I
t
?
SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
?
S F
Lfc27 ?
MEMORANDUM
STo
.............. SE NAT .
Subject
?
PROPOSED MASTERS' PROGRAMS
?
IN ENGINEERING
From. .
?
.
9. ?
.'.'9.
SENATE GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE
Date..
MARCH 12, 1985
Action undertaken by the Senate Committee on Academic Planning at
its meeting of March 6, 1985 and by the Senate Graduate Studies
Committee at its meeting of February 25, 1985 gives rise to the
following motion:
MOTION:
"That Senate approve and recommend approval to the Board
of Governors, as set forth in S.85-27 , the proposed
Master of Engineering and Master of Applied Science Programs."
L]
Ul
SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
?
MEMORANDUM
0
..... ...
..alter Wattaman ?
çrtary
Senate Committee on Academic Planning
Subject..
:]
f
l
........
Engineering
From.
Date
........
b uary 27%
The attached proposed Master's Programmes in Engineering were approved by the Senate
Graduate Studies Committee on Monday, February 25, 1985.
Attached:
a)
Proposed Master's Programmes
b)
Calendar Entry
c) Appendix A - Course Descriptions
d)
Appendix B - Library Collection Evaluation
e)
Appendix C - Curriculum Vitaes
?
-,
(Deleted from Senate package)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
Albert M. Leung
James Kennedy Cavers
Donald Arthur George
Tad McGeer
Muhammad Jamil Ahmed
John S. MacDonald
J. Basil Peters
Kenneth Spencer
f) Dr. Webster's letter to the External Assessors
g) External Assessors Reports
1) J.S. Riordon
ii) H.W. Smith
iii)
Dennis Connor
iv)
Michael S. Davies
h) Letters of Support
.
1) P.W. Lancaster
ii)
Bruce C. Hartwick
iii)
Robert Orth
iv) S. Hussain
>iin
\t /.
John M. Webster
Dean of Graduate Studies.
mm /
SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
?
a)
MEMORANDUM
To.....: •J.:.
e ?
se.
.
.
From ........ .
w ?
AbOiatVice-President Acadeinj
and Dean ..Graduate Studies
?
Engineering. .Sc.ience
...............
Subject
Proposed
..
•9a....rogr..
J
Date .........
1.8-February. 19.8 5 ..................
Attached is our proposal for a graduate program for the
c
Faculty
onstructive
of Engineering
appraisals
Science.
and valuable
We very
recommendations
much appreciate
made
the
by
your Assessment Committee and by the external reveiwers. We
believe that the points made have either been incorporated in
the proposal or explained sufficiently in discussion with the
Committee. Two issues, however, do require some formal comment.
As proposed, a part-time student proceeding through the
program at the quite acceptable rate of one course per semester
(except for the Summer when we do not intend to offer graduate
courses) would use the whole of the five-year limit for Master's
or
degrees.
family
Any
problems
slow-down
or illness,
in this
for
pace,
example,
through
would
job
r
result
equirements
in
that limit being exceeded. Yet, that is hardly fair especially
since only 10 semesters, rather than the usual 15, would be
included in the five-year period.
Nev
er-the-less, many students
will proceed more rapidly and five years is quite a long time
period for a coherent program in this rapidly moving field.
We believe that we should stay with the present limit but be
ready to give extensions for one or two semesters for cause.
Our second point involves Dr. Davies' recommendation of
second priority for the professional M.Eng. program. This we
can only reject out-of--hand for it is this program in particular
which
O
f support
is so
attest
needed
to
in
that
Greater
need. On
Vancouver.
the other
The
hand,
local
the viability
letters
of Engineering Science at SFU rests on the intellectual and
not
research
to have
activity
a regular
which
research-based
the very name
M.A.SC.
implies.
program
C onsequently,
would be
mentary
intolerable
graduate
and
programs
so we assign equal priority to these two comple-
[1
DAG:mni
26 February 1985
MASTER'S PROGRAM IN ENGINEERING
I ?
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.
Title of Program: Master of Engineering, Master of
Applied Science
2.
Credential to be awarded to graduates: M.Eng., M.A.Sc.
3.
Department to offer program: Engineering Science
4.
Date of Senate Approval:
5.
Schedule for Implementation: September 1, 1985.
II PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1.
Objectives:
M.ENG.:
To provide engineers working in technology intensive
areas with an opportunity to pursue graduate studies
on a part time basis, without interruption of their
careers.
To provide local technology based companies with one
way to increase the capabilities of their engineering
staff.
M.A. SC. :
To provide a small group of full time graduate students
with a research oriented program in more exploratory
areas of engineering.
2.
Relationship of Program to Role and Mission of the
University:
Local engineering companies have for years been
requesting a program of part time graduate studies
for their engineers, similar to the ones operating
successfully in the Ottawa area and in California's
Silicon Valley.
?
In responding to this need, we are
following in Simon Fraser University's tradition of
service to the community through a part-time program
based on evening courses.
In the case of the M.Eng. program, all courses will
be offered in the evenings or late afternoons, to make
them available to working engineers.
?
We will also
?
be exploring, alternative formats, such as video deli
-
very, and short intensive courses.
S
2
The M.A.Sc. is also a departure from conventional pro-
grams, in that it weights thesis research more heavily
than course work. This activity will be directed to
areas of research interest of Engineering Science
faculty and their associates in local electronics,
communications and computing industry.
In terms of its area of specialization and emphasis
on industrial interaction, this program is a necessary
extension of the undergraduate Engineering Science
program. ?
Indeed, to sustain the high level of current
undergraduate work, the Faculty requires graduate
studies, for only with graduate work and research will
it be possible to attract appropriate staff and to
maintain the level of intellectual activity inherent
in the concept of Engineering Science.
3.
Other Similar Programs in Engineering:
The M.Eng. component of our proposal is modelled after
highly successful programs at Carleton University and
Ottawa University, both of which are located in Ottawa.
They are frequently cited as significant elements in
the Ottawa Valley's explosion of technology intensive
. ?
companies. The major points of comparison
are:
- Graduate courses in Electrical Engineering at the
two Ottawa Universities are offered in the evenings,
or occasionally at lunch hour, to make them accessible
to part-time students.
?
Our proposal is similar.
- Carleton's M.Eng. requirements are 12 one-semester
courses, one of which is a project, usually undertaken
at the University. We propose 10 one-semester courses,
plus a project which must be performed in industry.
Waterloo University, which has an enviable reputation
at the graduate, as well as undergraduate levels, also
has a part-time Master's program.
?
The requirements
for the non-thesis option are 8 one-semester courses,
plus a project with weight equal to 2 one-semester
courses.
4.
ReLationship to program at University of British
Columbia:
Our proposed program complements the one at UBC. Essen-
tially, the UBC program is geared to full-time students
3
following the thesis option, and has a strong research
orientation. The thrust of our M.Eng. proposal, on
the other hand, is toward providing working engineers
with an accessible part-time venue for advanced study.
The existence of both types of program in the Lower
Mainland area will increase the options available to
the engineer interested in graduate work.
This is not to suggest that there would be two exclusive
domains. UBC, for example, also offers an M.Eng. pro-
gram, for which the requirements are 15 units of course
work (about 10 courses) plus an essay and comprehensive
examination. This option is little exercised, although
the demand exists. Similarly, we also propose an M.A.Sc.
program, which will be based largely on a research
project with thesis. Although this component is essen-
tial to a healthy graduate program and to faculty
research, we do not anticipate a large number of thesis
students (see III 2 Enrollment, below).
Another aspect of the complementary nature of the two
programs is the fact that UBC addresses a full spectrum
of Electrical Engineering disciplines at the graduate
level. We do not have an interest in, nor the resources
f*, such an approach.
?
Instead, we plan to focus on
communications, signal processing and electronics,
three areas of economic importance to BC's technology
base, and which are a primary element of the under-
graduate program in Engineering Science.
We will give transfer credit for courses taken at UBC,
so that our students can take advantage of the greater
diversity of subject material offered there. Similarly,
we anticipate that UBC will give their students transfer
credit for our courses, which will cover more topics
in communications, signal processing and electronics.
SFU and UBC have already had preliminary discussions
about course exchange over the inter-institutional
video link.
5A. Curriculum:
The proposed program will conform to the General Regula-
tions for graduate studies as set out in the SFTJ calen-
dar. Specific requirements are set out below.
The normal admission requirement to the M.Eng. is a
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer
engineering, engineering science or a related area,
with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (B) from a
I
4
wethe
of
recognized
?
the
program
willresearch ?
?
requireis
university,well
oriented
?
a
established.
?
CGPA
?
nature
?
or
?
of
the
3.3.
of
?
the
?
equivalent.
(B+),
M.A.Sc.,
at least
?
however,
Because
until
Master's
of ?
30 semester
?
candidateshours
?
work
are required
in one of
to
the
complete
following
a minimum
ways:
N.A.Sc.: ?
a minimum of 12 semester hours course work
at the graduate level, plus a thesis.
M.Eng.:
plus
at ?
least
a project.
?
?
a
20 ?
minimum
of whichof
30
must
semester
be at the
hours
graduate
course
level,
work,
project
AnThereporting ?
?
M.Eng.
appropriatestructure
?
?
responsibilityproject
?
are
levelwork
given
?
?
of
must
?
in
is ?
design,
II
be
required.5B
performed
?
below.
documentation
?
Details
in industry.
on
?
the
and
M.A.Sc.beTheand
?
?
performed
M.A.Sc.
is
?
?
tothesis, ?
in
thesis
be
?
industry.
?
an
under
?
