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Engineering Science, Biomedical Engineering Option Honours

Bachelor of Applied Science

This honours program leads to a bachelor of applied science degree (honours) with a biomedical engineering option.

The program concerns engineering problems encountered in medical and surgical treatment, in rehabilitation procedures and assistive devices, in medical electronics, in biomedical imaging, and in biophotonics.

Engineering science students develop skills in systems design with a high level of scientific knowledge. This demanding program is aimed at the superior student. The program produces well educated, innovative engineer/scientists with entrepreneurial skills and attitudes who are oriented to new technologies. Program entry is competitive.

Students undertake a basic core of pure, applied and engineering sciences followed by studies in a specialized option. The general BASc program may be completed in four years, which includes eight terms.

ENSC courses emphasize learning, conceptualization, design and analysis. Built into the program are courses on social impacts of technology, finance, management, design methods and entrepreneurship intended to complement scientific studies. A special, integrated communications course completed throughout the program ensures that all graduates have the communication skills necessary to be effective engineers.

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

The program begins each fall term. However, admitted students may enter in any term.

For detailed University admission requirements, visit . For more detailed School of Engineering Science admission information, visit , or send an email to asadvise@sfu.ca.

Minimum ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

Applicants must be eligible for University admission, must submit a University application, and must have successfully completed the following high school courses: physics 12, mathematics 12, chemistry 12, and English 12.

External Transfer from Another Post-Secondary Institution

Students transferring from other universities, regional colleges, or technical institutions must be eligible for University admission, and must submit a University application. External transfer applicants may apply to begin study in any term and must have an admission average of 2.5.

Internal Transfer from Another ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Program

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV students who wish to transfer to engineering science from another faculty must have a ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.25 and must have been enrolled in at least 12 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV units in the term prior to requesting the transfer to the School of Engineering Science.

Minimum Grade Requirement

A C- grade or better in prerequisite courses is required to register in engineering science courses.

Minimum Grade Point Averages

The program, and graduation with honours, requires a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division grade point average (UDGPA) each of at least 3.0 in accordance with University graduation requirements. A 3.0 grade point average is required to remain in this concentration.

Co-operative Education Work Experience

Every engineering science student completes a three term co-operative education program of practical experience in an appropriate industrial or research setting leading to a project under the technical direction of a practising engineer or scientist. The goal is a complementary combination of work in an industrial or research setting and study in one of the engineering options. The internship may be within the University but in most cases the work site is off campus.

After the first year, students typically alternate between academic and work terms.

At least two of the three mandatory work terms must be completed in industry (ENSC 195, 295, 395). Students may participate in additional work terms but are encouraged to seek diversity in their experience. The three mandatory work terms may include one special co-op term (ENSC 196, 296, 396). Special co-op may include, but is not restricted to, self-directed, entrepreneurial, service or research co-op work terms. Permission of the engineering science co-op office is required.

An optional non-technical work term (ENSC 194) is also available through the engineering science co-operative education office and is often completed after the first two study terms. ENSC 194 does not count toward the mandatory three course requirement.

The engineering science co-operative education program will also seek opportunities for students wishing to complete their thesis requirements in an industrial setting. The honours thesis work can be done on or off campus, either integrated with an optional (or mandatory) work term, or as independent work with appropriate supervision.

Program Requirements

Students complete the engineering science core course requirements as shown below, which includes additional course requirements for this biomedical engineering option. These courses provide basic science, general studies, engineering science, specialized engineering and science, and project and laboratory work.

This program’s core course requirements consist of non-technical courses which broaden education and develop awareness of social, economic and managerial factors affecting engineering and scientific work.

Although there is no strict requirement to complete the curriculum in the sequence that is strongly suggested by the school, deviating from the course completion schedule may lead to scheduling and prerequisite problems in subsequent terms. To view the suggested course schedule, visit

Prior approval by the director of the school is required if the student plans a term with fewer than 12 course units.

Core Course Requirements

Students complete all of

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 180 - The Chemistry of Life (3)

A basic introduction to chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and equilibria as they apply to the structure and function of biomolecules. Concepts will be illustrated using modern examples of biological systems. Students will be introduced to central ideas and selected molecular engineering methods in biochemistry and molecular biology. Prerequisite: CHEM 121.

