Courses Taken — MacEwan University

The following is a list of courses I have taken at Grant MacEwan University, in alphanumeric order. The courses are separated by subject area.

Computer Science

• CMPT 200 — Data Structures and Their Algorithms
• This course continues the study of dynamic data structures (e.g., lists, stacks, queues, trees, and dictionaries) and associated algorithms (e.g. traversal, sorting, searching, element addition and removal). Recursion is covered and some of the basic ideas of object-oriented programming, such as classes and objects, are introduced. Basic paradigms in program design and software engineering are discussed. In addition to the implementation of these data structures, the laboratory introduces the student to a Unix-like development environment.
• CMPT 201 — Practical Programming Methodology
• This course provides an introduction to the principles, methods, tools and practices of the professional programmer. The lectures focus on best practices in software development and the fundamental principles of software engineering. The laboratories offer an intensive apprenticeship to the aspiring software developer. Students use C, C++, and software development tools of the Unix environment.
• CMPT 220 — Unix, Scripting, and Other Tools
• The student is introduced to a Unix-like operating system along with some of its important design features, such as processes, pipes, and the I/O model. Some of the basic tools and methodologies are discussed, including shell scripts, editors, and standard utilities. Various open source tools are surveyed.

Earth and Planetary Sciences

• EASC 101 — Introduction to Physical Science
• This course provides an introduction to the origin of the Earth and solar system, the concept of geological time, and the identification of minerals and rocks. The theory of plate tectonics and the resulting structural features of the Earth are covered. Surface weathering processes and principles of geomorphology are described.

Physics

• PHYS 208 — Quantum Aspects of Physics
• This course begins with the experimental evidence leading to the development of quantum mechanics, including the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, X-ray production and electron diffraction. Further topics include a discussion of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the Schrödinger theory of quantum mechanics, one dimensional potential wells and barriers, tunneling, the simple harmonic oscillator, atomic physics, the hydrogen atom and the periodic table. In the laboratory component of the course, students reproduce the details of various classical experiments leading to the discovery of the quantum nature of matter and light.
• PHYS 261 — Physics of Energy
• This course first identifies the various forms of energy consumed by modern society. The conversion of energy is traced from natural resources to usable forms considering both the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the practical concerns of cost and environmental consequences. Next, the benefits and drawbacks of non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power are discussed and compared to renewable sources such as hydroelectric and solar power. Finally, the development of alternative energy resources is discussed.
• PHYS 301 — Nuclear Physics
• This course is a study of the fundamental nuclear properties, the shell model, the collective model, stability of nuclei, isotopes, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, kinematics, conservation laws, nuclear fission and fusion, nuclear reactors, particle accelerators, detectors, a brief introduction to particle physics and the Standard Model. The course also includes applications such as carbon dating, tracer techniques, cancer therapy and connections to astrophysics.
• PHYS 498 — Independent Research
• In this course, students will plan, execute and report the results of an independent research project in physics under the direction of a faculty supervisor. To be granted enrollment in the course, the student must have made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise the research project.
• In this course the student investigates the dynamics involved in a paddling motion as applicable to dragon boat racing through the develop and testing of specialized sensors capable of tracking the movement of and forces applied to a dragon boat paddle.