AC-00-238 FACULTY OF SCIENCE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at 3:00 p.m. in Dawson Hall, Room 409. PRESENT: Dean Shaver (Chair), Professors Acheson (replacing Prof. Baines), Brawer, Cline, Farrell, Klemes, Leighton, Muller-Wille, Panangaden, Paquette, Pasztor, Rasmussen, Wechsler; S. Baptista, P. Charbonneau, M. Sanagan; J. D'Amico. REGRETS: Associate Dean Mendelson (Vice-Chair); Professors Baker, Silvius; Associate Dean Hendershot; H. Waluzyniec; Alison Organek, Andrew Organek, D. Selvadurai, S. Waterston; D. Crawford. DOCUMENTS: AC-00-186, AC-00-203 to AC-00-237 Dean Shaver called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. (1) ADOPTION OF AGENDA - Items (9) B.Sc. Environment Students in Second Programs at Macdonald Campus, (10) Standard Calculators for Faculty of Science Examinations, (11) General Ethics Course for Science Students, were postponed to a future meeting. Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Paquette, that the amended Agenda be adopted. The motion carried. (2) LEO YAFFE AWARD COMMITTEE REPORT - PROF. BRUCE LENNOX, CHAIR 702.1 Prof. Lennox presented the following: 2001 Leo Yaffe Award Nominee: Prof. Alfonso Mucci The Leo Yaffe Award Committee is delighted to be able to nominate Professor Alfonso Mucci of Earth and Planetary Sciences for the 2000/2001 Yaffe Award. As in past years, the Committee was faced with the situation of having a complete slate of truly excellent nominees for this Award. Several terms can be used to summarize Prof. Mucci's teaching - high impact, thoughtful, inspiring, inclusive. He has been involved with a number of courses in EPS - ranging from Introduction to Geology, Principles of Geochemistry, Introduction to Petrology to more specialized courses such as Chemical Oceanography, Aqueous Geochemistry, etc. High course ratings are the hallmark of his teaching. In addition, letters noted that he made almost heroic efforts early on in his position at McGill so that he could personally develop a broader understanding of Earth Sciences. This was necessary as his degrees were in Chemistry and he had little background in Geology. It was also noted that his lectures are always well organized and easy to understand and that he stimulates interest by linking theory with reality. His lectures are fined with up-to-date examples for research and industrial applications. One supporter noted that "he engenders interest in his subject without compromising the rigor, and relates the subject directly to the rest of the curriculum. These are surely the measures of excellence in undergraduate teaching". Prof. Mucci has a reputation for making very meaningful contact with his students - even in large classes. He clearly loves answering questions - as a means of understanding what his students do (and do not yet) grasp about the subject material. It was noted that he strives to continually improve upon his already impressive presentation to students. This cycle has great impact on his students - this is obvious from their comments and testimonials. In addition to his classroom teaching, Prof. Mucci has been very active in undergraduate research projects, having supervised 12 students since 1992. This experience has had a major impact on those students fortunate enough to sign on with him. A summary of these comments could be best described as "career changing". Finally, it is appropriate to include some direct quotes from students. These comments give further insight into why the Committee is pleased to nominate Prof. Mucci for this award. "He was able to present complex ideas in a logical and stepwise manner. He would frequently stop to ensure that everyone understood his lectures and he demonstrated unlimited patience when we did not... He never turned away if we came to his office... He set aside an entire Sunday to answer questions about our Final". "If a student was having problems with their studies and was not living up to their potential, he would look for the cause". "University not only teaches you to learn, and it teaches you to think... only a couple of professors challenged me... in that manner. Dr. Mucci was one of them". "One of those professors whose boundless teaching abilities were outweighed only by the personal attention and patience he selflessly offered to students". "He genuinely appreciated us as we appreciated him, his classroom was one of "mutual respect and admiration". In sum, the Committee noted that Prof. Mucci's teaching has had a tremendous impact on the students he has encountered. He is a most worthy nominee for the Leo Yaffe Award. 