Introduction

The Departments of Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics and Physical Oceanography at the Memorial University of Newfoundland are proposing a new multidisciplinary Master of Science degree programme in Computational Science. The primary objectives of this programme are to train graduates in state-of-the-art numerical methods, high performance computing, use of software development tools for parallel and vector computers, use of graphics, visualization and multi-media tools, the acquisition, processing and analysis of large experimental data sets, and the application of these techniques to at least one scientific area such as chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, statistics, physics or physical oceanography.

In designing the programme, maximum flexibility has been sought. It will be offered in both thesis and non-thesis (project) versions, with a Cooperative Education option available. Both full time and part time studies will be permitted. Innovative course delivery will be expected.

External organizations will play a very important role in the programme. Their participation will include the provision of placements for co-op students, joint supervision of students, provision of computing resources and some teaching of graduate courses. Within MUN, inter-departmental cooperation of the participants has been demonstrated over the past few years via collaborative research projects, joint applications to NSERC, and the formation of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Advanced Research Computing and Communications Consortium (MUNARCCC).

To our knowledge, the only existing programme such as this in Canada is at U. de Sherbrooke, although more may be under development. In the U.S.A., limited numbers of them exist, at Caltech, Cornell, Clemson, Denver, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Princeton, Rice, Stanford, Syracuse, U.C. Davis and Texas. A distinguishing characteristic of the programme, particularly within Canada, is the emphasis on multidisciplinary studies. Graduating students will have mastered a broader range of science than graduates from the more traditional, discipline-based programmes.




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