?
hasindependentappropriate
?
a weight
?
research
of
conditions,
18 semester
project.can
hours,
?
also
The
. Thesemester ?
M.Eng.
?
courses)
requirement
?
is ??
toof ?
?
some
30 ?
extent
semesterin
?
conflict
hours (10
with
one
degree.
sions
SFU's limitation
of
?
1
For
or 2
this
semesters
of
reason,
5 years
to
we
for
students
intend
completion
to
in
recommend
good
of a
standing.Master's
exten
-
The proposed courses are listed below. A more detailed
description of each course is contained in Appendix
A. All courses have a weight of 3 semester hours.
Engineering courses identified as "Topics In ..." will
emphasis.
not be offered on a regular basis and will have varying
Courses ENSC
degree.
?
ENSC
for all other
Normally, the
required for
list below.
Course
8AA to BEE are required for the M.Eng.?
8AA, in particular, is a prerequisite?
ENSC graduate courses except ENSC BEE.
?
minimum of four one-semester courses
?
the M.A.Sc. will be selected from the
Title
?
Instructors
ENSC BAA Linear System Dynamics
?
JKC, BTM, ANL
DAG
5
.
ENSC BBB
Techniques of Digital
JKC,DAG
Communications
ENSC 8CC
Digital Signal Processing
JKC,DAG,
external
ENSC 8DD
Signal Processing Electronics
AML
ENSC BEE
Engineering
Development Projects
Management for
external
ENSC 8FX
Topics in Communications, such as:
Network Protocols and Performance
JKC
RF Communications
external
Mobiles, Satellite Communications
JKC,
and Local Area Networks
external
Optical
cationsProcessing
and Communi-
external
(Ahmed)
Telephony and Digital Switching
external
Error Correcting Codes
external
ENSC 8GX
Topics in System Engineering, such
as:
System Implementation Methodology
external
System Performance Analysis
external,
JKC
ENSC 8HX
Topics in Signal Processing, such
as:
Image Processing ?
external,DAG
Speech Processing ?
external,DAG
The initials identify D.A. George, J.K. Cavers, A.M.
Leung and B.T. McGeer. An additional faculty member,
currently being recruited, will also contribute to
our capabilities to offer the above courses. Candidates
for this position, to which the University has com-
mitted, must have backgrounds in communications and
signal processing.
The following is a list of a few of the courses offered
by other faculties at SFU which are of particular rele-
vance to the Engineering Science graduate program.
CourseCMPT
840
??
Advanced
Title ?
Topics in Simulation
0
and Modelling
6
.
CMPT
CMPT
CMPT
CMPT
MATH
MATH
5B. The 14.:
842
851
852
860
408
439
Eng. Project
Distributed Computing
Reliable and Fault Tolerant Com-
puting
VLSI Systems Design
Algorithms of Optimization
Discrete Optimization
Introduction to Algebraic Systems
.
A key component of the M.Eng. program is a significant
industrial project which integrates knowledge gained
during the course of the student's graduate studies.
This project is to be performed in the workplace, typi-
cally in industry or government laboratories. As noted
earlier, an appropriate level of design, documentation
and reporting responsibility is required. The project
would be expected to take a minimum of one person-month.
During the project, the student will receive academic
supervision, as required, from the student's Senior
Supervisor at the University, and day-to-day supervision
from the student's manager, or a designated associate,
in his or her place of work. These industrial super-
visors, who will have appropriate qualifications, will
be appointed by the Faculty. In the case of very small
companies, alternative arrangements will be made for
supervision.
The project will be initiated by the student with a
proposal which identifies the scope of the work, antici-
pated results, resources required and the schedule.
It should also provide rationale for the project to
be used toward the M.Eng. degree. The proposal will
be reviewed by the Faculty Graduate Program Chairman
and a three-person Supervisory Committee consisting
of the Senior Supervisor, one additional faculty member
and the industrial supervisor. Commitment of the
company and the University to the project will be for-
malized by an exchange of letters.
The Supervisory Committee will meet at least once for
a project review prior to submission of the student's
report.
0
7
.
The Supervisory Committee and the Graduate Program
Chairman will assess the student's project on the basis
of conduct of the project, quality of the work, and
quality of the report. If the report is not at an
appropriate level of clarity for technical writing,
the committee will reject it and the student will have
to resubmit it. In addition to the report, the student
will make an oral presentation to at least the Super-
visory Committee and one other faculty member.
University regulations require a copy of the report
to be placed in the Library. For this reason, the
report will normally omit sensitive company informa-
tion. In those infrequent cases where the company
feels that the project and its results should be confi-
dential, the University can withhold the report from
circulation for up to one year. This requirement must
be accepted by the University at the time of project
initiation.
6.
Not applicable.
8.7.
Not
Consultation
applicable.with
?
non-university agencies:
.0
Professors D.A. George and J.K. Cavers have a great
deal of contact with industry through personal con-
suiting and industrial research contracts held by univer-
sities. Dr. Cavers, in particular, spent the four years
prior
nology-based
to his
companies.
joining
.
SFU in two Vancouver area tech-.
In December 1983, SFU's draft proposal for such a pro-
gram was reviewed by representatives from four organiza-
tions: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Glenayre
Electronics, Microtel Pacific Research, and Vancouver
General Hospital. Their requests and comments resulted
in a much strengthened plan. During 1984, this revised
draft was circulated in the Engineering Departments
of a number of B.C. engineering companies. In addi-
tion, we made presentations of our plans at three com-
panies: AEL Microtel, Glenayre Electronics, and Microtel
Pacific Research. Since many engineers are watching
the development of this program with anticipation,
we received a large number of suggestions, many of
which have been incorporated into this latest proposal.
n
.
.
8
III NEED FOR PROGRAM
1.
Rationale for the Engineering Graduate Program
Most locations with a cluster of high technology
companies are characterized by the proximity of univer-
sities and by an exchange of ideas and people between
industry and university. "Silicon Valley" in California
and Route 129 outside Boston are two examples. In
Canada, the growth in Kanata, outside of Ottawa, was
also supported by the two local universities with part-
time graduate programs and evening classes.
Vancouver is not so fortunate. There is at present
little university support for part-time graduate work
in engineering in Greater Vancouver. This observation
motivated one of SFU's objectives for the proposed
Engineering Graduate Program:
- ACCESSIBILITY TO PRACTICING ENGINEERS
For a variety of reasons, ranging from shifts in
technical emphasis on the job to a fear of technical
obsolescence, many engineers look to graduate programs
to upgrade their skills. SFU will respond to this
need by offering graduate courses at hours and loca-
tions, and in formats, such that a Master's degree
can be obtained through part-time study.
While the importance of the part-time program cannot
be overstated, it must also be recognized that staying
current and innovative requires a small group of resi-
dent graduate students pursuing thesis work. SFU's
second objective reflects this need:
- RESEARCH AND THESIS WORK RELEVANT TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN B.C.
2. Enrollment:
(a) Evidence of student interest:
Apart from informal requests for the program from engin-
eers,
?
engineering management and upper management,
we have quantitative evidence of demand. We have
already offered two graduate courses on a special basis,
through the Department of Computing Science. The first
was given in the spring of 1984; despite only a two
week notice, a dozen working engineers attended the
class, two evenings a week. The second course was given
in the fall of 1984, also in the evening. We had 35
9
?
.
applications, and had to limit the class size to 20,
all of them working engineers.
Companies whose employees have taken our courses
include: Microtel Pacific Research, Glenayre Elec-
tronics, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, Mobile
Data International, Spilsbury Communications, Canysco,
Kwantlen College, DBA Communications, International
Submarine Engineering.
(b,c,d) Enrollment Predictions:
Based on discussions over the past year and a half
with local companies, and on the number of students
who are taking our ad hoc graduate courses, we believe
that the M.Eng. program will attract between 30 and
40 part-time students. Expectations for the M.A.Sc.
program are more modest: initially, only 2 or 3 full-
time students, and when the program is fully opera-
tional, between 5 and 10.
We do not expect to have to set a ceiling on the number
of students in the M.Eng. program, though the number
in any one course may be restricted. With 3 or 4
courses offered each semester, a typical class would
have 10 to 15 students. Minimum enrollment would be
about 10 students unless the course is needed for the
timely completion of some students' programs. As for
the M.A.Sc. program, the number of students is unlikely
to exceed 10, simply because of the limited number
of faculty members available for thesis supervision.
3. Types of Jobs for Which the Graduates will be Suitable:
Our part-time students will be employed in engineering
or other technical work. After completing the M.Eng.
program, they will be qualified to undertake research,
development and design projects at a more advanced
level. Moreover, the course on management, together
with the requirement for adequate design and reporting
responsibility in the M.Eng. industrial project, will
help the graduates to be ready to take on project leader
or project manager roles.
The M.A.Sc. graduates will be ready for similar roles
at a level influenced by their previous working experi-
ence. Many would be expected to undertake doctoral
work in preparation for work in research, advanced
development or university teaching.
?
is
IV PRESENT AND PROJECTED RESOURCES
1.
Administrative Personnel:
As the graduate program is introduced, the undergraduate
program will be stabilizing. This will free administra-
tive resources sufficient to support the graduate pro-
gram. No additional personnel will be required.
2.
Faculty, Including TA's and PA's:
As there are a limited number of faculty members in
SFU
as follows:
Engineering Science, we have structured the program
- Most of our students will be in the all course
program.
(M.Eng.)
?
program,
In addition,
rather
the
than
M.Eng.
the
project
thesis
is
(M.A.Sc.)
required
to be performed in industry, rather than at SFU.
- Since most students will take several years to com-
plete the degree requirements on a part-time basis,
we can rotate our courses, offering only a subset
of them in any year.
