lead to a professional career in government service or private industry. The Meteorological Service of Canada has traditionally been the main employer of graduating students, but certain provincial governments and environmental consulting and engineering firms also employ graduates trained in atmospheric science. Positions in teaching and research are available to graduates with M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. Students interested in any of the undergraduate programs should consult the Undergraduate Adviser, Room 946, Burnside Hall.
Internship Year for Engineering and Science (IYES)
IYES is a pre-graduate work experience program available to eligible students and normally taken between their U2 and U3 years. For more information, see IYES: Internship Year for Engineering and Science.
The following programs are also available with an Internship component:
Major in Atmospheric Science
Honours in Atmospheric ScienceA Science Major Concentration in Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major Concentration is described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences for details.
MINOR IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE(18 credits)The Minor may be taken in conjunction with any program in the Faculty of Science.
Required Courses(15 credits)Complementary Course(3 credits)MAJOR IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE(61 credits)Required Courses(46 credits)Complementary Courses(15 credits)JOINT MAJOR IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE AND PHYSICS(67 credits)This Major provides a solid basis for postgraduate study in meteorology, atmospheric physics, or related fields, and the necessary preparation for embarking on a professional career as a meteorologist directly after the B.Sc.
The program is jointly administered by the Department of Physics and the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Students should consult undergraduate advisers in both departments.
Required Courses(64 credits)Complementary Course(3 credits)HONOURS IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE(70 credits)Students can be admitted to the Honours program after completion of the U1 year of the Major in Atmospheric Science program with a minimum GPA of 3.30. Students having completed a U1 year in a different program with high standing may be admitted to the Honours program on the recommendation of the Department.
A minimum GPA of 3.30 in the Honours Program courses (taken as a whole) is required to remain in the program. A CGPA of 3.30 on the total program is also required to graduate with honours.
Required Courses(52 credits)Complementary Courses(18 credits)DIPLOMA IN METEOROLOGY(30 credits)The Department offers an intensive, one-year program in theoretical and applied meteorology to B.Sc. or B.Eng. graduates of suitable standing in physics, applied mathematics or other appropriate disciplines, leading to a Diploma in Meteorology. The program is designed for students with little or no previous background in meteorology who wish to direct their experience to atmospheric or environmental applications, or who need to fulfill academic prerequisites in meteorology to qualify for employment. For further information, consult the Administrative Officer, Burnside Hall, Room 946.
An exemption of up to 6 credits may be allowed for courses already taken. Students granted such exemptions are required to add complementary courses from an approved list to maintain a total credit count of 30 completed at McGill.
Required Courses(18 credits)Complementary Courses(12 credits)12.3 Biochemistry (BIOC)
McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, Room 802 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6 Telephone: (514) 398-1898 Fax: (514) 398-7384 E-mail: rachelle.leger@mcgill.ca Website: www.medicine.mcgill.ca/biochemChairDavid Y. ThomasEmeritus ProfessorsAngus F. Graham; M.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D., D.Sc.(Edin.), F.R.S.C.Rose M. Johnstone; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C.Samuel Solomon; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C.Theodore L. Sourkes; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Corn.), F.R.S.C.ProfessorsRhoda Blostein; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Medicine)Nicole Beauchemin; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Philip E. Branton; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.) (Gilman Cheney Professor of Biochemistry)Peter E. Braun; B.Sc.,M.Sc. (U.B.C.), Ph.D. (Berk.)Vincent Giguère; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Laval) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Philippe Gros; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.) (James McGill Professor)Annette A. Herscovics; B.Sc.,Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C. (joint appoint. with Oncology)Robert E. MacKenzie; M.N.S., B.Sc.(Agr.)(McG.), Ph.D.(C'nell.)Edward A. Meighen; B.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(Berk.)William Muller; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Walter E. Mushynski; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Morag Park; B.Sc.,Ph.D.(Glasgow) (William Dawson Scholar) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Jerry Pelletier; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Gordon C. Shore; B.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(McG.)Joseph Shuster; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Calif.), M.D.(Alta.) (joint appoint. with Medicine)John R. Silvius; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Alta.)Nahum Sonenberg; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Weizmann Inst.), F.R.S.C. (James McGill Professor)Clifford P. Stanners; B.Sc.(McM.), M.A., Ph.D.(Tor.) (joint appoint. with Oncology)David Y. Thomas; B.Sc.(Bristol), M.Sc.,Ph.D.(Univ. College, Lond.), F.R.S.C.Michel L. Tremblay; B.Sc.,M.Sc.(Sher.), Ph.D.(McM.)Maria Zannis-Hadjopoulos; B.Sc.,M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Associate ProfessorsAlbert Berghuis; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Rijks Univ.Groningen, The Netherlands), Ph.D.(U.B.C.)Kalle Gehring; M.Sc.(Mich.), Ph.D.(Berk.)Alain Nepveu; B.Sc.,M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Sher.) (joint appoint. with Oncology)Arnim Pause; B.Sc., M.Sc.(U. Konstanz, Germ.), Ph.D.(McG.)Assistant ProfessorsMaxime Bouchard; B.Sc, Ph.D.(Laval)Imed Gallouzi; Matrise, DEA, Ph.D.(Montpellier,France)Associate MembersKarine Auclair (Chemistry); John J. Bergeron (Anatomy & Cell Biology); Katherine Cianflone (Exp. Medicine, RVH); Mark S. Featherstone (Oncology); William C. Galley (Chemistry); Michael Hallett (Computer Science); Peter J. Roughley (Shriners Hospital); Erwin Schurr (Exp. Medicine, RVH); Charles Scriver (Pediatrics, MCH); Bernard Turcotte (Exp. Medicine, RVH); Simon Wing (Medicine); Xiang-Jiao Yang (Molecular Oncology, RVH)Adjunct ProfessorsPrabhat Arya (NRC, Ottawa); Michael Cordingley (Boehringer-Ingelheim); Mirek Cygler (B.R.I.); Jacques Drouin (Clin. Res. Inst.); Karen Meerovitch (Phytobiotech); Donald Nicholson (Merck Frosst); Maureen D. O'Connor-McCourt (B.R.I.); Enrico Purisima (B.R.I.); Sophie Roy(Merck Frosst); Marc Therrien (Clin. Res. Inst.)Biochemistry is the application of chemical, genetic, and biophysical approaches to the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. Biochemists are interested in the dynamic events that occur in cells, for example, in mechanisms of brain function; cellular differentiation; energy utilization by animals and microorganisms and in the molecular basis of inheritance and disease. The biochemist seeks to determine how specific molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, vitamins and hormones function in various cellular processes. Biochemists place particular emphasis on the regulation of reactions in living cells. The knowledge and methods developed by biochemists are applied in all fields of medicine, in agriculture and in many chemical and health- related industries. Biochemistry is unique in providing basic theoretical training as well as basic practical laboratory training and research in both enzymology and genetic engineering, the two basic components in the rapidly expanding field of Biotechnology.
Three programs are offered by the Department of Biochemistry. The Honours and Major programs provide a sound background for students who wish to have a professional career in biochemistry and can lead to post graduate studies and research careers in hospital, university or industrial laboratories. The Faculty program is less specialized offering students opportunities to select courses in other fields of interest.
During the first year, each program provides basic training in organic, physical and analytical chemistry as well as in biology and physiology. The Honours and Major programs become more specialized in biochemistry during the following two years with additional work in chemistry and biology.
Students interested in pursuing an ad hoc Joint Major or Joint Honours degree between Biochemistry and a second discipline may consult with our Chief Adviser.
The increasing involvement of complex technology in modern society requires personnel trained in both chemistry and biology. With the advent of biotechnology, the combination of chemistry, molecular biology, enzymology and genetic engineering found in the biochemistry program provides the essential background and training in this area as well. The biochemist is in an advantageous position to fulfill this role and assume a wide variety of positions in industry and the health field. These range from research and development in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to testing as well as research in government and hospital laboratories to management. Many graduates take higher degrees in research and attain academic positions in universities and colleges.
PRE-PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Entrance requirements for the Faculty, Major and Honours programs are: 6 credits in elementary biology, 6 credits in general chemistry, 3 credits in organic chemistry, 6 credits in calculus, 8-9 credits in physics.
ADVISERS
New students interested in Biochemistry should call (514) 398-1898 for information regarding academic advising.
Returning Students
must schedule an advising appointment directly with the academic adviser assigned to them in their first year in Biochemistry.
A Science Major Concentration in Biomedical Sciences is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major Concentration is described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Biomedical Sciences for details.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN BIOCHEMISTRY(55 credits)U1 Required Courses(16 credits)U1 Complementary Courses(9 credits)U2 Required Courses(15 credits)U2 Complementary Courses(3 credits)U3 Complementary Courses(12 credits)MAJOR IN BIOCHEMISTRY(67 or 70 credits)Students may transfer into the Major program at any time provided they have met all course requirements.
U1 Required Courses(20 credits)U1 Complementary Courses(9 credits)U2 Required Courses(23 credits)U2 Complementary Courses(3 credits)U3 Required Courses(6 credits)U3 Complementary Courses(6 or 9* credits)HONOURS IN BIOCHEMISTRY(76 credits)Admission to the Honours program will not be granted until U2. Students who wish to enter the Honours program in U2 should follow the U1 Major program. Those who satisfactorily complete the U1 Major program with a GPA of at least 3.20 and a mark of B or B- or better in every required course are eligible for admission to the Honours program.
Students seeking admission to the Honours program must obtain permission from the Student Affairs Officer during the Add/Drop period in September of their second year.
Promotion to U3 year is based on satisfactory completion of U2 courses with a GPA of at least 3.20 and a B in every required course. In borderline cases, the marks received in BIOC 311 and BIOC 312 will be of particular importance for continuation in the U3 Honours year.
For graduation in the Honours program, the student must complete a minimum of 90 credits, pass all required courses with no grade less than B, and achieve a CGPA of at least 3.20.
U1 Required Courses(20 credits)U1 Complementary Courses(9 credits)U2 Required Courses(23 credits)U2 Complementary Courses(3 credits)U3 Required Courses(15 credits)
INTERDEPARTMENTAL HONOURS IN IMMUNOLOGY, . This program is offered by the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Physiology.