2001 Leo Yaffe Award - Report Submitted: R.B. Lennox (Chemistry) Chair of Leo Yaffe Committee. The 2001 Leo Yaffe Award Committee consisted of: Prof. L. Hendren (Comp. Sci.) Ms. Minta Mathew (student) Ms. Emily Turner (student) Prof. A. Vincent (Biology) Prof. R. Koestner (Psychology) Prof. M. Lapointe (Geography) Prof. M. Yau (AOS) Prof. D. Wolfson (Mathematics and Statistics) Prof. E. Cooper (Physiology) Prof. J. Paquette (EPS) Prof. R.B. Lennox (Chemistry) - Prof. Hendren and Prof. Koestner withdrew from the Committee as they were nominated by their respective Departments. - Prof. S. Whitesides replaced Prof. Hendren. - Prof. J. Paquette and Prof. M. Lapointe were unable to attend the meeting because of family/health problems. - Ms. Mathew did not attend the meeting. - Chairs were sent a letter in February to solicit nominations; a deadline for submission of March 17 was set and an advertisement appeared in the Reporter in February. - Committee members were given one week to examine the dossiers. Summary of Meeting Profs. Cooper, Vincent, Wolfson, Whitesides, Yau and Lennox and Ms. Turner were present at the meeting. The issue of conflicts was discussed. Ms. Turner (the only student able to attend) stated that she had taken a course with Prof. Damha (the Chemistry nominee) three years earlier. The logistics of this were discussed by the Committee at length - particularly that it would be difficult to find any student who would not have taken a course from any nominee who had taught a required Freshman or 200-level course. The Committee unanimously felt that Ms. Turner's situation was not in conflict in a manner which would compromise her participation. Moreover, she offered to not speak directly to Prof. Damha's dossier, but of course had full voting rights. The Committee thus began discussion of the dossier. This year's nominees were: Prof. D. Briedes (Microbiology and Immunology) Prof. M. Damha (Chemistry) Prof. L. Hendren (Computer Science) Prof. R. Koestner (Psychology) Prof. N. Kamran (Math/Stats.) Prof. A. Mucci (EPS) Prof. C. Morales (Anatomy) Prof. W. Pollan (Geography) Prof. J. Silvius (Biochemistry) Prof. E. Zorychta (Pathology) After much discussion and a series of votings, Prof. A. Mucci was selected (by secret ballot) as the nominee for the 2001 Yaffe Award. Prof. Farrell moved, seconded by Prof. Pasztor, that Prof. Alfonso Mucci be recommended to Faculty as the 2001 Leo Yaffe Award winner. The motion carried. 702.2 Dean Shaver thanked Prof. Lennox and the Committee for the work involved in selecting the nominee for the Leo Yaffe Award. (3) MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2001 AC-00- 203 Prof. Muller-Wille moved, seconded by Prof. Wechsler, that the minutes be approved. The motion carried. (4) BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES - Minute 608.2, Minor in Kinesiology for B.Sc. Students 704.1 Dean Shaver said that some questions had been raised concerning prerequisites and course titles for this Minor. These issues had been resolved, and the Minor had been passed by Faculty at its meeting of April 3, 2001. - Minute 612.5, Letter Grades in Banner 704.2 Dean Shaver said that this issue had been discussed at Faculty, and that Associate Dean Mendelson would be presenting a motion at Senate to attempt to describe the process whereby the academic aspects of the implementation of Banner for the Student Information System will be reviewed, if not considered, by some body reporting to Senate. He said that the Faculty of Arts was also concerned about this, and about McGill's not having a grade of A+. 704.3 In a response to a member, Dean Shaver said that Banner would not be implemented for SIS by June 1, 2001. (5) REPORT OF MINOR COURSE CHANGES AC-00- 204 (For Information) (6) COMPUTER SCIENCE 706.1 Dean Shaver said the following changes in restriction had originally been presented to the Academic Committee as Minor Course Changes, but were now being brought back because the changes could cause problems for students in non-Computer Science programs. Change in Restriction: 308-202A/B Introduction to Computing AC-00-205 3 credits 308-203A/B Introduction to Computing 2 AC-00-206 3 credits 308-206A/B Intro to Software Systems AC-00-207 3 credits 308-250A/B Introduction to Computer Science AC-00-208 3 credits 308-273A/B Intro to Computer Systems AC-00-209 3 credits 308-302A/B Programming Languages and Paradigms AC-00-210 3 credits 308-303B Programming Techniques AC-00- 211 3 credits 308-304A Object-oriented Design AC-00- 212 3 credits 308-305A Computer System Architecture AC-00- 213 3 credits 308-310B Comp. Systems and Organization AC-00- 214 3 credits 308-330A Theoretical Aspects of Computer Science AC-00- 215 3 credits 308-350A Numerical Computing AC-00-216 3 credits 308-360A Algorithm Design Techniques AC-00- 217 3 credits 308-420A Files and Databases AC-00-218 3 credits 308-421A Database Systems AC-00- 219 3 credits 308-424A Artificial Intelligence I AC-00- 220 3 credits 308-435B Basics of Computer Networks AC-00- 221 3 credits Change in Prerequisites and Restriction: 308-251A/B Data Structures and Algorithms AC-00-222 3 credits Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the changes be approved. 