- The full-time M.A.Sc. program weights the thesis
heavily, so that relatively few courses will be needed
in any one year for full-time students.
- The program is focussed, and initially will offer
courses only in communications, signal processing
and related electronics.
- We will make extensive use of sessional or visiting
instructors drawn from the local professional commu-
nity.
- We will make use of SFU's transfer credit policy
to take advantage of appropriate courses offered
by other institutions.
The two Master's programs, the M.A.Sc. and M.Eng.,
have been designed to be operationally complementary
so that the number of courses which must be presented
in a given semester is small. This is achieved by
having a small number of full-time (M.A.Sc.) students
pursue a program which emphasizes thesis work while
the relatively larger group of part-time (M.Eng.) stu-
ter.
dents
?
take
Only
but
one
one,
course,
or at
ENSC
most
8AA
two,
Linear
courses
Systems
per semes-
Dyna-
11
?
.
mics, will be given annually, in the Fall semester.
Almost all other courses have
n
oprerequjsjte other
than EMSC 8AA. Consequently, a minimum of only two
to
or
,,
sustain
three courses
the program.
need be given in any one semester
The original planning for Engineering Science assumed
needed
nity
a graduate
e
xpectation,
to
program
sustain
as
of
a
well
this
quality
as
nature.
the
un
research
dergraduate
In terms
environment
of
program,
commu-
a graduate program is necessary. An average of one
graduate course per faculty member, and an equal number
of ,courses by sessional, visiting or adjunct faculty,
yields about eight courses per year. Given the opera-
sufficient.
tional structure of the two programs, this is quite
Initially however, given current demands on the time
and effort of faculty members in Engineering Science,
only four graduate courses will be given per year.
Two or three of these will be offered by full-time
faculty with sessional or part-time staff offering
the other one or two.
The use of sessional instructors and part-time visiting
faculty drawn from the technical community gives us
greater scope in the courses we can offer and leaves
us the flexibility to respond quickly in areas of
rapidly changing technology. There are in the Vancouver
area a number of highly
qualified
and experienced people
who have expressed an interest in teaching a graduate
courses.
i
nstructional
Those
activities
who take
on
part
a continuing
in our planning
basis will
and
be designated as "Adjunct Professors". In order to
ensure that the program keeps its intended focus, we
will have review meetings of all those involved in
graduate teaching at beginning and end of each semester.
One other point which we consider is the supervisory
and administrative load of the M.Eng. projects. With
an estimated steady-state size of 30 to 40 students
in a program which takes up to 5 years to complete,
and with an estimated project duration of 6 months,
we expect that only 3 or 4 projects will be active
at' any one time. Since the supervisory part of the
load will be spread over several faculty members, we
do not expect it to be onerous. The administrative
load will be taken by the faculty member acting as
Graduate
strative
Program
assistant.Chairman
?
Again
and
the
by
load
the
is
faculty's
not excessive,
admini
-
with an estimated 8 project completions per year.
12
3.
Library Resources:
No resources beyond those which will be built up in
support of research activities will be needed (see
Appendix B).
4. Capital Costs:
No costs beyond those needed for undergraduate and
research activities will be required. Our policy calls
for integrated laboratories utilized for undergraduate,
graduate and research purposes. Graduate use will
be time-shared with the other functions. No graduate
laboratory work will be undertaken which is not com-
patible with our research and undergraduate activities.
5.
Anticipated External Funds:
Support for research equipment and personnel, including
graduate students, is being obtained from the usual
sources including NSERC, federal government departments,
research contracts from industry, and the B.C. Science
Council. ?
Substantial discounts on equipment have been
.
?
?
obtained and endowment funds in support of laboratory?
work are being accumulated.
6.
Budget:
Four visiting instructors at a cost of about $14,000
is the major budgetary consequence of this program
at full size. With four courses given by regular
faculty each year, we would be offering four courses
per semester for 30 or 40 part-time students typically
taking a single course. Viability requires a minimum
of two courses per semester, which could be sustained
by full- time faculty, supplemented by one or two
visiting instructors per year. Graduate student support
is appropriately charged against research and under-
graduate instruction.
7.
Faculty Research Awards: 1983 - Present
This list includes only the awards since the start
of SFtJ's Engineering Science Program.
L
13
S
Principal
?
Title/Date
Agency
Amount
J.K. Cavers ?
Prototype
Development
Highof
a
Council
BC Science
$141,000
Speed Modem for
HF Radio/September
1983. ?
(Held by
Glenayre Electronics)
High Speed VHF/UHF
Mobile Data
$ 54,000
Radio Modems/Jan.
International
1984
HF and VHF Digital
NSERC
$ 40,500
Mobile Radio/March
1984 (Three year
operating grant)
Techniques for
Dept. of
$ 39,000
Implementing
Communications
Modem Functions
Using DSP Chips
B.T. McGeer ?
Robotics in
SFU Programs
$ 45,000
Engineering Science/
of Distinction
September 1984
Development of an
Ignition Timing
System for Spark-
Ignited Engines
Fueled by Gaso-
line or Natural
Gas/submitted, not
yet approved
B.C. Science $ 28,000
Council
A. M. Leung
D.A. George
(with
N.Cercone &
W. Richards)
Infrared Data
Communication
System
The Automated
Academic Advisor
SFU ?
$ 2,200
President's
Research Grant
NSERC ?
$373,000
V ?
EVALUATION
1. ?
Evaluation by Other BC Institutions: attached.
?
0
14
2. ?
Outside Expert Evaluation of the Program: attached.
.
3.
Procedures for Continuing Institutional Evaluation:
The dynamic nature of this area of engineering ensures
on-going evaluation within Engineering Science as
a matter of course, as does the involvement of adjunct
faculty. Enrollments are a more quantitative measure
of the quality and appropriateness of the program.
Beyond this, no formal processes are presently contem-
plated.
4.
Plans for Future External Evaluation:
As noted in 11-8 above, we reviewed our early
proposals for the program with representatives of
a number of B.C. companies. We plan to hold a similar
review on an annual basis, in order to gauge whether
the N.Eng. program, in particular, is still covering
the areas of interest. Rather than establish a
standing committee, we will draw on appropriate
community members as they are available in order
to bring in fresh viewpoints.
VI LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Curriculum Vitae of Full-Time Faculty Members
Curriculum Vitae of Adjunct and Visit Professors
Outside Evaluations of the Program Proposal
Additional Letters of Support
0
b) Calendar Entry
9 ?
School of Engineering Science
Location: ?
Room 8548, Multi-purpose Complex
291-4371
Director:
?
Donald ?
A. George,
?
B.Eng. (McG.),
?
M.S. ?
(Stan.), Sc.D (MIT), P.Eng.
Graduate Program
Chairman:
?
James K. Cavers, B.A.Sc., Ph.D. (Br.Col.)
Faculty and Areas of Research
Donald A. George
?
signal processing applications to communica-
tions and ranging systems; man-machine
communications; ?
educational application?
of technology
James K. Cavers
?
mobile communications, signal processing,
network protocols
Albert N. Leung
?
microelectronics,
?
integrated ?
circuit
?
design, physical sensors
.
B.T. McGeer
?
design
robotics,
?
automatic control,
?
aircraft
DEGREES OFFERED
Engineering Science offers two distinct programs of study,
leading to a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), or Master of Applied
Science (M.A.Sc.). The M.Eng. program is designed for part-time
study by practicing engineers and is based on a set of courses,
normally offered in the evenings, plus a project performed in
industry. The principal areas of study offered in the M.Eng. pro-
gram are electronics, communications and signal processing.
The M.A.Sc., on the other hand, is a full-time program in which
primary emphasis is on the thesis, rather than course work.
It is more exploratory than the M.Eng., and hence the areas
of study cover a greater range.
Admission
The normal admission requirement to the M.Eng. and M.A..Sc. pro-
gram is a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer
engineering, engineering science or a related area, with a cumula-
tive G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (B) from a recognized university,
. ?
or the equivalent. Note that the size of the faculty limits
the number of M.A.Sc. students.
2
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - M.Eng. Program
1. ?
Course Work
required t
work, at
a project.
required.
other ENSC
M.Eng. candidates are
semester hours course
the graduate level, plu
ENSC 8AA to 8EE are
prerequisite for all
8EE.
o complete a minimum of 30
least 20 of which must be at
Of the courses listed below,
ENSC BAA, in particular, is a
graduate courses except ENSC
A key component of the M.Eng. program is a significant industrial
project which integrates knowledge gained during the course
of the student's graduate studies. This project is to be per-
laboratories.
formed in the
?
workplace,
An appropriate
typically
level
in
of
industry
design,
or
documentation
government
be
and
expected
reporting
to take
responsibility
a minimum of
is
one
required.
person-month.
?
The project would
?
During the project, the student will receive academic supervi-
sion, as required, from the student's Senior Supervisor at the
University, and day-to-day supervision from the student's mana-
ger, or a designated associate, in his or her place of work.
These industrial supervisors, who will sit on the student's
Supervisory Committee, will be appointed by the Faculty. In
the case of very small companies, alternative arrangements will
be made for supervision.
In addition to submission of a technical report at the completion
of the project, the student will make an oral presentation to
at least the Supervisory Committee and one other faculty member.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - M.A.Sc. Program
M.A.Sc. candidates are required to complete 30 semester hours
work, as a minimum of 12 semester hours course work, plus a
thesis with a weight of 18 semester hours. The courses will,
in consultation with the Senior Supervisor, normally be selected
from the list below. Additional courses may be required to
correct deficiencies in the student's background. The M.A.Sc.
thesis is to be based on an independent project with a signifi-
cant research component. The student is required to defend
the thesis at an examination, in accordance with general univer-
sity regulations.