12.4 Biology (BIOL)
Stewart Biological Sciences Building, Room W4-7 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield Montreal, QC H3A 1B1 Telephone: (514) 398-6400 Fax: (514) 398-5069 Website: www.mcgill.ca/biologyChairPaul F. LaskoEmeritus ProfessorsRobert L. Carroll; B.S. (Mich), M.A., Ph.D.(Harv.), F.R.S.C.Clark Fraser; O.C., B.Sc.(Acadia), M.Sc., Ph.D., M.D.(McG.), D.Sc.(Acadia), F.R.C.P.(C), F.R.S.C. (Molson Emeritus Professor of Genetics) (joint appoint. with Human Genetics)Sarah P. Gibbs; A.B., M.S.(C'nell), Ph.D.(Harv.), F.R.S.C. (Macdonald Emeritus Professor of Botany)Jacob Kalff; M.S.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Ind.)John B. Lewis; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Gordon A. Maclachlan; B.Sc.(Sask.), Ph.D.(Manit.) (Macdonald Emeritus Professor of Botany)Barid B. Mukherjee; B.Sc.(Calc.), M.S.(Brig.Young), Ph.D.(Utah) (joint appoint. with Human Genetics)Rolf Sattler; B.Sc.(Tubingen), Ph.D.(Munich), F.R.S.C.ProfessorsGraham A.C. Bell; B.A., D.Phil.(Oxon.), F.R.S.C. (James McGill Professor)Gregory G. Brown; B.Sc.(Notre Dame), Ph.D.(N.Y.)A. Howard Bussey; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Brist.), F.R.S.C.Ronald Chase; A.B.(Stan.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Rajinder S. Dhindsa; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Punj.), Ph.D.(Wash.)Donald L. Kramer; B.Sc.(Boston Coll.), Ph.D.(Br.Col.)Paul F. Lasko; A.B.(Harv.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.) (Molson Professor of Genetics) (joint appoint. with Anatomy & Cell Biology)Martin Lechowicz; B.A.(Mich. State), M.S., Ph.D.(Wis.)Louis Lefebvre; B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D.(Montr.)Catherine Potvin; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Duke)Rima Rozen; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (James McGill Professor)Daniel J. Schoen; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Mich.), Ph.D.(Calif.) (Macdonald Professor of Botany) (on leave)Associate ProfessorsThomas Bureau; B.Sc.(Calif.), Ph.D.(Texas) (William Dawson Scholar)François Fagotto; Ph.D.(Neuchâtel)Gregor Fussman; Diploma (Berlin), Ph.D.(Max-Planck-Institute)Andrew Gonzalez; B.Sc.(Univ. Nottingham), Ph.D.(Imperial College, Univ. London)Siegfried Hekimi, M.Sc., Ph.D.(Geneva)Robert L. Levine; B.Sc.(Brooklyn), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Yale)Gerald S. Pollack; M.A., Ph.D.(Prin.)Neil M. Price; B.Sc.(New Br.), Ph.D.(Br.Col.)Beat Suter; Dip., Ph.D.(Zür.) (on leave)Assistant ProfessorsEhab Abouheif; M.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(Duke) (on leave)Joseph A. Dent; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Colo.)Irene Gregory-Eaves; B.Sc.(Vic., B.C.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Queen's)Frédéric Guichard; B.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Laval)Christian Hardtke; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich)Paul Harrison; B.Sc.(National Univ. of Ireland), Ph.D.(University of London)Andrew Hendry; B.Sc.(Vic.,B.C.) M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wash.)Rudiger Krahe; Diploma (Alexander University), Ph.D.(Humboldt University)Hans Larsson; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Chic.)Laura Nilson; B.A.(Colgate), Ph.D.(Yale) (Canada Research Chair in Developmental Genetics)Richard Roy; B.Sc.(Bishop's), Ph.D.(Laval)Frieder Schoeck; Diploma (Erhangen), Ph.D.(Max-Planck-Institute)Jacalyn Vogel; M.Sc.(E.Ill.), Ph.D.(Kansas)Tamara Western; B.Sc.(Dal), Ph.D.(Br.Col.)Monique Zetka; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Br.Col.)Associate MembersAllan Memorial Institute: Roberta PalmourBiochemistry: David Y.ThomasMGH: Sal Carbonetto, Pierre Drapeau, Guy RouleauMNI: Kenneth Hastings, Paul HollandNeurology and Neurosurgery: Michael FernsNeuroscience: Robert DunnChair, Dept. of Human Genetics: David RosenblattRVH: Hugh J. Clarke, Teruko TaketoRedpath Museum: David Green, Anthony RicciardiAdjunct ProfessorsDNA Landmarks: Benoit S. LandryNRC Lab: Malcolm S. WhitewaySTRI: Eldredge Bermingham, Allen Herre, William F. LauranceU. West Indies: Wayne HunteBiology is the study of living things at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. It deals with fundamental questions such as the origin and evolution of plants and animals, interactions between living organisms and their environment, mechanisms of embryonic development, structure and function of the living cell and its organelles, molecular basis of inheritance, biochemical and genetic basis of human diseases, and the operation of the brain and the nervous system. The study of biology also has vast practical applications. The knowledge, methods and concepts developed through research in the various fields of biology are applied extensively in agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, genetic engineering, environmental protection and wildlife management.
The Department of Biology offers two Faculty Programs, a Major Program, an Honours Program, a Minor Program and a Minor Concentration in Science for Arts students. The details of these programs are given below.
The prerequisites for Biology programs include, in addition to the minimum requirements for admission to the Faculty of Science, an additional Biology and one course in Organic Chemistry. Students who have a DEC in Science but lack either of these courses must take them as extra requirements. It is advisable to take the additional CEGEP Biology in advance, if possible. The two Biology courses together prepare students for the Biology Program at McGill. Note that an introductory course in Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 112) is offered in the summer at McGill.
The programs in Biology offer students an opportunity to specialize in more than one area of biology and provide them with a broad training in biology as compared to the more specialized programs in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology and Anatomy. A B.Sc. degree in Biology, therefore, prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities, including entry to professional schools in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, agriculture, nursing, education and library science. It also provides solid background for those interested in careers related to environmental protection, wildlife management, biotechnology and genetic engineering. A B.Sc. degree in Biology can also lead to post-graduate studies and research careers in universities, research institutes, hospitals, and industrial or governmental laboratories.
The Department of Biology has well-equipped teaching and research laboratories and its academic staff members, research associates, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students carry out research in areas of molecular biology, human genetics, ecology, animal behaviour, developmental biology, neurobiology, marine biology, plant biology, and evolution. Its teaching and research resources are extended by the Redpath Museum; the Montreal Children's, Jewish General, Montreal General, Royal Victoria and Shriners Hospitals; Macdonald Campus; Montreal Neurological Institute; and the Sheldon Biotechnology Centre. For courses taught in the field, the stations at the Gault Nature Reserve, the Morgan Arboretum, the Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in New Brunswick, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama are used. In addition, field stations near Lake Memphremagog and at Schefferville in northern Quebec are available for research projects.
The Department of Biology Undergraduate Programs 2004-2005 booklet ("Blue Book") describes in detail the content of each course and the level at which it is given, the aims and methods used, lectures, references, grading procedures, etc. The "Blue Book" also contains more information on registration, counselling, committee structure and the research interests and facilities which are represented in the Department. It is available on the Web at www.mcgill.ca/biology/undergrad/bluebook.html or for sale in the Biology Department, Room W4/8.
Inquiries about undergraduate programs should be directed to the Undergraduate Affairs Office, in Room W4/8, Stewart Biological Sciences Building, telephone (514) 398-7045.
Two Science Major Concentrations in Biology (Organismal Option and Cell/Molecular Option) are available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. These Major Concentrations are described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Biology (BIOL) for details.
MINOR IN BIOLOGY(24 credits)The Minor in Biology may be taken in conjunction with any primary program in the Faculty of Science (other than programs offered by the Department of Biology). Students are advised to consult the Undergraduate Adviser in Biology as early as possible (preferably during their first year), in order to plan their course selection.
Six credits of overlap are allowed between the Minor and the primary program.Required Courses(15 credits)
9 credits to be chosen from the Biology Department's course offerings, at the 300 level or above.
FACULTY PROGRAMS
In view of the constantly changing job market for B.Sc. graduates in biology, the Department has designed Faculty Programs to allow students to prepare for a wide range of employment opportunities. These programs offer students an opportunity to specialize in more than one area of biology, to broaden the scope of their scientific background. These programs can be tailored to provide a relatively broad spectrum of biology courses, or provide a degree of specialization in biology which approaches that of a Major Program. The flexibility and scope of these programs will not only enhance the graduate's prospects for employment, but also entrance into graduate studies.
--------------------------------START OF REVISION----------------Required Courses(15 credits)
Advisers: Drs. M. Mackey and L. Glass (Department of Physiology)
MAJOR IN BIOLOGY(55 credits)The Major requires 55 credits comprising 34 as specified below and 21 additional credits which are to be chosen by students in consultation with their adviser.
U1 Required Courses(18 credits)U2 or U3 Required Courses(4 credits)U2 or U3 Complementary Courses(12 credits)
To be selected in consultation with the student's adviser. All courses must be at the 300 level or higher; they are to include any seven Biology courses of which at most three may be substituted, given the adviser's consent, with science courses offered by other departments. Unless required by the Major Program, prerequisites for these courses must be taken as electives.
BIOLOGY CONCENTRATIONS
The concentrations set out below are only guidelines for specialized training. They do not constitute sets of requirements. Students interested in advanced studies in any biological discipline are strongly advised to develop their skills in computing as appropriate. As an aid to students wishing to specialize, the concentrations list key and other suggested courses by discipline.
Animal Behaviour Concentration
Understanding the diverse ways in which animals feed, mate, care for their offspring, avoid predators, select their habitats, communicate, and process information constitute the subject matter of behaviour. Several approaches are used to study these questions. Some focus on ecological consequences and determinants, some on physiological, genetic and developmental mechanisms, others on evolutionary origins.