CMPT 128 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming for Engineers (3)

An introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students wishing to major in Engineering Science or a related program. This course introduces basic computing science concepts, and fundamentals of object oriented programming. Topics include: fundamental algorithms and problem solving; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science. The course will use a programming language commonly used in Engineering Science. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 (or equivalent, or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, or 157). Students with credit for CMPT 125, 126, 130 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CMPT 225 - Data Structures and Programming (3)

Introduction to a variety of practical and important data structures and methods for implementation and for experimental and analytical evaluation. Topics include: stacks, queues and lists; search trees; hash tables and algorithms; efficient sorting; object-oriented programming; time and space efficiency analysis; and experimental evaluation. Prerequisite: MACM 101 and one of CMPT 125, 126 or 128; or CMPT 128 and approval as a Biomedical Engineering Major. Students with credit for CMPT 201 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ENSC 100 - Engineering Technology and Society (3)

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the practice of engineering, surveying its history and its current state. The social and political aspects of engineering decisions will be illustrated by a number of case studies. Corequisite: ENSC 101. Breadth-Science. Prerequisite: REQ-Corequisite: ENSC 101. Equivalent Courses: ENSC100 CMPT106 ENSC106. Breadth-Science.

ENSC 105W - Process, Form, and Convention in Professional Genres (3)

The course teaches fundamentals of informative and persuasive communication for professional engineers and computer scientists in order to assist students in thinking critically about various contemporary technical, social, and ethical issues. It focuses on communicating technical information clearly and concisely, managing issues of persuasion when communicating with diverse audiences, presentation skills, and teamwork. Corequisite: CMPT 106, ENSC 100 or ENSC 106. Students with credit for CMPT 105W, ENSC 102 or MSE 101W may not take ENSC 105W for further credit. Writing.

ENSC 120 - Introduction to Electronics Laboratory Instruments Operation and Measurement Techniques (1)

This introductory laboratory course will familiarize the students with operating electronics laboratory instrumentation such as linear power supply, digital multi-meter, function generator and oscilloscope. Students are expected to perform 6 lab experiments and submit a work-sheet for each lab session. A final examination will be conducted (individually) to test the proficiency. Prerequisite: BC12 or equivalent.

ENSC 150 - Introduction to Computer Design (3)

Digital design concepts are presented in such a way that students will learn how basic logic blocks of a simple computer are designed. Topics covered include: system of binary numbers, Boolean Algebra, combinational logic design, sequential logic design, and basic Von Neumann computer architecture. Students with credit for CMPT 150 or 290 cannot take this course for further credit. CMPT 150 can be substituted for this course. Quantitative. Prerequisite: REQ-This course is identical to CMPT 150 and students cannot take both courses for credit. Students who have taken CMPT 290 cannot take this course for further credit. Equivalent Courses: CMPT150 CMPT290. Quantitative.

ENSC 180 - Introduction to Engineering Analysis (3)

Introduction to MATLAB and its use in engineering. Implementation, verification, and analysis of various engineering algorithms used in signal and image processing, robotics, communications engineering. Prerequisite: MATH 151 or MATH 150. Corequisite: MATH 152 and MATH 232.

ENSC 201 - The Business of Engineering (3)

This course covers the business, management and entrepreneurial concepts that are important to engineers who manage projects, run businesses, or need to decide on the most efficient method for accomplishing a task. The topics to be covered include: financial accounting, rates of return, taxes, cost-benefit analyses, marketing, financing methods, and business plans. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students cannot complete both this course and ENSC 411 for credit.

ENSC 204 - Graphical Communication for Engineering (1)

An introduction to the use of graphical communication in engineering. Objectives are to improve the students' literacy in the use of graphics to communicate engineering information, and their ability to visualize and to think in three dimensions. Specific application areas discussed include 2D and 3D geometry in mechanical drawing, electronics-related drawings, block diagrams, and flow charts. The use of CAD tools will be discussed, and demonstrations of some tools will be provided. Equivalent Courses: ENSC103.

ENSC 215 - Microcontroller Interfacing and Assembly-Language Programming (3)

A common microcontroller will be presented such that students will be able to create a small project by interfacing with a variety of devices using assembly language. Topics include: the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, how the CPU executes machine code in the memory, how the programming task is simplified by the use of an assembler, the operation of the stack, writing subroutines, interfacing with input/output devices, and handling interrupts. Coding, testing, debugging, and other laboratory techniques will be introduced as needed. Prerequisite: ENSC 150 and CMPT 128. CMPT 128 can be taken concurrently. Students with credit for ENSC 151 may not take this course for further credit.