0
3
is
ENGINEERING SCIENCE GRADUATE COURSES (ENSC)
ENSC 8AA-3 Linear S
ystems
Dynamics
A ':nified presentation of systems and signals analysis techniques.
Linear algebra up to Cayley-Hamilton. Linear systems: super-
position, convolution for differential and difference equations.
State variables: canonic forms, modal decomposition. Transforms:
Fourier, Laplace, Z. Random processes: discrete time processes,
AR and ARMA models, least squares estimation. Communication sig-
nals and their representation.
Prerequisite: undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics
or physics.
ENSC 8BB-3 Techniques of Di
gital
Communications
Modulation, detection and synchronization techniques for digital
transmission.
?
Decision theory and optimum detectors. Channel
impairments: random phase, random gain, restricted bandwidth,
nonhinearitjes. Comparison of signal sets. Carrier and bit synch-
ronization. Precoding for dispersive channels. Adaptive equaliza-
tion. Sequence decoding by Viterbi algorithm.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
40
?
ENSC 8CC-3 Digital Signal Processing
Techniques for digital processing of one and two dimensional
signals. Filter design. Finite word length effects. Canonical
forms, lattice filters. Estimation of power spectrum. Homomorphic
signal processing.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
ENSC 8DD-3 Signal Processing Electronics
Hardware
switched capacitor
implementation
filters.
tools
?
Noise
and
and
design
dynamic
techniques.
range in
?
sampled
CCDs,
analog circuits. ?
Special purpose and general purpose digital
systolic
signal processors.
arrays, data
?
flow
Signal
architectures.
processing architectures: pipeline,
?
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
ENSC 8EE-3 Engineering Management for Develo
p
ment Projects
This course focusses on the management and reporting activities
of typical engineering development projects. Through seminars
and workshops it builds the student's skills at estimating project
co- and schedule, keeping a project on track, and handing over
4 ?
.
the completed project to a customer or another team. A writing
workshop emphasizes techniques for writing proposals, and writing
and controlling documentation.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
ENSC 8FX-3 Topics in Communications
RF Communication
Modulation, detection and propagation. considerations in satellite
communication, mobile radio, HF radio, and CATV networks. The
electronics.
emphasis is on system design considerations, rather than detailed
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
Mobiles, Satellite Communications and Local Area Networks
Analytical survey of multiple access techniques used in satel-
lite communications, mobile and cellular radio, local area networks
and CATV data networks.
Prerequisite: ENSC 8AA, MATH 357 or equivalent
Network Protocols and Performance
Practical techniques of design and performance analysis of data
networks up to layer 3 of the Open System Interconnection protocol
hierarchy. Point to point data links. Polling networks. Networks
networks.
of queues, routing strategies, transit time and loading of packet
Prerequisite: ENSC 8AA.
O p
tical Processing and Communications
This course will give an overview of fibre optics communications
and integrated optics, with emphasis on the latter. The discussion
will include multimode and single-mode technology, semi-conduconduc-
tor sources, photo detectors, communications systems and fibre
optic sensors.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
Telephony and Digital Switchin
Organization of the voice network, with special reference to digi-
tal switching and transmission.
?
Digital conversion.
?
Digital
hierarchy, and formats. Multiplexing. Digital switch principles
and architecture.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
Error Correcting Codes
?
40
Introduction to error detecting and correcting codes and their
implementations.
SPrerequisite: undergraduate courses in probability and discrete
mathematics
ENSC 8GX Topics in S
ystem
Engineering
S
y stem Im
p
lementation Methodology
Techniques used in planning, design and implementation of large
systems. Functional requirements and high level design. Subsystem
specifications. Margin definition and management. The system
design and maintenance lifecycle. Team structures and large pro-
ject management.
Prerequisite: ENSC BEE
ENSC 8HX To
pics' in Signal Processing
Image Processing
Analytical and practical treatment of techniques for processing
images. Image correction and enhancement, compression for storage
and transmission. Hardware structures for image handling and
display.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
'
?
4
Appendix A
.
?
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ENSC BAA Linear S
y
stems Dynamics
A unified presentation of the systems and signals analysis
techniques which are given in a fragmentary fashion in undergrad-
uate and first level graduate courses. Linear algebra up to quadra-
tic form, Jordan form and Cayley-Hamilton. Linear systems: super-
position, invariance relations, convolution for differential and
difference equations.
?
State variables: ?
canonic forms, modal
decomposition,
?
observatility, ?
controllability.
?
Transforms:
Fourier, Laplace, Z. Random processes: correlation functions
and power spectra, effect of linear operations, discrete time
processes, AR and ARMA models. Least squares estimation, Wiener
filters. Communication signals and their representation.
Prerequisite: undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics
or physics.
ENSC 8BB Techniques of Digital Communications
Modulation and detection techniques for digital transmis-
sion. ?
Complex envelopes. Decision theory and optimum detectors.
Channel impairments: ?
random phase, random gain, restricted band-
width, nonlinearities. ?
Comparison of signal sets, e.g., FSK,?
PSK, MSK, Manchester. Carrier and bit synchronization. Precoding
for dispersive channels:
?
partial response, B6ZS, Miller code.
?
Adaptive equalization. Sequence decoding by Viterbi algorithm.
Prerequisite: ENSC 8AA
a.
2 ?
0
ENSC 8CC Digital Signal Processing
Techniques for digital processing of one and two dimensional
signals. ?
Review of Fourier, DFT, FFT and chirp-z transforms.?
Infinite and finite impulse response filter design: impulse invari-
ance and bilinear transform techniques, Chebyshev approximation,
Remez
?
exchange algorithm. ?
Canonical forms, lattice filters.?
Finite word length effects. Estimation of power spectrum, correla-
tion and covariance. ?
Prediction and reflection coefficients,
Levinson's recursion, Leroux-Guegin technique.
?
Fast Kalman and
?
lattice recursions. Homomorphic signal processing.
Prerequisite: ENSC 8AA
ENSC 8DD Signal Processing Electronics
CCDs, bucket brigades, transversal and recursive filters,
switched capacitor filters. Noise in sampled analog circuits,
dynamic range, signal to noise ratio. Special purpose digital
processors: ?
bit slice ALUs, MAC chips. General purpose digital
?
signal processors: NEC 7720, TMS 320. Signal processing architec-
tures: pipeline, systolic arrays. Data flow architectures.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
ENSC 8EE Engineering Management for Develo
pment
Prolects
This course focusses on the management and reporting activi-
ties of typical engineering development projects. Through seminars
and workshops it builds the student's skills at estimating project
cost and schedule, keeping a project on track, and handing over
the completed project to a customer or another team. Basic prin-
3
ciples of accounting as applied to engineering are introduced
- as a language forcoinmunicating with a finance department or inves-
tor. A writing workshop emphasizes techniques for writing propo-
sals, and writing and controlling documentation.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
ENSC BFX Topics in Communications
RF Communication
Modulation and propagation considerations in satellite communi-
cation, mobile radio, HF radio, and CATV networks. Review of
noise figure, intermodulation distortion, and the FM equation.
Oscillator instability and phase noise. Satellites: link budgets,
effect of carrier frequency and antenna gain, FDM and TDM organiza-
tion, satellite doppler. Mobile radio: vehicle motion and fading,
random FM, diversity, propagation and shadowing, interference
and frequency reuse, simulcast. HF radio: propagation mechanism,
Clark Watterson model of channel fluctuation, diversity, parallel
and serial modulation. CATV networks: coax transmission charac-
teristics, noise and intermod in cascaded amplifiers, feedforward
amps, model of upstream transmission. Narrowband and spread spec-
trum digital transmission over all four media.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
Mobiles, Satellite Communications and Local Area Networks
Analytical survey of multiple access techniques used in satel-
lite communications, mobile and cellular radio, local area networks
and CATV data networks. Random access: ALOHA, reservation ALOHA
4
4
?
El
and CSMA in satellites, cellular radio and CATV, hierarchical
organization of CATV networks, Ethernet and token passing perfor-
mance. Demand assigned inultiaccess (DAMA) protocols for single
channel per carrier and time division techniques. Intelsat proto-
cols. Spread spectrum multiaccess by direct sequence and frequency
hopping in satellite and mobile radio.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA, MATH 357 or equivalent
Network Protocols and Performance
Practical techniques of design and analysis of data networks.
Open System Interconnection protocol hierarchy. Point to point
data link protocols: HDLC, BSC, DDCNP. Pitfalls of protocol
design. . Effect of noise, bit rate and fading on delay and through
-
put.. Virtual circuits and datagrams. X.25. Routing strategies:
fixed alternate, dynamic. Elementary queuing theory. Delay and
throughput on a polling network. Networks of queues, independence
assumption. Transit time and loading of packet networks.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA.
O p
tical Processing and Communications
?
.
This course will give an overview of fibre optics communi-
cations and integrated optics, with emphasis on the latter. The
discussion will include multimode and single-mode technology,
semi-conduconductor sources, photo detectors, communications sys-
tems and fibre optic sensors.
Analyses and fabrication techniques of integrated optic wave
guides and devices will be presented. Some of the electrooptic
and acousto-optic integrated optic devices that will be discussed
5
• are: phase-modulators, directional couplers, switches, filters,
spectrum analyzer on-a-chip, gyroscopes, voltage and temperature
sensors.
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
Tele p hony
and Di
g ital Switching
Organization of the voice network, switching hierarchy.
Analog trunk and line interfaces. The PBX. Analog multiplexing,
transmission, switching. Digital conversion: companding, channel
banks.
?