Key courses:
BIOL 304, BIOL 305, BIOL 306, BIOL 307, BIOL 331 or BIOL 334 or another field course with a significant behavioural component, BIOL 373.Other suggested courses:
BIOL 377, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477, BIOL 478Since animal behaviour builds upon the fields of behaviour, ecology, and evolutionary biology, most courses from these fields will be relevant. Some courses that focus on a particular taxonomic group such as birds (Natural Resource Sciences WILD 420), amphibians and reptiles (BIOL 327) and marine mammals (BIOL 335) include a significant amount of behaviour.
Biological Diversity and Systematics
The study of biological diversity deals with the maintenance, emergence, and history of the inexhaustible variety of different kinds of organisms. It is deeply concerned with the particular characteristics of different organisms and therefore emphasizes the detailed study of particular groups and forms the basis of comparative biology. Our knowledge of diversity is organized through the study of systematics which seeks to understand the history of life and the phylogenetic and genetic relationships of living things. Appreciation and knowledge of diversity and systematics are essential in ecology and evolutionary biology and underlie all work in resource utilization and conservation biology.
Key course:
BIOL 304, BIOL 305, BIOL 373Other suggested courses:
BIOL 240, BIOL 324, BIOL 327, BIOL 328, BIOL 329, BIOL 331 or BIOL 334, BIOL 335, BIOL 341, BIOL 350, BIOL 352, BIOL 358, BIOL 465, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477 or BIOL 478, BIOL 505, BIOL 555, BIOL 569, BIOL 594Macdonald Campus:
PLNT 358, PLNT 451; ENTO 440; WILD 350, WILD 420; ZOOL 307, ZOOL 312, ZOOL 313, ZOOL 424Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Evolutionary Biology is the study of processes that change organisms and their characteristics through time. Evolutionary biologists are concerned with adaptations of organisms and the process of natural selection.
Key courses:
BIOL 304, BIOL 305, BIOL 307, BIOL 324, BIOL 331, BIOL 352, BIOL 373, BIOL 435, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477 or BIOL 478, BIOL 555, BIOL 569, BIOL 570, BIOL 571, BIOL 572, BIOL 594Other suggested courses in Organismal Biology:
BIOL 240, BIOL 327, BIOL 328, BIOL 335, BIOL 350, BIOL 358Macdonald Campus: WILD 420
Genetics and Development: BIOL 300, BIOL 303
Ecology and Behaviour: BIOL 309, BIOL 329, BIOL 331, BIOL 341, BIOL 534
Experimental Plant Biology Concentration
Research interests span modern molecular genetics, plant physiology and biochemistry, plant ecology and genetics, plant morphogenesis, and the adaptation and evolution of plant form and function. Research is carried out in the field and in the Department's large, excellent controlled-environment facilities. The importance of adaptation to climate and the use of plants for food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and materials underlie research using biotechnology and quantitative methods to improve cultivated plants and understand natural plant populations.
Key courses:
BIOL 300, BIOL 303, BIOL 305, BIOL 358, BIOL 373, BIOL 485Other suggested courses:
BIOL 465, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477, BIOL 478, BIOL 555Human Genetics Concentration
The courses recommended for students interested in Human Genetics are designed to offer a broad perspective in this rapidly advancing area of biology. Genetics is covered at all levels of organization (the gene, the chromosome, the cell, the organism and the population), using pertinent examples from all species, but with special emphasis on humans.
Key courses:
BIOL 301, BIOL 370, BIOL 373, BIOL 516, BIOL 520, BIOL 568, BIOL 575Other suggested courses:
BIOC 311; BIOL 314, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477, BIOL 478, BIOL 551; CHEM 222, CHEM 203 or CHEM 204 and CHEM 214; MIMM 314Molecular Genetics and Development Concentration
The discoveries that have fuelled the ongoing biomedical and biotechnological revolution have arisen at the intersection of a number of fields of biological investigation, including molecular biology, genetics, cellular and developmental biology and biochemistry. A substantial and significant quantity of this research has been conducted upon model eukaryotic organisms, such as yeast, nematode, the fruit fly, and the mustard weed, Arabidopsis. In the molecular genetics and development concentration students will obtain a comprehensive understanding of how the "model eukaryotes" have advanced our knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for cellular function and organismal development. Graduates from this concentration will be well prepared to pursue higher degrees in the fields of basic biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine or to assume a wide variety of positions in government, universities, and medical and industrial institutions.
Key courses:
BIOL 300, BIOL 301, BIOL 303, BIOL 373, BIOL 551, BIOL 569; CHEM 222, CHEM 203 or CHEM 204 and CHEM 214Other suggested courses:
BIOL 313, BIOL 314, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477, BIOL 478, BIOL 516, BIOL 518, BIOL 520, BIOL 524, BIOL 544Neurobiology Concentration
Nervous systems are perhaps the most complex entities in the natural world, being composed of up to trillions of interconnected cells that must operate in a coordinated manner to produce behaviour which can range from the mundane (e.g., regulation of heart rate) to the magnificent (e.g., musical composition). The Neurobiology discipline is one of the fastest growing areas of modern biology, seeks to understand the evolution, development, and operation of nervous systems. The Neurobiology concentration addresses these issues by examination of neural structure, function and development at levels of organization that range from the molecular to the organismal. As a result of exposure to a wide range of experimental and intellectual approaches, students receive a sound, broadly based education in biology.
Key courses:
BIOL 306, BIOL 373, BIOL 389, BIOL 530, BIOL 531, BIOL 532, BIOL 588Other suggested courses:
ANAT 321, ANAT 322; BIOC 455; BIOL 300, BIOL 303, BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477, BIOL 478; NEUR 310; PHAR 562; PHGY 451, PHGY 520, PHGY 556; PSYC 311, PSYC 318, PSYC 342, PSYC 410, PSYC 470, PSYC 522; PSYT 500CONCENTRATIONS AVAILABLE WITHIN THE AREA OF ECOLOGY
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and environment that affect distribution, abundance, and other characteristics of the organisms. A strong analytical and quantitative orientation is common to all areas of ecology, and thus students wishing to specialize in these areas are strongly encouraged to develop their background in statistical analysis, computing, and mathematical modelling. Many of the ecology courses feature a strong analytical component, and students will find that background preparation in this area is very useful, if not essential. Ecology depends heavily on field research, and thus BIOL 331 and/or other field courses should be considered as vital to all concentrations in this area.
Aquatic Ecology Concentration
This concentration is designed to introduce the principles of ecology as they pertain to aquatic ecosystems and aquatic biota. Since it is essential to know how knowledge is obtained, as well as what has been learned, three of the courses (limnology, fish ecology, and aquatic invertebrate ecology) involve field components that stress the techniques used to study aquatic ecology. In addition, the concentration includes a field course in ecology. There is also a variety of courses in aquatic disciplines offered in other departments that complement the aquatic ecology courses offered in Biology.
Key courses:
BIOL 305, BIOL 308, BIOL 331 or another field course, BIOL 373, BIOL 432, BIOL 441, BIOL 442, BIOL 465; COMP 202 or COMP 273Other suggested courses:
BIOL 307, BIOL 329, BIOL 534; GEOG 305, GEOG 306, GEOG 308, GEOG 322Macdonald Campus:
ZOOL 315General and Applied Ecology Concentration
The concentration in general and applied ecology is designed to introduce the breadth of contemporary ecology, at the levels of the ecosystem, communities and populations, and at the level of the individual organism, with an accent on the application of this science to practical problems in environmental management, and the management of resources and pests. In addition to general courses dealing with general principles, there is a selection of courses dealing with particular groups of organisms. Since it is essential to know how knowledge is obtained, the concentration includes a field course in ecology.
Key courses:
BIOL 305, BIOL 308, BIOL 331 or BIOL 334, BIOL 350, BIOL 373; COMP 202 or COMP 273Other suggested courses:
BIOL 307, BIOL 324, BIOL 327, BIOL 328, BIOL 329, BIOL 432, BIOL 441, BIOL 442, BIOL 465, BIOL 534, BIOL 540, BIOL 571, BIOL 594; GEOG 302Macdonald Campus: PLNT 451, PLNT 460
Marine Biology Concentration
This concentration is designed to offer students a broad introduction to Marine Biology and Marine Ecology which will form the basis for graduate studies in the fields, or to employment in Aquatic Biology and Oceanography.
Key courses:
ATOC 310; BIOL 305, BIOL 308, BIOL 335, BIOL 373, BIOL 441, BIOL 442Other suggested courses:
ATOC 220, ATOC 512, ATOC 550, ATOC 551, ATOC 561; BIOL 329, BIOL 331, BIOL 334, BIOL 432, BIOL 465, BIOL 534; EPSC 542For students intending to proceed to graduate work, one independent studies course (BIOL 471D1/BIOL 471D2, BIOL 477 or BIOL 478) is recommended. Because of the importance of numerical analyses in all fields of Ecology, courses in Biometry (e.g. BIOL 373) and Computer Science (COMP 202 or COMP 273) are recommended.
HONOURS IN BIOLOGY(68 or 71 credits)The Honours program in Biology is designed expressly as a preparation for graduate studies and research, and provides students with an enriched training in biology and some research experience in a chosen area. Acceptance into the Honours Program at the end of U2 requires a CGPA of 3.20 and approval of a 9- or 12-credit Independent Studies proposal (see listing of BIOL 479 and BIOL 480 for details). For an Honours degree, a minimum CGPA of 3.20 in the U3 year and adherence to the program as outlined below are the additional requirements.
U1 Required Courses(18 credits)as for the Major program
U2 and U3 Required Courses(7 credits)U2 and U3 Complementary Courses(30 credits)U3 Required Courses(4 credits)U3 Complementary Courses(9 or 12 credits)
Panama Field Study Semester, under the McGill School of Environment for details of the 15-credit interdisciplinary PFSS.
African Field Study Semester, under Geography for details of the 15-credit interdisciplinary AFSS. Note: The AFSS will only be offered in 2004-05 pending approval by the Dean of Science.
Also available is a Minor in Computational Molecular Biology under Computer Science.
12.5 Biotechnology (BIOT)
Program SupervisorProfessor Hugh P.J. Bennett; B.A.(York), Ph.D.(Brun.)Biotechnology, the science of understanding, selecting and promoting useful organisms and specific gene products for commercial and therapeutic purposes, is the success story of this generation. It demands a broad comprehension of biology and engineering as well as detailed knowledge of at least one basic subject such as molecular genetics, protein chemistry, microbiology, or chemical engineering.