ENSC 220 - Electric Circuits I (3)

This course will cover the following topics: fundamental electrical circuit quantities, and circuit elements; circuits laws such as Ohm law, Kirchoff's voltage and current laws, along with series and parallel circuits; operational amplifiers; network theorems; nodal and mesh methods; analysis of natural and step response of first (RC and RL), as well as second order (RLC) circuits; real, reactive and rms power concepts. In addition, the course will discuss the worker safety implications of both electricity and common laboratory practices such as soldering. Prerequisite: PHYS 121 and 131, or PHYS 126 and 131, or PHYS 141, and MATH 232 and 310. MATH 232 and/or 310 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for ENSC 125 or MSE 250 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ENSC 225 - Microelectronics I (4)

This course teaches analog/digital electronics and basic device physics in the context of modern silicon integrated circuits technology. Topics include: qualitative device physics and terminal characteristics; implementations and models of basic semiconductor devices (diodes, BJTs and MOSFETs); circuit simulation via SPICE; basic diode circuits; transistors as amplifiers and switching elements; temperature effects and compensation; single-stage transistor amplifiers; biasing, current sources and mirrors. Prerequisite: ENSC 150 or CMPT 150, ENSC 220, MATH 232, and MATH 310. Students taking or with credit for ENSC 226 or MSE 251 may not take ENSC 225 for further credit. Quantitative.

ENSC 250 - Introduction to Computer Architecture (3)

This course deals with the main concepts embodied in computer hardware architecture. In particular, the organization, design and limitations of the major building blocks in modern computers is covered in detail. Topics will include: processor organization; control logic design; memory systems; and architectural support for operating systems and programming languages. A hardware description language will be used as a tool to express and work with design concepts. Prerequisite: CMPT 150 or ENSC 150. Students with credit for CMPT 250 or CMPT 390 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ENSC 304 - Human Factors and Usability Engineering (1)

The user is often overlooked in the engineer's quest for a functional and efficient design. This course examines the factors that make designs more or less usable and how to integrate usability constraints and testing procedures into the design process. Equivalent Courses: ENSC104 ENSC203.

ENSC 305 - Project Documentation and Team Dynamics (1)

This course is integrated with an ENSC project course (either ENSC 340 or 440) that provides practical experience with the design process for development projects. Topics include project management, team writing, project documentation (proposals, functional and design specifications, progress reports, and users manuals), group dynamics and dispute resolution. Corequisite: ENSC 440 or 441. Prerequisite: REQ-Co-requisite: ENSC 440 or 441. Equivalent Courses: ENSC105 ENSC305.

ENSC 320 - Electric Circuits II (3)

This course is a second course on electric circuits and the topics covered include: the use of Laplace transform in circuit analysis, including poles and zeros, the frequency response and impulse response; convolution as a method for computing circuit responses; resonant and bandpass circuits; magnetically coupled circuits; three-phase circuits; two port circuits; and filtering. Prerequisite: ENSC 220, MATH 232, and MATH 310.

ENSC 330 - Engineering Materials (4)

An introductory course in materials science which covers materials & their structures, properties, and performance; crystal structures and instruments for structure determination; polymers, ceramics, composites; quality control and reliability. Prerequisite: CHEM 121, PHYS 121.

ENSC 350 - Digital Systems Design (3)

This course deals with advanced topics in digital design such as advanced state machine concepts, asynchronous design, hardware description languages, bus interfacing and DSP architecture. It also covers both the architecture and programming of field programmable logic devices. Some laboratory work is expected. Prerequisite: ENSC 215, and either ENSC 250 or CMPT 250.

ENSC 370 - Biomedical Engineering Directions (3)

An overview of the discipline of biomedical engineering, including its purpose and scope. Typical discussion topics: goals and limitations of biomedical engineering, the nature and relevant technologies of selected application areas, common aspects of biomedical practice, current trends and new directions in biomedical engineering. Students conduct extended investigations of biomedical practice, new biomedical techniques or possible new products, then prepare reports and present seminars. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 25 units of engineering science (ENSC) courses and BPK 208. BPK 208 can be taken concurrently.

ENSC 372 - Biomedical Instrumentation (4)

Instrumentation techniques for measuring common physiological signals. Bioelectric and biochemical sensors. Biostimulation. Electronic design issues: electrical safety, signal conditioning and protection against noise, digital signal acquisition. Live subject ethical considerations. Laboratory work to include use of data acquisition packages in conjunction with various sensors, as well as design and construction of a full signal acquisition chain, from sensor to RAM. Prerequisite: ENSC 225, 320, 380 and BPK 308. BPK 308 can be taken concurrently.