Digital hierarchy, DS1 and DS3 format. Asychrorous multi
-
plexing. Digital switch principles and architecture.
Prerequisite: ENSC 8AA
Error Correcting Codes
Introduction to error detecting and correcting codes and
their implementations. Information theory: entropy, information,
Huffman codes, random coding bounds. Discrete mathematics:
groups, rings, fields, polynomials over finite fields. Group
codes, syndromes. Cyclic codes, primitive polynomials, correction
algorithms, BCH, Fire, RS codes. Convolutional codes, sequential
and Viterbi decoding.
Prerequisite: undergraduate courses in probability and discrete
mathematics
NOTE: It is our understanding that the Department of Mathematics
is developing a similar course. If it is appropriate,
we will drop this course.
0
6
ENSC 8GX Topics in
S
y
stem
Engineering
S
y
stem Im
p lementation Methodology
Techniques used in planning, design and implementation of
large systems. ?
Functional requirements and high level design.
Subsystem requirements and technical specifications.
?
Tradeoff ?
analysis, margin definition and management, hardware versus soft-
ware implementations, the system design and maintenance lifecycle.
Team structures and large project management.
Prerequisite: ENSC 8EE
ENSC BHX Topics in Si
gnal Processin
Image Processing
Analytical treatment of techniques for processing images.
Two dimensional transform and spectral representation. Optical
filtering. ?
Product decomposition of image. Non uniform sampling,
resampling, ?
image rotation.
?
Geometric correction. ?
Spectral ?
filtering, 2-D recursive filters. Image enhancement and deconvolu-
tion. Compression for storage and transmission
Prerequisite: ENSC BAA
0
C]
F. Weinstein
For Library
Date:
311/12/03
'Fór Faculty Department
_-
Date:.
Deadline Date
AVFt'(
3
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY COLLECTION EVALUATION
(To be completed only for new course proposals; not needed for re-numbering)
Course number and name Master's Program in Engineering
1.
Evaluation of current library collection (indicate method used, as applicable):
In addition to substantial related holdings in Computer Science, Applied
Mathematics, and Physics, the library collection includes 1800 texts and
reference books in the specified areas of computer and communicaticns
technology, and electronics.
Periodical holdings presently include all such publications of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
2.
Recoended additions to collection (monographs, serials, other); attach sup-
plementary lists as necessary:
The collection is presently being enhanced through approval plan coverage
of all English language book publications in the specified areas of con-
centration.
Additional periodical subscriptions will be considered when real demands
warrant.
?
Interlibrary loan access to UBC collections will suffice initially.
3. Estimated costs:
A. Initial costs
B. Continuing costs
monographs
serials
Total
monographs
serials
Total
?
0
?
-
4.
Special budget and scheduling factors (include special processing, equipment,
and servic
i
ng costs):
None.
5.
Other pertinent details:
Coiiputerized literature searching, as presently provided by the Library,
should prove of particular value to students in this program.
f)
•
:
December 18, 1984
Dean Spruce Riordou
Faculty of Engineering
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 5B6
Dear Dean Riordou:
Thank you for agreeing to serve as an assessor of the proposed two
Master's Programmes in Engineering.
I enclose a copy of the proposal, a copy of the University Graduate
Regulations governing all graduate students at Simon Fraser, the
course descriptions (Appendix A), the Sirron Fraser University
Library Collection Evaluation (Appendix 13), a compilation of curricula
vitae and background information on the Faculty organization and
undergraduate programme.
.
?
The Assessment CaiTnittee would appreciate your frank comments on
the academic merit and suitability of the proposed programmes.
Please include in your report answers to the following questions:
1.
Is the available academic and professional expertise sufficient
to implement the Master's Prtxjralmes outlined here?
2.
Dc you think that graduates of these programmes will be of
quality comparable to those produced at the leading institutions
in these particular areas of Engineering?
3.
How large is the need for the graduates that these programmes
would produce and is it a continuing need?
4.
Are the particular progranirs proposed likely to meet the stated
objectives?
You should note that these questions are not meant to limit the
range of your comments in an
y way.
Furthermore, it would be most helpful if you could make, in addition
to your other comments, specific recommendations on either the approval,
modification, delay or disapproval of the prograirrws.
0
?
12
Dean Spruce Riordou
?
-2-- ?
December 18, 1984
Your report will be made available, upon request, to
?
crs of the
Corrnittees and other governing bodies both within and without the
University that must approve the prograirrnes before they can be implemented.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could see your way to responding
within the next couple of weeks.
The honorarium paid by this University for such services is $200. Thank
you for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
John M. Webster, Associate Vice-
President, Academic and Dean of
Graduate Studies
/die
Attachments
0
Carleton University
Ottawa, Canada K1S 5B6
January 28, 1985
Dr. John M. Webster,
Associate Vice President, Academic,
and Dean of Graduate Studies,
Simon Fraser University,
Burnaby, B.C.
V5A 1S6
Dear Dr. Webster:
. ?
Attached is my assessment of the proposed Master's program in
Engineering at Simon Fraser University. I believe that it is a
very worthwhile endeavour, and I look forward to its success.
Yours sincerely,
A
?
J. S. Riordon,
Dean of Engineering.
End.
Office ofthe Dean
0
Faculty of Engineering
0
Room 360
C.J.
Mackenzie Building
0
(613) 231-2616
ASSESSMENT OF
?
1
0
PROPOSED MASTER'S PROGRAM IN ENGINEERING?
AT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
1. Academic
sIlLd
p rofessional exnertise
The faculty members associated with this program are small in number
but of very high quality. In particular, Professors George and Cavers have
broad and extensive experience and enjoy deservedly excellent reputations
in the electrical engineering community.
The program is ambitious, comprising thirteen one term courses.
However, the Faculty of Engineering Science has designed the program in
such a way that much of the immediate project supervision for the M.Eng.
will be
carried out in
industry, ?
and that only a limited selection of
courses
will be offered
in any given term.
2.
Qualit y
af
graduates
Admission requirements to this program are comparable to those of
similar ones throughout North America. Course descriptions indicate that
courses will be relevant and up-to-date. More important, the academic
personnel themselves are leaders in the field. Within the area covered,
therefore, I expect that the graduates of this program will be comparable
in quality to those of leading institutions in the country.
Arrangements for industry liaison in the operation of M.Eng. projects,
and for suitable supervision, have been thought out carefully. They make
good use of industrial facilities, and should help to further cement
relations between faculty and industry. The small M.A.Sc. program proposed
is appropriate and valuable, helping maintain and renew the 'in house'
research program.
1
0
??
Four or five faculty members, even with the help of expert sessional
lecturers, cannot cover a broad area. In this sense also the program has
been well thought out, in that it is focussed upon communications and
signal processing. Undoubtedly, though, students will wish to study in
cognate areas. Those of real time systems design, performance analysis,
and microelectronics come to mind as being of special interest to students
in this program. It seems desirable that students be encouraged to take
advantage of complementary courses available elsewhere in Simon Fraser
University and at the University of British Columbia. Conversely, students
in cognate departments will undoubtedly benefit from the expertise made
available through this program.
?
3. ?
Need ?
graduates
•
?
?
The specialization within this Master's program is closely related to
the main thrust of advanced technology industry in the Vancouver region.
Most, if not all, of the M.Eng. students will already hold jobs, and the
availability of this program will help local industry substantially in
maintaining a competitive edge. In a wider context, the rapid worldwide
growth of the market sector in computing, communications and electronics
indicates a very strong demand for graduates of this nature for the
foreseeable future. Indeed, Canada's problem will be that of producing an
adequate number of highly qualified people in these fields.
?
1. ?
Effectiveness
Two principal objectives, aeccessibility and the development of
relevant thesis research, have been specified. I have every confidence
that the program as proposed will meet these objectives.
r
2
a
5. ?
General comments
Dean George and his associates are to be congratulated on meeting the
challenge of designing a program which should combine wide accessibility
with high quality in the face of very limited resources. In its
implementation, I recommend that careful attention be paid to the existence
of complementary programs and courses in the Vancouver region in an effort
to maintain ease of accessibility which will enrich the base of courses
from which students may draw.
In conclusion, I recommend that the program be implemented to begin In
the fall of 1985.
.
3
a
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Department of Electrical Engineering
z2
Toronto, Canada
M5S 1A4
January 17, 1985
Professor John M. Webster
Associate Vice—President
Academic and Dean of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
Dear Dean Webster:
I have read the material you sent me concerning the proposed
two Master's Programmes in Engineering at Simon Fraser. I should
make you aware that my experience (with Dean George) as a sessional
part—time lecturer at Carleton University (1960-66) in developing
similar programmes may be viewed as creating some bias. On the
other hand, that experience of developing new programmes gives
me some insight into the problems which can arise.
The programmes proposed are essentially conventional in
structure. The M.Eng. programme is clearly based in part on Carleton's
experience, but it also resembles very closely the industry—oriented
M.Eng. stream here. The M.A.Sc. programme differs only slightly
from most other programmes in the suggestion that the thesis research
may, when appropriate, be done in industry. I will structure my
report in the form of extended answers to your four specific ques-
tions, followed by the specific recommendation you ask for.
1.
Available academic and professional expertise. The c.v."s
of the staff in Engineering Science make it clear that they are
capable of offering high quality courses for the technical core
of the programme (courses ENSC 8AA-8DD), and of supervising M.A.Sc.
students. Th p
courses offered in computer science and mathematics
named in the proposal are appropriate and presumably well—established.