The Minor in Biotechnology is offered by the Faculties of Engineering and of Science, and students combine the Minor with the regular departmental Major (or Honours or Faculty) program. The Minor emphasizes an area relevant to biotechnology which is complementary to the main program.
Students should identify their interest in the Biotechnology Minor to their departmental academic adviser and to the Program Supervisor of the Minor and, at the time of registration for the U2 year, should declare their intent to embark on the Minor. Before registering for the Minor, and with the agreement of the academic adviser, students must submit their course list to the Program Supervisor who will certify that the student's complete program conforms to the requirements for the Minor. Students should ensure that they will have fulfilled the prerequisite requirements for the courses selected.
The BIOT course listed in the course section of this Calendar is considered as a course taught by the Faculty of Science.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
To obtain the Minor in Biotechnology the students must:
MINOR IN BIOTECHNOLOGY(24 credits)PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE*
Required Courses(15 credits)Complementary Courses(9 credits)selected from courses outside the department of the main program, these may be taken from those listed as required courses for Engineering students. Alternatively, or in addition, courses may be taken from the lists below; in which case, at least three courses must be taken from one area of concentration as grouped.
* As 18 credits must be applied exclusively to the Minor, approved substitutions must be made for any of the specified courses which are part of the student's main program.
PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING*
Required Courses(12 credits)
selected from courses outside the department of the main program, these may be taken from those listed as required courses for Science students. Alternatively, or in addition, courses may be taken from the lists below; in which case, at least three courses must be taken from one area of concentration as grouped.
* As 18 credits must be applied exclusively to the Minor, approved substitutions must be made for any of the specified courses which are part of the student's main program.
Biomedicine12.6 Chemistry (CHEM)
Otto Maass Chemistry Building 801 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Website: www.mcgill.ca/chemistry Departmental Office: Room 322. Telephone: (514) 398-6999 Student Advisory Office: Room 304. Telephone: (514) 398-3653 Website: www.mcgill.ca/chemistry/advisingChairR. Bruce LennoxEmeritus ProfessorsByung Chan Eu; B.Sc.(Seoul), Ph.D.(Brown)John F. Harrod; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Birm.)
(Tomlinson Emeritus Professor of Chemistry)Alan S. Hay; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(Ill.), D.Sc.(Alta.), F.R.S., F.N.Y., Acad.Sci. (Tomlinson Emeritus Professor of Chemistry)Mario Onyszchuk; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(W.Ont.), Ph.D.(McG.), Ph.D.(Cantab.)Donald Patterson; M.Sc.(McG.), Doc.(St-Etienne) (Otto Maass Emeritus Professor of Chemistry)Arthur S. Perlin; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C.
(E.B. Eddy Emeritus Professor of Industrial Chemistry)William C. Purdy; B.A.(Amherst), Ph.D.(M.I.T.), F.C.I.C.
(William C. Macdonald Emeritus Professor of Chemistry)Leon E. St-Pierre; B.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(Notre Dame, Ind.), F.C.I.C.Michael A. Whitehead; B.Sc., Ph.D. D.Sc.(Lond.), F.C.I.C.ProfessorsD. Scott Bohle; B.A.(Reed College), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Auck.)Ian S. Butler; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Brist.), F.C.I.C., C.Chem., F.R.S.C.(U.K.)Tak-Hang Chan; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.A., Ph.D.(Prin.), F.C.I.C., F.R.S.C. (Tomlinson Professor of Chemistry)Masad J. Damha; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (James McGill Professor)Adi Eisenberg; B.S.(Worcester Polytech.), M.A., Ph.D.(Prin.), F.C.I.C. (Otto Maass Professor of Chemistry)Patrick G. Farrell; B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc.(Exe.)David N. Harpp; A.B.(Middlebury), M.A.(Wesleyan), Ph.D.(N.Carolina), F.C.I.C. (William C. Macdonald Professor of Chemistry)George Just; Ing.Chem.(E.T.H. Zürich), Ph.D.(W.Ont.), F.C.I.C. (William C. Macdonald Professor of Chemistry)R. Bruce Lennox; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)C.J. Li; B.Sc.(Zhengzhou), M.Sc.(C.A.S.), Ph.D.(McG.)Robert H. Marchessault; B.Sc.(Loyola), Ph.D.(McG.), D.Sc. (C'dia), F.R.S.C. (E.B. Eddy Professor of Industrial Chemistry)David Ronis; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Eric D. Salin; B.Sc.(Calif.), Ph.D.(Oreg.St.)Bryan C. Sanctuary; B.Sc., Ph.D.(U.B.C.)Alan G. Shaver; B.Sc.(Car.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Associate ProfessorsMark P. Andrews; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)Bruce Arndtsen; B.A.(Car.), Ph.D.(Stan.)David H. Burns; B.Sc.(Puget Sound), Ph.D.(Wash)William C. Galley; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Calif.)James Gleason; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Virginia)Ashok K. Kakkar; B.Sc. (Runjab), M.Sc. (H.P.U.), Ph.D.(Wat.)Joan F. Power; B.Sc., Ph.D.(C'dia)Linda Reven; B.A.(Car.), Ph.D.(Ill.)Assistant ProfessorsParisa Ariya; B.Sc., Ph.D.(York) (William Dawson Scholar) (joint appoint. with Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences)Karine Auclair; B.Sc.(U.Q.A.C.), Ph.D.(Alta.)Christopher J. Barrett; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Queen's)Patanjali Kambhampati; B.A. (Carl.), Ph.D (Texas)Nicolas Moitessier; Ph.D. (Nancy)Hanadi Sleiman; B.Sc.(A.U.B.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (William Dawson Scholar)Paul Wiseman; B.Sc.(St.F.X.), Ph.D.(W.Ont.) (joint appoint. with Physics)Faculty LecturersJohn Finkenbine; B.S.(Capital), Ph.D.(McG.)Grazyna Wilczek; M.Sc., Doctorate Chem. Sci.(Warsaw)Associate MembersJames A. Finch (Mining & Metallurical Engineering)K. Gehring (Biochemistry)P. Grütter (Physics)Orval A. Mamer (University Clinic)Barry I. Posner (Medicine)Adjunct ProfessorsDimitris Argyropoulos; B.Sc.(South Bank Poly.), Ph.D.(McG.)Derek G. Gray; B.Sc. (Belf.), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Man.), F.C.I.C.Yvan Guindon; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), F.C.I.C., F.R.S.C.Romas Kazlauskas; B.Sc. (Clev.St.), Ph.D. (M.I.T.)R. St. John Manley; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), D.Sc.(Uppsala)Christian Reber; B.Sc., Ph.D. (Berne)Youla Tsantrizos; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Theo G.M. van de Ven; Kand. Doc.(Utrecht), Ph.D.(McG.)Ivor Wharf; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Lond.), A.R.C.S., D.I.C.C.T. Yim; B.Sc.(Fu-Dan), Ph.D.(McG.)Robert Zamboni; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)Office for Science and Society
The Office for Science and Society is dedicated to the promotion of critical thinking and the presentation of practical scientific information to the public, educators and students in an accurate and responsible fashion. The Office answers queries from the public as well as from the media, with a view towards establishing scientific accuracy. The Office also offers a variety of educational and interesting presentations on scientific topics and its members contribute to a number of courses under the umbrella of "The World of Chemistry".
DirectorJoseph A. Schwarcz; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)MembersAriel Fenster; L. ès S., D.E.A.(Paris), Ph.D.(McG.)David N. Harpp; A.B.(Middlebury), M.A.(Wesleyan), Ph.D.(N.Carolina), F.C.I.C. (William C. Macdonald Professor of Chemistry)Chemistry is both a pure science, offering a challenging intellectual pursuit, and an applied science whose technology is of fundamental importance to the economy and society. Modern chemists seek an understanding of the structure and properties of atoms and molecules to predict and interpret the properties and transformations of matter and the energy changes that accompany those transformations. Many of the concepts of physics and mathematics are basic to chemistry, while chemistry is of fundamental importance to many other disciplines such as the biological and medical sciences, geology, metallurgy, etc.
A degree in chemistry leads to a wide variety of professional vocations. The large science-based industries (petroleum refining, plastics, pharmaceuticals, etc.) all employ chemists in research, development and quality control. Many federal and provincial departments and agencies employ chemists in research and testing laboratories. Such positions are expected to increase with the currently growing concern for the environment and for consumer protection. A background in chemistry is also useful as a basis for advanced study in other related fields, such as medicine and the biological sciences. For a business career, a B.Sc. in Chemistry can profitably be combined with a master's degree in Business Administration, or a study of law for work as a patent lawyer or forensic scientist.
Chemistry courses at the university level are traditionally divided into four areas of specialization: 1) organic chemistry, dealing with the compounds of carbon; 2) inorganic chemistry, concerned with the chemistry and compounds of elements other than carbon; 3) analytical chemistry, which deals with the identification of substances and the quantitative measurement of their compositions; and 4) physical chemistry, which treats the physical laws and energetics governing chemical reactions. Naturally, there is a great deal of overlap between these different areas, and the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. After a general course at the collegial level, courses in organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry are offered through the university years. Since chemistry is an experimental science, laboratory classes accompany most undergraduate courses. In addition, courses are offered in polymer, theoretical, green, nano and biological chemistry to upper-year undergraduates.
There are two main programs in the Department of Chemistry, Honours and Major. The Honours program is intended primarily for students wishing to pursue graduate studies in chemistry. While the Major program is somewhat less specialized, it is still recognized as sufficient training for a career in chemistry. It can also lead to graduate studies although an additional qualifying year may be necessary. There are also a number of Faculty programs available. Interested students may inquire about these at the Student Advisory Office, Room 304, Otto Maass Chemistry Building, or see www.mcgill.ca/chemistry/advising.
PRE-PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students entering from the Freshman program must have included CHEM 120/CHEM 110, BIOL 111 or BIOL 112, MATH 150/ MATH 151 or MATH 140/ MATH 141, PHYS 131/PHYS 142, or their equivalents in their Freshman year. Quebec students must have completed the DEC with appropriate science and mathematics courses.