ENSC 380 - Linear Systems (3)

The objectives of this course are to cover the modelling and analysis of continuous and discrete signals using linear techniques. Topics covered include: a review of Laplace transforms; methods for the basic modelling of physical systems; discrete and continuous convolution; impulse and step response; transfer functions and filtering; the continuous Fourier transform and its relationship to the Laplace transform; frequency response and Bode plots; sampling; the Z-transform. Prerequisite: ENSC 220 (or MSE 250) and MATH 310. Students with credit for MSE 280 may not take ENSC 380 for further credit.

ENSC 383 - Feedback Control Systems (4)

This course is an introduction to the analysis, design, and applications of continuous time linear control systems. Topics include transfer function representation of open and closed loop systems, time domain specifications and steady state error, sensitivity analysis, time and frequency response, and stability criteria. It includes a treatment of methods for the analysis of control systems based on the root locus, Bode plots and Nyquist criterion, and their use in the design of PID, and lead-lag compensation. Lab work is included in this course. Prerequisite: ENSC 380 (or MSE 280). Students with credit for MSE 381 may not take ENSC 383 for further credit.

ENSC 406 - Engineering Ethics, Law, and Professional Practice (2)

This course provides an introduction to the engineering profession, professional practice, engineering law and ethics, including the issues of worker and public safety. It also offers opportunities to explore the social implications and environmental impacts of technologies, including sustainability, and to consider engineers' responsibility to society. Prerequisite: 100 units including one of ENSC 100, ENSC 106, or CMPT 106, or MSE 102. Students with credit for MSE 402 may not take ENSC 406 for further credit.

ENSC 440 - Capstone Engineering Science Project (4)

This capstone design course is based around a group project that consists of researching, designing, building, and testing the hardware implementation of a working system. The course also includes material on how to design for safety, engineering standards, and human factors. Prerequisite: At least 100 units. Corequisite: ENSC 305. Students with credit for ENSC 340, 370, or 440 may not take this course for further credit.

ENSC 498 - Engineering Science Thesis Proposal (3)

Supervised study, research and preliminary work leading to a formal proposal for the thesis project work in ENSC 499. This activity can be directly augmented by other course work and by directed study. The locale of the work may be external to the University or within a University laboratory, or may bridge the two locations. Supervision may be by technical personnel at an external organization, or by faculty members, or through some combination. At least one of the supervisors must be a registered professional engineer. A plan for the student's ENSC 498 activities must be submitted to the school at the time of enrolment in the course. Completion of the undergraduate thesis project proposal is the formal requirement of this course and the basis upon which it is graded. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: At least 115 units or permission of the academic supervisor.

ENSC 499 - Engineering Science Undergraduate Thesis (9)

A thesis is based on the research or development project that incorporates a significant level of engineering design. This work is typically undertaken in the student's final year, but in no case before the student has completed 115 units. Registration for ENSC 499 takes place in the term in which the thesis will be presented and defended. The locale of the work, supervision and other arrangements follow those for ENSC 498. Grading of the thesis will be on a pass/fail basis, but recognition will be given to outstanding work. Prerequisite: ENSC 498.

GERO 300 - Introduction to Gerontology (3) *

Examination of the aging process from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Physical and health factors in aging, economic and vocational factors in aging, family and community relations of older people, social policy and politics of aging. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on normal aging. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students who have taken GERO 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

BPK 201 - Biomechanics (3)

This course will cover the application of basic mechanics to human movement. It will provide students with a basic understanding of how forces act on body segments and how movements are produced. The subject matter of this course is relevant to quantifying all forms of physical activity, from activities of daily living, physically challenged movement patterns, to elite athletic performance. It also has applications in medical settings, including rehabilitation and sports medicine. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154, MATH 152 or 155 (may be taken concurrently), PHYS 101 (or 120 or 125 or 140), BPK (or KIN) 142. Students with credit for KIN 201 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

BPK 208 - Introduction to Physiological Systems (3)

An introduction to anatomy and physiological function of the major human systems, from a biomedical engineering perspective. Normally only available to students in the Biomedical Engineering Program. KIN 208 may be used as a substitute for KIN 105 by students in the Kinesiology Minor and Certificate programs. Kinesiology Major and Honors students may not receive credit for BPK 208. No student may take both BPK (or KIN) 105 and BPK (or KIN) 208 for credit, or both BPK (or KIN) 205 and BPK (or KIN) 208 for credit. Corequisite: CHEM 180. Students with credit for KIN 208 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 308 - Experiments and Models in Systems Physiology (3)

Lab exercises will provide a hands-on experience in the acquisition of physiological data and mathematical and computer modeling of physiological systems. Lectures will provide an advanced understanding of select human physiological systems. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 208 or all of BPK (or KIN) 205, 201, STAT 201 and a strong mathematical background. Students with credit for KIN 308 may not take this course for further credit.