Transfer credit arrangements with UBC will allow the maintenance
of the proposed relatively narrow focus of the SFU programme of
courses. The analysis of resources (section IV of the proposal)
is clear and convincing. The relatively heavy reliance on external
sessional lecturers might be questioned, but this is more a question
of quality than anything else, and I discuss this further later
on. I conclude that sufficient expertise is available to implement
the programmes.
2.
Quality of graduates. This must be inferred from the quality
of entering students, the quality of courses offered, the qua'ity
of the staff, and the quality of project and thesis supervision.
The quality of entering students can only be deduced from admission
. ?
standards. The requirement for a CGPA of at least 3.0, plus letters
of reference, seems a reasonable one. I would suggest, however,
2
-2—
Professor John M. Webster
?
January 17, 1985
?
0
that initially it might be wise to set a somewhat higher CGPA
as the programme is in development, say 3.3. I assume this can
be effected by administrative action, if it is considered desirable,
without changing Graduate School regulations. This somewhat higher
level seems to me particularly desirable for M.A.Sc. students.
With only about five new M.A.Sc. admissions a year, this policy
might prove tenable permanently. I would encourage the Graduate
Programme Committee to exercise this initial selectivity to establish
firm admission standards at the outset: it is far easier to relax
standards found to be too high than to raise standards found to
be too lax.
The course outlines describe the material I would expect
to find in such courses, organized in a coherent way. So far as
one can infer the level of presentation from the descriptions,
it appears adequate. I see no reason to question the quality of
the courses proposed.
The quality of the regular Engineering Science staff is
not in doubt. However, great care must be taken in the selection
of adjunct and sessional staff. Quality assurance depends here
on people (primarily the Graduate Programme Chairman, who I assume
will initially be Dean George) and on the processes used for appoint-
ment. This latter issue is not addressed in the proposal, perhaps
because SFU already has in place procedures for deciding who may
teach graduate students. If such procedures are not in place,
I would suggest that appointments be made by the Dean of the Graduate
School on the recommendation of the Graduate Programme Chairman,
or an equivalent procedure appropriate to SFU 's internal organ-
dization. I believe Dean George's experience will be invaluable
in establishing appropriate standards from the beginning. Providing
this care is exercised, staff quality should he more than adequate
and could be excellent. I would add one suggestion drawn from
my own experience as a sometime sessional lecturer. In addition
to the review meetings outlined in the proposal, it would be useful
if each sessional or adjunct staff member had, as a contact person,
a named regular member of staff to turn to for advice during the
semester if needed.
Proper supervision of project/thesis work in industry can
be difficult. However, SFU already has a system of Supervisory
Committees, and section II.5B of the proposal shows awareness
of this issue. The Graduate Programme Chairman should, however,
Lake care that Supervisory Committees function properly, particularly
in the first years of the programme when standards are being set.
3
I
—2-
0 ?
Professor John M.Webster
?
January 17, 1985
I conclude that the quality of graduates will be comparable
to that of graduates from similar programmes at the University
of Toronto, provided that care is taken in student admissions,
the selection of sessional staff, and the proper functioning of
Supervisory Committees.
3.
Need for graduates. I do not wish to engage in manoower
needs p:ediction - a notoriously inexact science. I have no doubt
that the Vancouver area can absorb the number of graduates proposed,
particularly since M.Eng. graduates will presumably already be
employed. At an annual intake .level of about 8 M.Eng. and 5 M.A.Sc.
students, the need should, in my judgement, be a continuing one.
Experience with the part—time M.Eng. programme in this Department
has shown that stable enrolment can be maintained over long periods
without the lowering of standards.
4.
Meeting objectives. I believe the programmes as proposed
will meet the stated objectives. In my now rather to'long experience
of reviewing graduate programme proposals within this University,
is
?
?
Affairs,the Ontario system, and for the Ontario Council on University
?
Affairs, I have not often seen a more coherent and carefully thought
out proposal. Its authors deserve congratulation.
In my comments, I have raised some points where I believe
care is necessary in the management of the programmes, particularly
in their early years. My remarks are, however, cautionary rather
than critical. I have no hesitation in recommending that the proposed
programmes be approved. I do recommend, however, that the programmes
be evaluated by outside consultants in about seven years' time,
when the programmes have produced a number of graduates. A programme
in being can be much more accurately evaluated than a proposal
can be.
Yours sincerely,
H. W. Smith
?
£
Professor and
Chairman
HWS: jdl
I
MACDONALD
3751 Shell Road
?
D ETTVVILER
?
Richmond, B.C. Canada V6X 2Z9
AND ASSOCIATES LTD.
Telephone (604)
278-341
Telex 04-355599
January 14, 1985
John M. Webster
Associate Vice-President Academic
Dean of Graduate Studies
Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
V5A 1S6
Dear Sir:
The proposed program of part time graduate studies in Engineering
Science with an initial focus on communications, signal process-
ing and electronics has been needed for a long time in Vancouver.
MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates has had a number of its
employees obtain graduate degrees from UBC while remaining
employees, but in each instance it involved special arrangements
regarding hours of work so that the student could attend daytime
courses, reduced hours so the student could carry the necessary
number of courses, time-off for thesis work, etc. In general, the
company and the student had to accommodate to the demands of the
university. I, personally, always contrasted this situation with
that existing in Ottawa when I lived there and had access to
part-time graduate degree programs that accommodated themselves
to the needs of the working students and the normal 9 to 5
workday.
Such part-time programs are particularly important to companies
such as ours that are exploiting rapidly evolving technologies,
since being current with the state of the art is essential to
remain competitive. The difficulty is that most of our employees
are married and thus cannot afford to return to university on a
full time basis. A part-time graduate program allows them to
become technically current, while remaining fully employed. Thus
MacDonald Dettwiler is strongly supportive of the proposed
program of-graduate studies in Engineering Science, as, I am
sure, are companies such as Mobile Data International, Glenayre,
Microtel, and Epic Data. Consequently, I strongly recommend
approval of both programs in sufficient time for the first
students to be enrolled in the fall semester of this year.
I have included in Attachment A some detailed comments on the
proposal sent to me. In the following paragraphs I provide a
summary of those comments in the process of answering the
questions posed in your letter.
.
.,
' ?
h
Page 2
January 14, 1985
John M. Webster, Simon Fraser Universit
The number of faculty is sufficient to implement the programs
outlined provided the undergraduate and administrative loads
already present are not excessive. The two senior members of the
Engineering Science faculty will have to initially bear a larger
share of the graduate teaching and project supervision load,
since the two remaining faculty have no experience in these
activities, and the academic background of one of the junior
faculty is not directly related to the areas of concentration.
The suggested additional faculty member will help to reduce the
effect of any initial load distribution differences. In any
event, the discussion in Section IV.2 demonstrates that relative-
ly few courses and projects will be underway at any one time even
at the indicated levels of peak enrollment. The academic and
professional expertise of the faculty is exceptional in terms of
the quality of their degrees, the quality of their publications,
and the substantial industrial experience of the two senior
faculty. In all cases, except as noted above, all this academic
and professional experience is directly relevant to the suggested
areas of initial concentration. Thus, it is my opinion that both
the quality and quantity of professional and academic expertise
• ?
is adequate to implement the proposed programs.
The quality of the students who graduate from the proposed pro-
grams will be determined by the quality of the teaching and the
content of the courses they have taken, and the quality of the
projects or theses they complete. The quality of the Engineering
Science faculty teaching the courses has been discussed above.
Local industry contains many individuals who are working at the
forefront of technology in the areas of communications, signal
processing, and electronics, as borne out by the success of the
products and systems they have designed and sold successfully in
the U.S., Europe, Japan, and around the world. If, as I am sure
will happen, these individuals give courses in their areas of
special expertise, the students will be exposed to world class
technology. As a result, the graduates of the proposed programs
should definitely be of quality comparable to those produced by
the leading institutions in the areas of communications, signal
processing and electronics.
Since the majority of the graduates will be fully employed
throughout their graduate program, their employment is assured.
The need for professionals in local high technology companies to
stay current has been discussed and emphatically affirmed above.
Given the continuing growth of these companies, there will be a
continuing need for such graduate programs.
0
Page 3
January 14, 1985
John M. Webster, Simon Fraser Universit
The proposed program should meet the stated objectives. These are
recognized as being interdependent in that the on-going quality
of the M.ENG. program will be critically dependent on the on-
going research activities of the faculty, and on the ability to
attract additional qualified faculty. Both of these needs justify
the proposed M.A.Sc. program.
One aspect of the proposed program should be examined, namely the
requirement to complete ten courses plus a project for the M.ENG.
when the university regulations appear to require seven courses
plus a project. The ten courses must be completed in five years
which implies continuous attendance at fall and winter courses
over this period plus the execution of a substantial project. The
probability of being able to sustain continuous attendance over
this period while holding down a full time job with its attendant
demands is low.
As a final comment I agree with making the engineering management
course compulsory since the material covered is essential to
developing graduates who will be in a position to contribute to
local industry as members of professional staff or as entrepren-
eurs who start their own companies. The course content should be
refined in conjunction with the instructor obtained from local
industry. Some possible additions are noted in Attachment A.
I hope the above comments and the attachment are helpful and
assist in your obtaining approval for the proposed program which
will be a welcome addition to the local high technology scene.
Yours truly,
MACDONALD DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES LTD.
Denis Connor
Vice President
Corporate Development
Attachment
L
0
?
ATTACHMENT A
Section II.l.para 2.
Increase in capabilities of company staff does not necessarily
mean getting a degree, but simply upgrading their technical
skills.
Section II.2.para 2
Time suggested for courses is right.
Section II.2.para
3
This heavy weight on thesis research will make this more like a
PHD which may not initially be recognized in industry and thus
may work to the detriment of students.