REQUIRED COURSES IN CHEMISTRY PROGRAMS
The required courses in Chemistry programs consist of 56 credits in chemistry, physics and mathematics, listed below. The courses marked with an asterisk (*) are omitted from the program of students who have successfully completed them at the CEGEP level but the Chemistry courses must be replaced by courses in that discipline if students wish to be eligible for admission to the Ordre des chimistes du Québec. Students from outside Quebec or transfer students should consult the academic adviser.
A computer science course, either COMP 102 or COMP 202, will be required during U1 for students who have no previous introduction to computer programming. Students are required to contact their adviser on this matter. Completion of Mathematics MATH 222 and MATH 315 during U1 is strongly recommended. Physics PHYS 242 should be completed during U2.
Chemistry Majors and Honours Programs
Required Courses(56 credits)HONOURS IN CHEMISTRY(74 credits)Required Courses(56 credits)Complementary Courses(18 credits)HONOURS WITH BIO-ORGANIC OPTION(78 credits)Required Courses(60 credits)
JOINT HONOURS IN PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, under Physics.
MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY(62 credits)Required Courses(56 credits)Complementary Courses(6 credits)
Attainment of the Major degree requires a CGPA of 2.00.
MAJOR WITH BIO-ORGANIC OPTION(66 credits)Required Courses(63 credits)Complementary Course(3 credits)MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY: ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY OPTION(65 credits)Required Courses(62 credits)
(3 credits)
FACULTY PROGRAMS IN CHEMISTRY
Faculty programs in Chemistry are constructed from the U1 courses and the general courses of U2 and U3 intended for these students. Consult the Department of Chemistry Student Advisory Office for an adviser. A computer science course, either COMP 102 or COMP 202, will be required during U1 for students who have no previous introduction to computer programming.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY(52 credits)Required Courses(31 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES(55 credits)Required Courses(49 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY AND MATHEMATICS(51 or 52 credits)Required Courses(46 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, under Mathematics and Statistics.
MINOR IN CHEMISTRY(18 credits)Required Courses(18 credits)Substitutions for these by more advanced courses may be made at the discretion of the adviser.
MINOR IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING(24 credits)A Chemical Engineering Minor will be of interest to Chemistry students who wish to study the problems of process engineering and its related subjects. A student completing this Minor will be able to make the important link between molecular sciences and industrial processing. This Minor will not provide Professional Engineering accreditation.
Required Courses(7 credits)12.7 Cognitive Science
Program DirectorProfessor James McGilvrayWebsite: www.cogsci.mcgill.caCognitive Science is the multidisciplinary study of cognition in humans and machines. The goal is to understand the principles of intelligence with the hope that this will lead to better understanding of the mind and of learning, and to the development of intelligent devices that constructively extend human abilities.
The Minor in Cognitive Science is intended to supplement and support Major or Honours programs in Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, or Psychology. Students wishing to enrol in this Minor must register with the Program Director.
MINOR IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE(27 credits)Required Course(3 credits)Complementary Courses(24 credits)12.8 Computer Science (COMP)
McConnell Engineering Building, Room 318 3480 University Street Montreal, QC H3A 2A7 Telephone: (514) 398-7071 Fax: (514) 398-3883 Undergraduate Student Affairs Office Lorne Trottier Building, Room 2060 3630 University Street Montreal, QC H3A 2B2 Telephone: (514) 398-7071 Fax: (514) 398-4653 E-mail: judy.kenigsberg@mcgill.ca Website: www.cs.mcgill.ca/acadpages/undergradDirectorDenis ThérienEmeritus ProfessorChristopher PaigeProfessorsDavid M. Avis; B.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (on leave Jan. 2005-June 2005)Luc P. Devroye; M.S.(Louvain), Ph.D.(Texas) (on leave 2004-05)Laurie Hendren; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Queen's), Ph.D.(Cornell)Tim H. Merrett; B.Sc.(Queen's), D.Phil.(Oxon.)Monroe M. Newborn; B.E.E.(R.P.I.), Ph.D.(Ohio St.), F.A.C.M.Prakash Panangaden; M.Sc.(I.I.T. Kanpur), M.S.(Chicago), Ph.D.(Wis.)Gerald F.G. Ratzer; B.Sc.(Glas.), M.Sc.(McG.)Bruce Reed; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)(Canada Research Chair)Denis Thérien; B.Sc.(Montr.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wat.) (James McGill Professor)Godfried T. Toussaint; B.Sc.(Tulsa), Ph.D.(Br.Col.)Sue Whitesides; M.S.E.E.(Stan.), Ph.D.(Wis.)Associate ProfessorsClaude Crépeau; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.) Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Gregory Dudek; B.Sc.(Queen's), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)Nathan Friedman; B.A.(W.Ont.), Ph.D.(Tor.)Kaleem Siddiqi; B.Sc.(Lafayette), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Brown)Carl Tropper; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Brooklyn Poly.)Assistant ProfessorsMathieu Blanchette; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Wash.)David Bryant; B.Sc., Ph.D.(U. of Canterbury)Xiao-Wen Chang; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Nanjing), Ph.D.(McG.)Michael Trevor Hallett; B.Sc.(Queen's), Ph.D.(Victoria)Bettina Kemme; B.Sc., M.Sc.(University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany), Ph.D.(ETH, Zurich)Jörg Kienzle; Eng.Dip, Ph.D.(Swiss Fed. IT)Allison Klein, B.A.(Stanford), M.A., Ph.D.(Prin.)Michael Langer; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(U. Toronto), Ph.D.(McG.)Muthucumaru Maheswaran, B.Sc.(U. Peradeniya), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Purdue)Brigitte Pientka B.Sc. (Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany), M.Sc. (Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany), Ph.D. (Carnegie Mellon University)Doina Precup; B.Sc.(Tech. U. of Cluj-Napoca), M.Sc., Ph.D.(U.Mass.)Hans Vangheluwe; B.Sc., M.Sc., D.Sc.(Ghent)Clark Verbrugge; B.A.(Queen's), Ph.D.(McG.)Adrian Vetta; B.Sc. (London School of Economics, U.K.), M.Sc., (London School of Economics, U.K.), Ph.D. (M.I.T.)Faculty LecturerJoseph Vybihal; M.Sc.(McG.)Associate MemberThomas Richard Shultz (Psychology)Adjunct ProfessorsStefan Brands, Renato De Mori, Karel Driesen, Khaled El Emam, Komei Fukuda, Syed Hyder, Keith Paton, Jean-Marc Robert, François LavioletteThe study of computer science encompasses everything from pure theory to hands-on applications including the analysis of algorithms, programming languages, compilers, databases, operating systems, robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence and computational biology.
The School currently operates a general purpose computing facility to support teaching, a large undergraduate workstation laboratory and seven dedicated laboratories for research in computational geometry and robotics, parallel processing, compilers, concurrent programming, software engineering, database systems, mobile robotics, and cellular automata.
The teaching facility consists of a network of over 140 Pentium III and IV workstations running FREEBSD, FreeBSD 4.6, Linux (Red Hat 8.0), and Windows 2000. The facility also includes several compute engines including 3 SUN sparc20 servers, 2 SUN Ultrasparc and 2 SUN Enterprise 250s. Dialup access is provided through the Computing Centre along with PPP network connections. For introductory courses most work is completed using the Windows 2000 workstations and computer engines. All other courses use UNIX as a development environment.
The School of Computer Science offers a Majors program and an Honours program through the Faculty of Science, and a Minor program through the Faculties of Science and Engineering. The School also offers Major and Minor Concentrations through the Faculty of Arts. In conjunction with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the School offers a Joint Honours program, a Joint Majors program and two Faculty programs through the Faculty of Science. Special programs involving Computer Science are also available in the Faculties of Management, Engineering, and Music. For further details on programs outside the Faculty of Science, consult the other faculties' sections of this Calendar.
All students planning to enter Computer Science programs should make an appointment with an academic adviser through the School's Undergraduate secretary.
Software Engineering Programs
The School offers a B.Sc. Major in Software Engineering.
The School, jointly with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers a Bachelor of Software Engineering (B.S.E.) program. The B.S.E. is offered through the Faculty of Engineering and details can be found under the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering .
Some graduate courses in Computer Science are available to suitably qualified senior undergraduates. The School also offers graduate research studies leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. For further details, consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Calendar.
The School's courses are available as electives to Engineering students. Engineering students interested in a Minor in Computer Science should consult Computer Science Courses and Minor Program in the Faculty of Engineering section.
Internship Year for Engineering and Science (IYES)
IYES is a pre-graduate work experience program available to eligible students and normally taken between their U2 and U3 years. For more information, see IYES: Internship Year for Engineering and Science.
The following programs are also available with an Internship component:
Major in Computer Science
Honours in Computer ScienceStudents intending to pursue a Major in Computer Science or Software Engineering should have a reasonable mathematical background and should have completed MATH 140 (or MATH 150), MATH 141 (or MATH 151) and MATH 133, or their CEGEP equivalents. These three mathematics courses should have been completed with at least an average of B-. A background in computer science is not necessary as students may start their studies with the introductory course COMP 202. However, taking COMP 202 in the Freshman Year, or completing an equivalent course in CEGEP, would be an asset and allows students to take more advanced courses earlier in their program.
More information about the admission process and the programs is available at www.cs.mcgill.ca.
MINOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE(24 credits)The Computer Science Minor may be taken in conjunction with any program in the Faculties of Science and Engineering (with the exception of other programs in Computer Science. Students must obtain approval from the Adviser of their main program. Approval must be given by the School of Computer Science for the particular selection of courses to be credited towards the Computer Science minor. This should be done before registering for the final term of studies. All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Students may receive credit towards their Computer Science Minor by taking certain approved courses outside the School of Computer Science. These courses must have a high computer science content. A student will not be permitted to receive more than six credits from such courses. These courses must be approved by the School of Computer Science in advance.
If a student's Major program requires Computer Science courses, up to six credits of Computer Science courses may be used to fulfill both Major and Minor requirements.
--------------------------------START OF REVISION----------------------Required Courses(12 credits)
Computational molecular biology is the subdiscipline of bioinformatics that is located at the intersection of computer science and molecular biology. The focus of this area is on techniques for managing and analyzing molecular sequence data. This program will provide undergraduate students in the biological sciences with the skills from computer science to solve computational problems arising in molecular biology and genomics and will provide students with the necessary skills to build software tools from these algorithms.