706.2 It was pointed out that for all the above courses except 308-202 and 308-203, there were two omissions from the list of programs involving Computer Science - the Faculty programs in Mathematics and Computer Science, and in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, should be added to the list of programs involving Computer Science under "Restrictions." 706.3 Mr. Charbonneau suggested that students be allowed to take any of the above courses provided the instructor gave permission. This was accepted as a friendly amendment by Prof. Panangaden. 706.4 After some discussion, Prof. Panangaden emphasized that the restrictions were required because of the overcrowding of Computer Science courses. This was echoed by Dean Shaver, who said that it was unfortunate, but difficult choices had to be made because of underfunding. The amended motion carried. New Courses: 308-490B Intro Probab Anal Algorithms AC-00- 223 3 credits 706.5 It was suggested that the course title be modified. 706.6 Prof. Panangaden said that this course should be restricted to students in Computer Science programs in the same manner as the above courses, including the fact that other students could take the course with the permission of the instructor. Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Cline, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-577B Distributed Database Systems AC-00- 224 3 credits Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-642B Numerical Estimation AC-00- 225 4 credits 706.7 It was pointed out that an extra hour should be added under Item 12 in the course proposal form for this course and for the two following courses. Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-646B Run-time Language Support AC-00- 226 4 credits 706.8 The course title was changed to conform to the 30- character limit. Dean Shaver read an e-mail from the instructor objecting to the 30-character limit. Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. 308-652A Machine Learning AC-00- 227 4 credits Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Klemes, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. Program Changes: Major in Computer Science AC-00- 228 Honours in Computer Science AC-00- 229 Minor in Computer Science AC-00- 230 Prof. Panangaden moved, seconded by Prof. Muller-Wille, that the program changes be approved. The motion carried. (7) PHYSICS Program Changes: Major in Physics AC-00- 231 Honours in Physics AC-00-232 Joint Major in Physics & Geophysics AC-00-233 Joint Honours in Mathematics & Physics AC-00- 234 707.1 It was pointed out that in the Joint Major Program in Physics & Geophysics, under U2 Required Courses, 186- 320B should be 186-320A. Prof. Cline moved, seconded by Ms. Sanagan, that the program changes be approved. The motion carried. (8) MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS New Course: 189-330 Mathematical Finance AC-00- 235 3 credits 708.1 It was pointed out that the restriction should be removed under Item 17, Restriction. Prof. Klemes moved, seconded by Prof. Cline, that the course be adopted. The motion carried. (9) B.SC. ENVIRONMENT STUDENTS IN SECOND PROGRAMS AT MACDONALD CAMPUS AC-00-236 Postponed to a future meeting. (10) STANDARD CALCULATORS FOR FACULTY OF SCIENCE EXAMINATIONS AC-00-186 Postponed to a future meeting. (11) GENERAL ETHICS COURSE FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS Postponed to a future meeting. (12) OTHER BUSINESS - Time Limit for Calendar Modification of Course & Program Revisions AC-00-237 712.1 Dean Shaver pointed out that the paragraph stating, "Course/program revisions may not be added to/removed from the Calendars unless they have SCTP approval," meant that these changes would have to be approved by the Academic Committee in September. 712.2 Although one member thought that this would cause departments to start thinking about changes earlier, and thus be a good thing, several other members were not in favour of the policy. One member said that the policy could make the Calendar more out of date, since changes would be approved after the deadline. Another member thought that departments may simply not submit changes they make to courses and programs. The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. josie\academic\acminapril.doc