Section II.2.para 4
This implies there will be a need for a PHD program soon.
Section
II.3.para 3
• Ten one semester courses plus a project expected to take 6 months
elapsed time implies at least five years to complete if a person
takes 1 course in each of the fall and spring semesters, skips
the summer semester and then does his project.
Section II.4.para 4
This suggestion of complementarity between the UBC and SFU
programs and the transfer of credits should be explored in more
depth since this may permit a student to address a broader range
Q f subjects in his course work; also students may need more
information on how SFU semester hours translate into UBC units
and vice versa.
Section II.5A.para 5
MENG requirements seem more stringent than the regulations in
Section 1.7.2 of the General Regulations (Graduate Programs)
which require 20 semester hours of graduate courses plus a pro-
ject, not 30 semester hours, 20 of which must be at the graduate
level as stated here. If 20 hours, i.e. 7 courses, were suffi-
cient then students would be able to more easily complete the
program within the 5 year restriction of Section 1.12.1 of the
General Regulations.
ATTACHMENT A
?
PAGE 2
Section II.5A.course list
It appears that JKC will take the lead in most cases where an
external lecturer is not involved.
A very useful course for local industry that is not shown would
be one entitled " Design of Electronic Products for Manufactur-
ability" which would address how to design electronic products so
they can be manufactured at low cost while achieving specified
reliability and performance goals. Such a course would have to
touch on manufacturing techniques and processes, design for test-
ability, design to meet reliability, availability and maintain-
ability goals, methods for reducing cost in product manufacture,
learning curve techniques for predicting cost reductions as a
function of number units built, etc.
The list of required courses is excellent and making the engin-
eering management course compulsory is essential to developing
graduates who will be in a position to contribute to local indus-
try as members of professional staff or as entrepreneurs starting
their own companies.
Section II.5B.para 1
Performande of a project in industry will require an understand-
ing that industry retains proprietary rights to the results of
any work. It may also require the university personnel involved
to sign non-disclosure agreements
Section II.5B.para 3
I assume it is the intention that the planning and execution of
the project will draw on the project management techniques
learned in ENSC 8EE, and that the completed project will be
judged on how well it was planned and run as well as the quality
of the technical work
Section II.8.para
2
It is good to see that a number of industry suggestions have been
included.
Section III.l.para
2
.
Accessibility to practicing engineers is fundamental to the
support from industry for this program and industry is very sup-
portive of the program proposed. Although formal graduate studies
are the basis for this program, I suspect a number of engineers
will want to take an occasional course without intending to get a
degree. Will there be anything that will prevent or inhibit this
possibility? Also is there any possibility that some of the
courses could be given somewhere other than SFU, for example at a
Richmond location?
.
4 . ?
a
ATTACHMENT A ?
PAGE 3
Section
III.2(b,c,d).para 1
MDA expects to hire
graduates a year in
survey of the other
you an idea of the
are working in j
technical skills
in the coming years a minimum of 20 new
?
engineering, science and computer science. A
?
high tech companies in the area would give
?
growth in newly graduated professionals who
?
Dbs that will require upgrading of their
Section
III.3.para
1
The courses proposed are in line with the needs of local high
tech industry which is heavily oriented to communications, signal
processing, image processing, electronics, computer systems
engineering and software systems design
Section
IV.2.paras
2 to 5
You expect students to take only one course per semester. If they
enroll in only two semesters per year it will take them five
years to complete the ten courses you indicate are required which
barely satisfies Section 1.12.1 as noted above and requires them
to fit in a one man month project as well. If only seven courses
• were required as seems to be indicated in Section 1.7.2 of the
general regulations then the 5 year limitation would be less
constraining. I think you need to look at these constraints and
find a way to provide some relaxation.
These faculty loading discussions indicate there should be no
problem handling the program provided the faculty are not already
fully loaded with the undergraduate program or administrative
duties and provided the load can be equally shared among the
faculty. This latter point is of some concern since Dr. Cavers
figures so prominently in the list of instructors for the courses
on pp.4-5. Also, Dr. McGeer does not appear to have a background
that is directly relevant to the indicated areas of concentrat-
ion, namely, communications, signal processing, and electronics.
Consequently, at least in the first few years the load of teach-
ing courses and supervising projects may fall unduly heavily on
Dr. Cavers and Dr. George, less heavily on Dr. Leung and fairly
lightly on Dr. McGeer. As long as this potential problem is
recognized up front and undergraduate loads are adjusted accord-
ingly it should not be a problem, but I feel that some considera-
tion should be given to it at this time and a work-around plan
should be developed.
0
ATTACHMENT A
?
PAGE 4
Appendix A ENSC 8EE
This course statement is somewhat loose and could be refined
through discussion with industry, in particular with the expected
external lecturer. For example, the course could deal with
concepts such as work breakdown structures, work packages, state-
ments of work, earned value techniques for measuring progress,
project organization, scheduling and resource planning tech-
niques, use of a document table of contents for organizing work,
software cost estimation models such as COCOMO, etc.
.
r
L
-
Department of Electrical Engineering
9 ?
The University of British
Columbia
Vancouver B.C. v"i :i.w
12 December, :1995
Dean John M. Webster
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby
Dear Dean Webster:
I enclose my assessment of the proposed Master
"s Program in
Engineering. Please excuse this late response..
As you will see, I have misgivings about introducing two
Master's Programs while the faculty resources :LnEngineering
Science are so meagre. I would like to stress thdt my misgivings
in no way reflect on the capability of my engineering colleagues
at Simon Fraser - I have qreat respect for them,, and would like
see their number increased.
. Since I have made this assessment without extensive extra
work ] do not feel an honorarium is appropriate, and therefore
decline your kind offer.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Yours sincerely.
Michael S. Davies
?
Associate Professor
Proposed Master's Programs in Engineering
Simon Fraser University
?
9
Assessment Prepared by
Michael
S. Davies
Department of Electrical Engineering?
The University of British Columbia
11 December, 1955
1.. Introduction
1.1 It is axiomatic that a healthy undergraduate university
program needs to co-exist with a graduate degree program. By
:i. risi sting that, the faculty maintain active research interests, a
steady •j
: j
.
c of new
ideas
can enrich the undergraduate program and
keep it vital over the long term. Given that Simon Fraser
University is committed to the undergraduate Engineering Science
Program on a long term basis, it follows that a graduate program
in the area should be established as soon as possible.
:1 .2 The calibre of the Engineering Science faculty is high.,
Drs. Eieorqe and Cavers have a great deal of experience in
supervising graduate students and Drs. McGeer and Leung have the
necessary credentials for taking on Master's degree students
immediately.
2 Degree Requirements
2.1 The proposed N, Enq. degree requirements seem about. right.
A primarily course work degree should demand two full semesters of
courses and the equivalent of one semester spent reading and
preparing a comprehensive report. The 30 semester hours of courses
implies about 5 courses a term for a full-time student - a typical
full load. The industrial proj ect will need careful supervision
if
.
......
e
students are not to find themselves ignored by one side or
the other. It requires unusual diligence for both the academic and
industrial supervisors to keep close contact with such a project.
2.2 The course requirement for the N. A. Sc. is too low.
Thesis Master's degrees typically require
j
ust under two full
semesters of course work, followed by two semesters of research.
The degree will therefore usually extend to a total of four
semesters. Course work at the graduate level should have
some
breadth, as well as equipping the student to carry out research in
one area. A full first semester of five courses, followed by a
lighter load "- say three courses - in the second semester, would
allow the student to start working on his or her thesis project. I
Page 1 ?
0
would favour the equivalent of 24 semester hour's minimum.
2.3 Although the emphasis in the Proposal is on the M.Enq0 as
• a part-time degree, many of those taking this degree woul
d
wi sh to
do so on a full-time basis. Such students would include currently
unemployed engineers, and those released for a year b
y
their
employers to enable them to complete a graduate degree. It would
he difficult to deny access to such students, although they would
place a heavy course won
.
:: load on the program.
::. Courses
3.1 The weakest aspect of the Proposal is the short.ace of
faculty to enable a reasonable range of graduate courses to be
offered in a given semester. Remembering that this same group must:
maintain a four year undergraduate program
25
wells it
ES
to
be expected that only two or three graduate level courses can be
offered in a semester. Although sessional instructors can relieve
some of this pressure, the program should not depend for its
viability on outside lecturers.
3.2 The set of courses ENSC SAA to SEE form a good core for
the narrowly focussed program in digital communications. As the
outline indicates, much of the material in ENSC 8(
. ; Is actually at
the undergraduate level although such a course is ver
y
ussfu]. .f:cr
bringing new students from a range of backgrounds together. EN8L
BEE is also
?
likely to he
?
of value to
?
many students, however
the ?
content is
?
alt he
?
undergraduate level. Since graduate
. students are permitted a certain number of undrqraduate credits
it should be possible to keep the course in thHr'oqram even with
an undergraduate number.
3.3 The exchange of graduate courses between Simon Fraser arid
the University of British Columbia should be encouraged. Loth
institutions stand to gain from the wider choice made available to
students. Such exchange can be through transfer credit, and b
y
use
of direct video links.
4.. Specific Questions (see Dr. Websters letter)
4.1 I would recommend that, in view of thelimited number of
faculty available at present, only one Masters program he
implemented at this time. Since the research component is
important to the 'faculty, and since the Fl. (, Sc. is less course
intensive, this would be the logical choice. The
designation "Master of Engineering Science" would seem to fit the
Faculty and undergraduate program better than NI, , Sc. Under these
c:..i.rc:urnsta'ic:es,
?
I believe an excellent Master's Program could no
Page 2
40
I
implemented.