The Minor in Computational Molecular Biology is not open to students in Computer Science or Joint Computer Science programs.
Required Courses(24 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, under Mathematics and Statistics.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, under Mathematics and Statistics.
MAJOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE(60 credits)
Freshman Program students interested in Computer Science should try to take COMP 202 if possible, but it is not required for entry to the Major. A student entering with insufficient programming background may take COMP 202 but it will not count for program credit.
Required Courses(42 credits)Complementary Courses(18 credits)JOINT MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, under Mathematics and Statistics.
JOINT MAJOR IN PHYSICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, under Physics.
Major in Software Engineering(69 credits)Required Courses(60 credits)Complementary Courses(9 credits)HONOURS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE(72 credits)Honours students must maintain a CGPA of 3.00 and must have at least this average upon graduation as well.
--------------------------------START OF REVISION----------------------Required Courses(45 credits)Complementary Courses(27 credits)--------------------------------END OF REVISION------------------------JOINT HONOURS IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, under Mathematics and Statistics. Students must consult an Honours adviser in both Departments.
MINOR IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE
Students following Major or Honours programs in Computer Science may want to consider the Minor in Cognitive Science.
COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE RESTRICTION NOTES
The following programs are defined as belonging to the Core Group or the Mathematics Group to simplify the explanation of course restrictions:
Core Group:
Major in Computer Science
Honours in Computer Science
Joint Major in Mathematics and Computer Science
Joint Major in Physics and Computer Science
Joint Honours in Mathematics and Computer Science
Major in Software Engineering
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Major Concentration in the Foundations of Computing
Minor Concentration in Foundations of Computing
Minor Concentration in Computer Science
Faculty Program in Mathematics and Computer Science
Faculty Program in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Mathematics Group:
Honours in Mathematics
Honours in Applied Mathematics
Honours in Probability and Statistics
12.9 Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPSC)
Frank Dawson Adams Building, Room 238 3450 University Street Montreal, QC H3A 2A7 Telephone: (514) 398-6767 Fax: (514) 398-4680 E-mail: carol.matthews@mcgill.ca Website: www.eps.mcgill.caChairAlfonso MucciEmeritus ProfessorsWallace H. MacLean; B.Geol.Eng.(Colorado Sch. of Mines), M.Sc.(Appl.), Ph.D.(McG.)Eric W. Mountjoy; B.A.Sc.(U.B.C.), Ph.D.(Tor.) (William E. Logan Emeritus Professor of Geology)Colin W. Stearn; B.Sc.(McM.), M.S., Ph.D.(Yale), F.R.S.C.ProfessorsJafar Arkani-Hamed; B.Eng.(Tehran), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Don M. Francis; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(U.B.C.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.) (Dawson Professor of Geology)Andrew J. Hynes; B.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Cantab.) (William E. Logan Professor of Geology)Olivia G. Jensen; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(U.B.C.)Robert F. Martin; B.Sc.(Ott.), M.S.(Penn. State), Ph.D.(Stan.)Alfonso Mucci; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Miami)A.E. (Willy) Williams-Jones; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Natal), Ph.D.(Queen's)Associate ProfessorsDon Baker; B.A.(Chic.), Ph.D.(Penn.)Bruce Hart; B.A.(McM.), M.Sc.(U.Q. à Rimouski), Ph.D.(W.Ont.)Jeanne Paquette; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Stonybrook)John Stix; AB (Dart.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)Hojatollah Vali; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich) (Director, Electron Microscopy Centre)Assistant ProfessorMairi Best; B.Sc.(Laurentian), Ph.D.(Chic.)The domain of Earth and Planetary Sciences includes the solid Earth and its hydrosphere and extends to the neighbouring terrestrial planets. It is a multidisciplinary field in which the principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics are applied to the rich problems of the real world in order to understand how planets like the Earth work; in the past, the present, and the future.
Career opportunities are many and varied for graduates in the Earth and Planetary Sciences. There is presently a demand for graduates with expertise in many disciplines of the Earth Sciences. Our students are recruited for employment in the petroleum and mining industries, and in the environmental sector. During the summer months undergraduate students are generally able to obtain employment from industry or government agencies, providing them with both financial benefits and first-hand geoscientific experience. Career opportunities in planetary science are presently limited to universities and research organizations.
The Department has a full-time staff of 13 professors and one faculty lecturer. There are approximately 50 graduate and 60 undergraduate students. Classes are therefore small at all levels, resulting in an informal and friendly atmosphere throughout the Department in which most of the faculty and students interact on a first-name basis. Emphasis is placed equally on quality teaching and research providing undergraduate students with a rich and exciting environment in which to explore and learn.
The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide both a rigorous foundation in the physical sciences and the flexibility to create an individualized program in preparation for careers in industry, teaching, or research. In addition to the Major and Honours undergraduate programs, the Department also offers a Joint Major in Physics and Geophysics which provides a rigorous mathematics and physics preparation and a geological background in the geosciences.
The Minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences offers Science students from other departments the opportunity to obtain exposure to the Earth Sciences, while the Minor in Geochemistry is oriented towards Chemistry Major students who want to see the application of chemistry to problems in the Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Students interested in any of the programs should inquire at Room 238, Frank Dawson Adams Building, (514) 398-6767, or should consult the Undergraduate Director, Don Baker, Room 310, Frank Dawson Adams Building, (514) 398-7485, if they do not have an adviser.
A Science Major Concentration in Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major Concentration is described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences for details.
MINOR IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES(18 credits)Required Courses(7 credits)Complementary Courses(11 credits)MINOR IN GEOCHEMISTRY(25 credits)Required Courses(10 credits)
Undergraduate Director: Don Baker, FD Adams, Room 310, (514) 398-7485
U1 Required Courses(27 credits)Note:
Students who have not had the following course or its equivalent in CEGEP or the Freshman Program may be required to take MATH 133 Vectors, Matrices and Geometry.
U2 and/or U3 Required Courses(24 credits)HONOURS IN EARTH SCIENCES(75 credits)
(CGPA Š 3.20)U1 Required Courses(27 credits)Note:
Students who have not had the following course or its equivalent in CEGEP or the Freshman Program may be required to take MATH 133 Vectors, Matrices and Geometry.
U2 and/or U3 Required Courses(33 credits)HONOURS IN PLANETARY SCIENCES(81 credits)
CGPA Š 3.20U1 Required Courses(27 credits)Note:
Students who have not had the following course or its equivalent in CEGEP or the Freshman Program may be required to take MATH 133 Vectors, Matrices and Geometry.
U2 and/or U3 Required Courses(42 credits)JOINT MAJOR IN PHYSICS AND GEOPHYSICS, under Physics.
12.10 Environment
All courses given by the McGill School of Environment (Subject Code ENVR) are considered as courses taught by the Faculty of Science.
12.11 Experimental Medicine (EXMD)
Lady Meredith House, Room 101 E-mail: experimental.medicine@mcgill.ca Website: www.medicine.mcgill.ca/EXPMED/expmed1.htmlExperimental Medicine is a division of the Department of Medicine. There are no B.Sc. programs in Experimental Medicine, but the EXMD courses listed in the Courses section of this Calendar are considered as courses taught by the Faculty of Science.
12.12 Geography (GEOG)
Burnside Hall, Room 705 805 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Telephone: (514) 398-4951 or 398-4111 Fax: (514) 398-7437 Website: www.geog.mcgill.caChairG.O. EwingEmeritus ProfessorB.J. Garnier; M.A.(Cantab.)ProfessorsP.G. Brown; B.A.(Haverford), M.A., Ph.D.(Col.) (joint appoint. with McGill School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences)T.R. Moore; B.Sc.(Swansea), Ph.D.(Aberd.)N.T. Roulet; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Trent), Ph.D.(McM.) (on leave 2005)G.W. Wenzel; M.A.(Manit.), Ph.D.(McG.)Associate ProfessorsG.L. Chmura; B.Sc.(Mass.), M.Sc.(R.I.), Ph.D.(L.S.U.) (on leave 2004)O.T. Coomes; B.Sc.(U.Vic.), M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Wis.)G.O. Ewing; M.A.(Glas.), M.A., Ph.D.(McM.)M.F. Lapointe; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Br.Col.)T.C. Meredith; B.E.S.(Wat.), M.Sc., Dip.Cons.(Lond.), Ph.D.(Camb.)L. Müller-Wille; Dr.phil.(Münster)W.H. Pollard; B.A., M.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(Ott.)Assistant ProfessorsK.D. Mok; B.E.S., B. Math.(Wat.), M. Pl.(Queen's), Ph.D.(Tor.)G. Peterson; B.ASc. M.Sc. (Wat.), Ph.D. (Florida)N.A. Ross; B.A., M.A.(Queen's), Ph.D.(McM.)J.W. Seaquist; B.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Lund)R. Sengupta; B.Sc.(Bombay), M.Sc.(Indian IT Mumbai), M.S., Ph.D.(S.Illinois-Carbondale) (joint appoint. with McGill School of Environment)R.E. Sieber; B.Sc.(Mich. St.), M.P.A.(W. Mich.), Ph.D.(Rutgers) (joint appoint. with McGill School of Environment)I.B. Strachan; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Queen's) (cross appoint. with Natural Resource Sciences)S. Turner; B.Soc.Sci., M.Soc.Sc.(Waikata), Ph.D.(Hull)J. Wiles; B.A., M.A. (Otago), Ph.D. (Queen's)The Department of Geography offers programs in both Arts and Science. All B.A. programs in Geography (including Urban Systems) can be found in the Faculty of Arts entry Geography (GEOG).
Geography is the study of physical environments and human habitats. It deals with people and places. It covers issues such as global warming and climate change, regional economic disparities, urban transportation, native land claims and permafrost problems. Both a physical and a social science, it provides a unique opportunity to obtain a broad exposure to modes of analyzing the many environmental and locational problems of contemporary society.