MACM 316 - Numerical Analysis I (3)

A presentation of the problems commonly arising in numerical analysis and scientific computing and the basic methods for their solutions. Prerequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, and computing experience. Quantitative.

MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.

or MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 232 - Applied Linear Algebra (3)

Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MACM 101; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 240 make not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 251 - Calculus III (3)

Rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Vectors, lines, planes, cylinders, quadric surfaces. Vector functions, curves, motion in space. Differential and integral calculus of several variables. Vector fields, line integrals, fundamental theorem for line integrals, Green's theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 152; or MATH 155 or MATH 158 with a grade of at least B. Recommended: It is recommended that MATH 240 or 232 be taken before or concurrently with MATH 251. Quantitative.

MATH 254 - Vector and Complex Analysis for Applied Sciences (3)

Designed for students in the Engineering Science program. Combines a continuation of the study of vector calculus from MATH 251 with an introduction to functions of a complex variable. Vector functions of a single variable, space curves, scalar and vector fields, conservative fields, surface and volume integrals, and theorems of Gauss, Green and Stokes. Functions of a complex variable, differentiability, contour integrals, Cauchy's theorem. Taylor and Laurent expansion, method of residues, integral transform and conformal mapping. Prerequisite: Math 240 or 232; and 251. MATH 240 or 232 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for Math 322 or MATH 252 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 310 - Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (3)

First-order differential equations, second- and higher-order linear equations, series solutions, introduction to Laplace transform, systems and numerical methods, applications in the physical, biological and social sciences. Prerequisite: MATH 152; or MATH 155/158 with a grade of at least B, MATH 232 or 240. Quantitative.

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

or PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3)

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.

or PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

or PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3)

Electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic character of light for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include waves, simple electrical circuits, electricity, magnetism, the unifications of electromagnetism in relativity, light as an electromagnetic wave, and photons. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or a grade of A or better in PHYS 120 or 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

or PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 140, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 321 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3)

Development and application of Maxwell's equations in vector differential form. Notation and theorems of vector calculus; electric charge, fields, potentials, capacitance and field energy; conductors; methods for solving electrostatic problems; electric fields in matter; electrical current and the magnetic field; Ampere's law and the vector potential; magnetic fields in matter; electromotive force, electrical resistance, Faraday's law and inductance; Maxwell's correction to Ampere's law and electromagnetic waves. Prerequisite: PHYS 130 or 131 or 141; MATH 252 or 254; MATH 310, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for PHYS 221 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative. Prerequisite: COREQ-MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Equivalent Courses: STAT102 STAT103 STAT201 STAT203 STAT301. Quantitative.

* or any B-Soc course

Elective Course Requirements

Complementary Studies Elective Courses

In addition, students must also complete one complementary studies course chosen from the complementary studies list that is available at  Note that students must complete an acceptable Breadth-Humanities course and should choose this elective course with that in mind. A pre-approved complementary studies course list is available at  Other courses may be acceptable with undergraduate curriculum committee chair approval.

Engineering Science Elective Courses

As well, students must complete four engineering science elective courses, two of which must be chosen from ENSC 300 or 400 division courses, and two of which must be chosen from only ENSC 400 division courses. A list of approved ENSC electives for the Biomedical Engineering option is available at

Science Elective Courses

Students must also complete two science elective courses selected from a pre-approved science electives list that is available at 

Thesis

Students will start their thesis work (ENSC 498 and 499) on or off campus, either integrated with an optional (or mandatory) work term or as independent work with appropriate supervision.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

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WQB Requirement Modifications for Engineering Science Students

For engineering science students, these university requirements are modified as follows.

  • for students in the computer engineering option, the total number of Breadth-Social Sciences (B-Soc) and Breadth-Humanities (B-Hum) courses is reduced to three courses, with at least one course in each category
  • the B-Sci requirements are waived for engineering science students who complete PHYS 125 and 126 instead of PHYS 120 and 121

In addition, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) requires that one complementary studies elective in the ENSC curriculum must be in the Central Issue, Methodology, and Thought Process category.

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.