4,2 The quality of the graduates would compare well with those
In
the
communications area at other universities.
4.3 The electronics and communications area is one o-f the fw
growing sectors of the British Columbia econom
y
, There is a
continuing need for engineers in these areas at the graduate
level.
4.4 Given the current resources, I feel that a graduate
program is just viable. The quality of the resources is excellent;
the quantity is not.. The long term health of the program will
depend on the University being able to substantially increase the
number-
Of
faculty members in the Engineering Science.
5.. Summary
5.1 One degree, preferably the M..Eng.. Sc.. should initially be
offered, The Degree would require a thesis and 24 semester hours
of course work.
5.2 A course work Master's should he introduced when an
appropriate range
of.
graduate courses can be offered on a regular
basis. Organized exchange of graduate courses with UEC would
benefit both institutions.
Page 3
17J
Head Office ?
Glenayr
CANADA
US A.
e Electronics Ltd.
eyr
Glenayre Electronics Inc.
1570 Kootenay Street
Glen
?
e
12 Pacific Highway
Vancouver. B.C. V5K 5B8
Blaine, Washington 98230
Phone (604) 293-1611 • Telex 04-354808
?
electronics ?
ltd.
?
Phone (206) 676-1980
29 January 1985
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
V5A 1S6
ATTENTION: Dr. John Webster
Dean of Graduate Studies
Dear Sir:
I had reviewed, with interest, the proposed program for part time graduate
studies in Engineering leading to Master of Engineering.
The program is relevant to British Columbia's emerging electronics industry
and its aim is precise, useful and beneficial to both the engineering
companies and their technical staff. I rote that the course content
currently outlined will be reviewed and aligned with industry needs as
they evolve.
I believe this contribution and support by SFU.will become an important part
of the necessary mosaic of knowledge, skills and attitudes demanded by the
communications industry.
Glenayre supports this program whole heartedly.
Yours truly,
GLENAYRE ELECTRONICS LTD.
P. W. Lancaster
Vice-President Engineering
PWL/dd
cc: E.K. Deering, President
P.M. Bradley, V-P & General Manager
.
MICROTEL
PACIFIC RESEARCH
LIMITED
[JAN
b.N
311985
OFG8ADUA
-
i
I
STUDIES OFF"
January 29, 1985
2 8
ENCU
?
lEt'.10E
Dr. John Webster
Dean of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B. C.
V5A 1S6
Dear Dr. Webster:
It is a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to comment upon the
proposal for part-time graduate studies in Engineering.
I am relatively new to this community, but I have been an outspoken
advocate in other jurisdictions on behalf of increased interaction
between universities and industry. Programmes such as that proposed
by the Engineering Science Faculty at Simon Fraser University are
excellent, practical vehicles for such interaction, providing
effective feedback to ensure the contemporary content of the
Faculty's curriculum.
I have read the draft proposal which I found to be a very pragmatic,
no-nonsense document. I support the notion of dual thrusts in the
programme and I agree that they are not only complementary, but
essential integral components of a comprehensive, meaningful
programme.
The M.A.Sc. is important, but as an employer, it is the M. Eng.
which is of particular interest. There is absolutely no question of
the need for a programme such as this, if the University is to
provide those currently employed, with an opportunity to upgrade
their knowledge base, without compromising their existing careers.
We employ a large number of engineers at Microtel Pacific Research
Limited and as an employer, it is in our best interest to encourage
our employees to expand and to update their qualifications. Indeed,
in an industry such as ours where technological obsolescence is
major factor in every business plan, we cannot afford to have
anything less than the most contemporary levels of technology
amongst our technical staff.
.
Nelson Wa y . Burnab y . British Columbia.
Canada
V5A4B5 ?
604 29.2-1471
I.
-2-
j
Clearly the necessity of remaining current in our technical skill
.
1
inventory is such that we are taking initiatives to-day in the
f
absence of the proposed programme. We will continue to do that even
with the proposed programme in place, since there are certain areas
of technology where it behooves us to remain in advance of the
University. This of course is where the real strength of
' ?
interaction can occur for programmes such as this, with highly
I ?
leveraged synergy emerging through the contributions of both the
f
Faculty and industry.
/ ?
In closing, it is essential in order to meet the goal of a viable?
advanced technology sector in the Provincial economy, that we
V ?
establish a critical mass of engineering expertise. We have
suc
ceeded
in doing so at Microtel Pacific Research, but the creation
of. a part-time graduate programme of distinguished calibre, will do
much to assist us in maintaining our momentum. For that reason, I
j. ?
wish to formally indicate my support for this new initiative of the
fi ?
Engineering Science Faculty and to wish it a warm reception before
whatever approval bodies it must appear.
Yours sincerely,
. ?
Bruce C. Hartwick?
President
BGH/rna
0
Fl
IINTERNATIONAL
MOBILE DATA
U
?
INC.
Riverside Industrial Park
Richmond, B.C., Canada V7A 4Z3
Telephone (604) 277-1511
Telex 04-355865 ?
0
1a
February 5, 1985
Dr. Webster,
Simon Fraser University,
Burnaby, B.C.
V5A 1S6
Dear Dr. Webster:
We have reviewed a proposal for a Master's Program in Engineering
forwarded to us by Dr. Jim Cavers. Our industry has had experience with
the programs at Carleton and Ottawa University and the results have been
an unqualified success. Such training equips the qualified student with
systems knowledge rather than dwelling upon circuit or coding details.
It is this systems knowledge that plays a very important part in our
industry.
Furthermore, we strongly endorse the "M.Eng. Project" and see this as
a vehicle for enhancing industry - university co-operation and technology
transfer.
Altogether we feel this proposal is timely and support it most strongly.
Yours sincerely,
MDI MOBILE DATA INTERNATIONAL INC.
'.,
Dr. Robert Orth,
Director of Engineering.
RO/dt
0
-
March 4, 1985
Dr. John Webster
Dean of Graduate Studies
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
VSA 156
Dear Dr. Webster:
I was asked to review the draft proposal on part-time graduate studies in
engineering at SFU and provide my comments directly to you.
I am delighted to see that the SFU Faculty of Engineering Sciences is taking the
initiative to fulfill a long standing void in the B.C. industrial community by
providing a part-time graduate program. I am sure you will concur with me that
the only way high-tech industries like Microtel and Microtel Pacific Research
can maintain their leadership and competitive edge is by continuously keeping up
with innovation and technological changes. Man-power is our most important
resource and we try our best to recruit the cream-of-the-crop from all the
Universities in Canada. However, due to rapid growth and evolution of
technology in industries like ours, there is a constant and critical need for
continuous updating and upgrading of the knowledge base of professionals. Al-
though currently a few individuals take a lcve of absence to return to Un-
iversities for higher degrees, a vast majority of them have to dcp(ndl on scm mars
and crash-courses due to a lack of part-time graduate engineering programs in
the greater Vancouver area. I know from personal contacts both iii Microtel and
MPP. that a vast number of the professionals will welcome this opportunity to
up grade their degree or refurbish their knowledge base by taking a selected
nualoer of graduate courses in the proposed part-time graduate program at SFtJ.
sur
this applies to a growing number of other high-tech industries in the
\"ancouver area. I therefore strongly support the implementation of the
rou .s:tj part-time graduate engineering program.
•
working at Bell Northern Research in Ottawa (1973 - 1980), 1 taught
• : ?
course for
3
y
ears in the System Engineering Department of Canton
v. A majority of the students in my classes were from the industry and
• ?
!ed to complete graduate degrees on a part-time basis. The industry
were not onl
y
committed and extremely motivated, they derrianded
ak: r their money (or their companies). Most of all they brought pragmatic
and practical perspectives to the class rooms which enriched everyone,
• .0' lariv the full-time graduate students of the faculty. I can assure you that
unucation of the system engineering programs in Ottawa and Canton
and the success of many of the high-tech companies in Ottawa is
due to the unique symbotic process created via the part-time graduate
.i
:
ns. The programs not only served to continuously update the valuable
manpower resources, but also created an exciting learning environment by
bringing together the full-time faculty members, sessional lecturers fromin-
dustries, full-time students, and the part-time students from the neighboring
• high-tech communities.
.
Mcroteh Limited, 7018 Lou
g
heed Highwa y
, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1W3 (604) 420-1333
MAE
If British Columbia is to maintain and attract high-tech industries, and most of
all compete on an equal footing with provinces like Ontario, it is imperative that
a program like the one proposed by SFU Faculty of Engineering Sciences is given
top priority.
I endorse the courses proposed in the program and I am assuming that other
essential cours will be introduced as the program and teaching resources grow
both within and outside the University. Transfer of credits to and from UBC and
the University of Victoria is, in my view, an essential element for the success
of the program. The program does propose and I fully endorse a good mixture
Of qualified lecturers from industries and a comprehensive program to ensure
that these outside sessional lecturers are well integrated with the faculty (aware
of departmental objectives, needs, values and performance criteria).
To ensure that a large percentage of the industries in B.C. derive benefit from
this program, I recommend that some of the courses be offered at a SFU campus
closer to the city. Although Microtel and MPR are fortunate to be physically
close to the SFU campus in Burnaby, it is rather far away from many companies
in the Vancouver area. I realize the difficulties associated with offering a
course in downtown Vancouver. However, I believe that a compromise solution
may be available which will encourage greater participation.
In conclusion, let me again emphasize that I fully endorse the program and I
hope that your University community will do its utmost to ensure that the
program is approved and is a success. If you require any assistance either from
me or my company, please do not hesitate to contact me.
.
is
Regards,
S. f-IUSSAIN
Vice President
Planning.
SH :1 sp
Strategic Product
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