The World Commission on Environment and Development has identified the evidence and possible consequences of currently widespread land use practices which cannot be sustained. Geography is an integrative discipline concerned with the relations between culture systems and resource bases. Students interested in understanding, or working towards the resolution of, the environmental "crisis" should select courses which deal with (1) the dynamics of natural systems (courses in the physical geography of terrestrial, atmospheric and hydrological systems); (2) the dynamics of human systems (courses in cultural, social, economic, political and urban geography); (3) the context of development and land use changes; and (4) practical skills such as Geographical Information Systems, cartography, remote sensing, image analysis and resource management.
Students may pursue programs focusing on urban systems, the geography of economic development, people and their natural environment, the geography of living systems. Students planning to enter a program in Geography should telephone (514) 398-4951, or leave a message at 398-4111, for an appointment with an adviser and should consult the Department of Geography Undergraduate Handbook, which is available from the departmental office.
Graduates find employment in a wide range of commercial activities, as well as in government and education. Others pursue graduate work in geography or urban planning.
PREREQUISITES
There are no departmental prerequisites for entrance to the B.Sc. Geography programs. Students who have completed college or pre-university geography courses fully equivalent to those in the first year of university may, with an adviser's approval, substitute other courses as part of their program.
A Science Major Concentration in Geography - Physical Option is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major Concentration is described in the Bachelor of Arts and Science section of the Calendar; see Geography (GEOG) for details.
MINOR IN GEOGRAPHY(expandable into the B.Sc. Major in Geography) (18 credits)The Minor in Geography is designed to provide students in the Faculty of Science with an overview of basic elements of geography at the introductory and advanced level.
This Minor permits no overlap with any other programs.Required Courses(12 credits)
The Minor in GIS is designed to provide students in the Faculty of Science who have an interest in GIS with a basic, but comprehensive, knowledge of concepts and methods relating to the analysis of geospatial data.
Required Courses(15 credits)Complementary Course(3 credits)B.Sc. MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY(58 credits)The Major is designed to provide a coverage of the main elements of physical geography.
Required Courses(22 credits)Complementary Courses(36 credits)
The Honours program is designed to provide specialized systematic training in physical geography. Honours students are required to achieve better than a B- in all courses counted towards their program. In addition, Honours Students must complete a 6-credit research paper. Honours students are encouraged to participate in 500-level seminars with graduate students, but it is not advisable to take more than one in a term.
In addition to the Faculty requirement that Honours students maintain a minimum CGPA and program GPA of at least 3.00, students who enter a Geography Honours Program on or after September 2004 must achieve at least a B in all required program courses.
Required Courses(24 credits)Complementary Courses(42 credits)
African Field Study Semester
Note: The AFSS will only be offered in 2004-05 pending approval by the Dean of Science.
The African Field Study Semester (AFSS) is a McGill University activity that has links with the Canadian Field Study in Africa Program (CFSIA).
The AFSS provides one term of integrated field study in East Africa, with emphasis on environmental conservation. Students investigate challenges of sustaining biological diversity and social justice in African environments subject to cultural change, economic development and environmental stress. Cultural and ecological variation is examined in highland, montane, rangeland, desert, riverine, salt and fresh water lake, coastal, and urban settings.
McGill students
will be selected for entry to this program based on the following criteria: academic standing, CGPA of 2.70 or higher, reference letters, and the applicant's academic and career aims.The AFSS is intended for students in their final two years. Although the AFSS is not a degree program (such as a Minor or Minor Concentration), its 15 credits constitute a full single-term credit load that can be counted towards certain McGill degrees with the permission of program advisors.
Students from other universities
are eligible to apply to the CFSIA and must also meet the criteria for admission to McGill as a Visiting Student. Please see the website for details.
The AFSS comprises 15 credits of field study courses. Two courses (6 credits) in the natural and social sciences provide interdisciplinary academic context for field study. The other 9 credits are taken from course offerings in two thematic areas and Special Topics.
Program revisions are under consideration for the academic year 2004-05. Visit the AFSS Website www.mcgill.ca/africa, or go to www.mcgill.ca (Course Calendars) in July for details.
Required Courses(6 credits)Complementary Courses(9 credits)In addition to the regular McGill fees, students will be required to pay the additional costs associated with delivering the courses in the field. These costs include airfare, local travel, all food and accommodation, special admission fees for parks and museums as well as other field costs. Airfares and currency fluctuations determine the amount of this charge. The 2004 trip cost $14,000. The actual cost for 2005 will be determined by September 2004.
For the 2005 AFSS, students must submit, by April 30, 2004, a letter of intent, a CV, a copy of their transcript and two reference letters to June Connolly in the Geography Department office, Room 705, Burnside Hall. Depending on space, there will be a second intake with a deadline date of October 1, 2004.
Panama Field Study Semester, under the McGill School of Environment for details.
Geography courses of most interest to Science students:
12.13 Immunology Interdepartmental Honours
Students must obtain a U1 GPA or a U2 CGPA of 3.30 for admission to this enrollment-limited program. U1 students should inform the program adviser of their intent to enter the Honours Immunology Program during their U1 winter term and confirm their intention in writing by April 1. U2 or U3 students can apply for admission at any time.
For graduation in the Honours program, the student must complete a minimum of 90 credits, and achieve a CGPA of not less than 3.30. The five immunology courses (MIMM 314, BIOC 503, MIMM 414, PHGY 419D1/D2, PHGY 513) must all be passed with a grade not less than "B".
Students who do not maintain Honours standing must transfer their registration to a program in one of the three participating Departments.
Apply to Dr. M. G. Baines, Microbiology and Immunology, Malcolm.Baines@McGill.ca, (514) 398-4443 or (514) 398-3928 or Dr. Wayne S. Lapp, Physiology, Wayne.Lapp@McGill.ca,
(514) 398-4327 or (514) 398-4328.INTERDEPARTMENTAL HONOURS IN IMMUNOLOGY(77 credits)U1 Required Courses(20 credits)U1, U2 or U3 Required Course(3 credits)
12.14 Kinesiology for Science Students
The Minor in Kinesiology is designed to provide students in B.Sc. programs with basic but comprehensive knowledge of scientific bases of human physical activity and its relationship with health and well-being.
Students registered in the Minor in Kinesiology for Science Students may not take additional courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
To obtain the Minor, all courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
MINOR IN KINESIOLOGY FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS
(18 credits)
[This program is under revision - some course numbers have been/will be changed. Contact the Department or go www.mcgill.ca (Course Calendars) in July for details.]Required Courses(9 credits)
Note: Some courses have prerequisites, for details please refer to the Faculty of Education course listings.
12.15 Management Minor Program
The Minor in Management allows Science students to include courses in their undergraduate program that will help prepare them for a career in management. Also available to Science students is the Minor in Technological Entrepreneurship for Science Students.
Acceptance to the program is both competitive and restricted. At the time of application, a CGPA greater than 2.50 is required and at least one course (MGCR 211) toward the Minor program must have been completed with a grade of C or better.
Application procedures will be announced in September. Please consult Ron Critchley, Student Adviser, Faculty of Management Student Affairs Office, Bronfman 176, for details.
Students who are not formally registered for the Minor but who nevertheless complete all its requirements may apply to have the Minor approved during their last term.
Students registered in the Minor in Management may not take additional courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
To obtain the Minor in Management, all courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Minor in Management(24 credits)Required Courses(9 credits)
12.16 Mathematics and Statistics (MATH)
Burnside Hall, Room 1005 805 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Telephone: (514) 398-3800 Fax: (514) 398-3899 Website: www.math.mcgill.caChairKohur GowriSankaranEmeritus ProfessorsMichael Barr; A.B., Ph.D.(Penn.) (Peter Redpath Emeritus Professor of Pure Mathematics)Marta Bunge; M.A., Ph.D.(Penn.)Jal R. Choksi; B.A.(Cantab.), Ph.D.(Manc.)Joachim Lambek; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C. (Peter Redpath Emeritus Professor of Pure Mathematics)Arak M. Mathai; M.Sc.(Kerala), M.A., Ph.D.(Tor.)Sherwin A. Maslowe; B.Sc.(Wayne State), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Calif.)William O.J. Moser; B.Sc.(Manit.), M.A.(Minn.), Ph.D.(Tor.)V. Seshadri; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Madras), Ph.D.(Oklahoma)John C. Taylor; B.Sc.(Acad.), M.A.(Queen's), Ph.D.(McM.)ProfessorsWilliam J. Anderson; B.Eng., Ph.D.(McG.)William G. Brown; M.A.(Col.), B.A., Ph.D.(Tor.)Henri Darmon; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Harv.), F.R.S.C.Stephen W. Drury; M.A., Ph.D.(Cantab.)Kohur GowriSankaran; B.A., M.A.(Madras), Ph.D.(Bombay)Jacques C. Hurtubise; B.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Oxon.)Niky Kamran; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Brussels), Ph.D.(Wat.), F.R.S.C. (James McGill Professor)Olga Kharlampovich; M.A.(Ural State), Ph.D.(Leningrad), Dr.of Sc.(Steklov Institute)Alexei Miasnikov; M.S.c.(Novosibirsk), Ph.D., Dr.Sc. (Leningrad) (Canada Research Chair)Michael Makkai; M.A., Ph.D.(Bud.) (Peter Redpath Professor of Pure Mathematics)Charles Roth; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Hebrew)Karl Peter Russell; Vor.Dip.(Hamburg), Ph.D.(Calif.Georg Schmidt; B.Sc.(Natal), M.Sc.(S.A.), Ph.D.(Stan.)George P.H. Styan; M.A., Ph.D.(Col.)Luc Vinet; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Doctorat 3e cycle (Paris VI) (joint appoint. with Physics)David Wolfson; M.Sc.(Natal), Ph.D.(Purdue)Keith J. Worsley; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Auckland), F.R.S.C. (James McGill Professor)Jian-Ju Xu; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Beijing), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Renss.)Sanjo Zlobec; M.Sc.(Zagreb), Ph.D.(Northwestern)Associate ProfessorsPeter Bartello; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appoint. with Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences)Eyal Z. Goren; B.A., M.S., Ph.D.(Hebrew)Dmitry Jakobson; B.Sc. (M.I.T.), Ph.D.(Princeton) (William Dawson Scholar)Vojkan Jaksic; B.S.(Belgrade), Ph.D.(Caltech)Wilbur Jonsson; M.Sc.(Manit.), Dr.Rer.Nat.(Tubingen)Antony Humphries; B.A., M.A.(Cambridge), Ph.D.(Bath)Ivo Klemes; B.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Cal.Tech.)John P. Labute; B.Sc.(Windsor), M.A., Ph.D.(Harv.)James G. Loveys; B.A.(St.M.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(S.Fraser)Roger Rigelhof; B.Sc.(Sask.), M.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(McM.)Neville G.F. Sancho; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Belf.)John A. Toth; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McM.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.) (William Dawson Scholar)Assistant ProfessorsMasoud Asgharian; B.Sc.(Shahid Beheshti), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)David Bryant; B.Sc.Hons, Ph.D.(Canterbury) (joint appoint. with Computer Science)Martin J. Gander; M.S.(ETH), M.S., Ph.D.(Stan.)Dietmar Leisen; B.Sc.(Mainz), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Bonn) (joint appoint. with Management)Nilima Nigam; B.Sc.(I.I.T., Bombay), M.S., Ph.D.(Delaware)Jonathan Pila; B.Sc.Hons.(Melbourne); Ph.D.(Stanford)Russell Steele; B.S., M.S.(Carnegie Mellon), Ph.D.(Wash.)Alain Vandal; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McGill), Ph.D.(Auckland)Adrian Vetta; B.Sc., M.Sc. (London School of Economics),
Ph.D. (M.I.T)Daniel T. Wise; B.A.(Yeshiva), Ph.D.(Princ.)Assistant Professor (Special Category)Vera Rosta; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Lorand Eotovos, Budapest)Associate MembersLuc P. Devroye (Computer Science), P.R.L. Dutilleul (Plant Science), Leon Glass (Physiology), Jean-Louis Goffin (Management), James A. Hanley (Epidemiology & Biostatistics), Lawrence Joseph (Epidemiology & Biostatistics), Michael Mackey (Physiology), Lawrence A. Mysak (A.O.S.), Prakash Panangaden (Computer Science), James O. Ramsay (Psychology), George Alexander Whitmore (Management)Adjunct ProfessorsDonald A. Dawson; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.)Victor Havin; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Leningrad)M. Ram Murty; B.Sc.(Car.), Ph.D.(M.I.T.), F.R.S.C.Robert A. Seely; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Cantab)Faculty LecturersJose A. Correa; M.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(Carleton)Axel Hundemer; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich)Mathematics has evolved to a discipline which is mainly characterized by its method of proof, its concern for a progressive broadening of its concepts, and by the search for mathematical entities and operations that represent aspects of reality. It is a subject which is pursued by many for its own sake, and regarded as part of the mainstream of human culture. Mathematics pervades modern society with an impact which, already immense, is rapidly growing.
The two principal divisions of mathematics are pure mathematics and applied mathematics. The pure mathematician is interested in abstract mathematical structures and in mathematics as an intellectual enterprise. The primary concern may not be with its utilitarian aspects or with the current needs of science and technology, although many problems in pure mathematics have developed from the sciences.
The applied mathematician is more interested in how mathematics can be used to study some aspects of the world. Mathematicians are engaged in the creation, study and application of advanced mathematical methods relevant to scientific problems. Statistical science and methodology today is concerned with phenomena in which there is a background of uncertainty arising from inherent variability and the investigator is obliged to arrive at decisions from limited data. A key tool in statistics is probability.
Some of the fields in which pure mathematicians work are algebra, analysis, geometry, topology, number theory and foundations. Applied mathematics which once referred to the application of mathematics to such disciplines as mechanics and fluid dynamics, has currently assumed a much broader meaning and embraces such diverse fields as communication theory, theory of optimization, theory of games and numerical analysis.
Mathematics offers many vocational possibilities. Such fields as teaching, computing, applied statistics and actuarial science offer opportunities for B.Sc. graduates. Opportunities to do original research in pure and applied mathematics are available in universities and research institutions. Employment is to be found in financially or technologically oriented business firms. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics through its various programs attempts to provide courses to suit the diverse interests within mathematics and statistics.
The Honours Program in Mathematics demands of the student a talent for abstraction in addition to a high level of competence in the use of mathematical tools. This program is intended for students who plan to work in an area where mathematical innovations may be needed. It is almost essential for students contemplating a career in mathematical research.
The Major Program involves the same subjects as the Honours Program but is less demanding in terms of abstraction. It is designed primarily for students who will need mathematical tools in their work but whose creative activity will involve applications of mathematics to other areas. Within the framework of the Mathematics Major, various combinations of courses are suggested to meet the needs of different students. These include course suggestions for secondary school teachers, careers in management, and for careers in industry, government or actuarial sciences.
It is possible for Major students to include a number of Honours courses in their programs. This will be an advantage for those students who plan to use their mathematics in graduate studies.
Students interested in a less intensive mathematics program linked to other disciplines are advised to consider the available Faculty Programs.
In planning their programs students are advised to seriously consider developing some depth in another discipline - preferably one for which mathematics has some relevance and use. Mathematics has been closely linked to areas such as computer science, physics and engineering but has recently come to play an increasingly important role in fields such as biology, linguistics, management and psychology. Students should consider completing the requirements for Minor programs such as those available in Cognitive Science, Computer Science and Statistics.
Students considering programs in Mathematics and Statistics should contact the Department to arrange for academic advising.
The student's attention is called to the fact that a B.Com. degree with a Major in Mathematics is available from the Faculty of Management. In addition the Faculty of Music offers the B.Mus. degree with Honours in Theory with Mathematics Option.
Internship Year for Engineering and Science (IYES)
IYES is a pre-graduate work experience program available to eligible students and normally taken between their U2 and U3 years. For more information, see IYES: Internship Year for Engineering and Science.
The following programs are also available with an Internship component:
Major in Mathematics
Honours in MathematicsHonours in Applied Mathematics
Honours in Probability and Statistics
Joint Majors in Mathematics and Computer Science
Joint Honours in Mathematics and Computer ScienceNote:
Students entering a program listed below which has MATH 222 (Calculus 3) as a required course and who have successfully completed a course equivalent to MATH 222 prior to coming to McGill are given exemption from taking MATH 222, but must replace it with a Complementary Mathematics course in the program of at least 3 credits.
MINOR IN MATHEMATICS(24 credits)The Minor may be taken in conjunction with any primary program in the Faculty of Science (other than programs in Mathematics). Students should declare their intention to follow the Minor in Mathematics at the beginning of the penultimate year and should obtain approval for the selection of courses to fulfill the requirements for the Minor from the Departmental Chief Adviser (or delegate).
It is strongly recommended that students in the Minor Program take MATH 323. The remaining credits may be freely chosen from the required and complementary courses for Majors and Honours students in Mathematics, with the obvious exception of courses that involve duplication of material. Alternatively up to six credits may be allowed for appropriate courses from other departments.
All courses counted towards the Minor must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Generally no more than six credits of overlap are permitted between the Minor and the primary program. However, with an approved choice of substantial courses the overlap restriction may be relaxed to nine credits for students whose primary program requires 60 credits or more and to 12 credits when the primary program requires 72 credits or more.
Required Courses(9 credits)Complementary Courses(15 credits)MINOR IN STATISTICS(24 credits)The Minor may be taken in conjunction with any primary program in the Faculty of Science. Students should declare their intention to follow the Minor in Statistics at the beginning of the penultimate year and must obtain approval for the selection of courses to fulfill the requirements for the Minor from the Departmental Chief Adviser (or delegate).
All courses counted towards the Minor must be passed with a grade of C or better. Generally no more than six credits of overlap are permitted between the Minor and the primary program. However, with an approved choice of substantial courses the overlap restriction may be relaxed to nine credits for students whose primary program requires 60 credits or more and to 12 credits when the primary program requires 72 credits or more.
Required Courses(15 credits)Complementary Courses(9 credits)No more than 6 credits may be taken outside the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Further credits (if needed) may be freely chosen from the required and complementary courses for Majors and Honours students in Mathematics, with the obvious exception of courses that involve duplication of material.
FACULTY PROGRAMS
Programs linking mathematics and other disciplines are available. With careful selection of courses in U1, it is possible to transfer to a Major program in Mathematics in U2. Except where otherwise noted these Faculty Programs lead to a B.Sc. degree. Students interested in any of these Faculty Programs should consult the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for an adviser.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN BIOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS, under Biology.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY AND MATHEMATICS, under Chemistry.
FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE(54 credits)Required Courses(48 credits)Complementary Courses(6 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE(54 credits)Required Courses(33 credits)Complementary Courses(21 credits)FACULTY PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS(56 credits)[Program revisions are under consideration for September 2004. Go to www.mcgill.ca (Course Calendars) in July for details.]
Required Courses(47 credits)Complementary Courses(9 credits)
Students entering the Major program are normally expected to have completed MATH 133, MATH 140 and MATH 141 or their equivalents. Otherwise they will be required to make up any deficiencies in these courses over and above the 54 credits of required courses.
Major students who have done well in MATH 242 and MATH 235 are urged to consider, in consultation with their adviser and the instructors concerned, entering the Honours stream by registering for MATH 251 and MATH 255.
Guidelines for Selection of Courses in the Major Program
The following informal guidelines should be discussed with the student's adviser. Where appropriate, Honours courses may be substituted for equivalent Major courses. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are encouraged to make such substitutions.
Students interested in computer science are advised to choose courses from the following: MATH 317, MATH 318, MATH 327, MATH 328, MATH 340, MATH 407, MATH 417 and to complete the Computer Science Minor.
Students interested in probability and statistics are advised to take MATH 324, MATH 407, MATH 423, MATH 447, MATH 523, MATH 525.
Students interested in applied mathematics should take MATH 317, MATH 319, MATH 324, MATH 326, MATH 327, MATH 407, MATH 417.
Students considering a career in secondary school teaching are advised to take MATH 318, MATH 328, MATH 338, MATH 339, MATH 346, MATH 348.
Students interested in careers in business, industry or government are advised to select courses from the following list: MATH 317, MATH 319, MATH 327, MATH 329,MATH 407, MATH 417, MATH 423, MATH 430, MATH 447, MATH 523, MATH 525.
Required Courses(27 credits)