Undergraduate Courses

  • Introduction to Physics 1 (PHYS 100)
    First part of an algebra-based introductory physics course for majors in life and environmental sciences: physics and measurement, the laws of motion, applications of Newton's second law, work and energy, linear momentum and collisions, static equilbrium, elasticity, law of universal gravitation, laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, sound waves.
  • General Introduction to Physics (PHYS 115)
    This is an Algebra-based introductory physics course for students without Grade 12 Physics. Topics covered include physics and measurement, the laws of motion, work and energy. linear momentum and collisions, static equilibrium, elasticity, laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, sound waves, electric field, electric potential, DC circuits, magnetic field, electromagnetic waves, laws of geometrical optics, and elements of modern physics
  • Physics for Future Leaders (PHYS 150)
    This course examines the physics underlying major technological aspects of modern society and issues of global concern. Through addressing themes such as global warming, the energy problem and alternative sources of energy, nuclear power and nuclear weapons, health and medical technology, pollution of the atmosphere, satellites, telecommunication, and the internet, this course introduces basic physics topics such as motion and energy, atoms and heat, gravity and force, electricity and magnetism, light and electromagnetic waves, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, quantum physics, and relativity. This course requires no scientific or mathematical background and is accessible to students in any discipline.
  • Wood Materials Science (FSTY 345)
    This course provides students with a broad knowledge of wood as a material and introduces various topics of wood science. The topics include: anatomical structure of softwood and hardwood; identification of local wood species; wood-water relationships influencing strength and physical properties; and processing of forest products. Value-added strategies and product diversification through manufacturing and marketing are discussed as well as life-cycle analysis.
  • Forest Products (FSTY 407)
    Properties, values and the processing of forest products including wood, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and other botanical products. Life cycle analysis of products manufactured from wood and its derivatives. Value-added strategies and product diversification through manufacturing and marketing. Field trips required.
  • Communications in NRES (NRES 100)
    This course will provide a basic understanding of human behavioural responses as well as develop learning skills in oral and written communications. Emphasis will be on determining the nature of an audience, accessing appropriate material, report writing, oral presentation and literature relevant to natural resources and environmental disciplines.
  • Professional Writing (NRES 421)
    This course provides a structured environment in which students learn and apply professional report writing. Topics include development of a research question or problem statement, accessing and properly citing information and references, synthesis and organization of information, report structure and formatting.
  • Undergraduate Reports (NRES 422)
    This course enables students to develop a professional report under the supervision of a faculty member. Students work independently, but are provided guidance on a one-on-one basis by the faculty member. The professional report requires definition of a problem statement or research question, and synthesis and integration of information from a multitude of sources.

Graduate Courses

  • Wood Science (IENG 615)
    This lecture-based course introduces students to the study of tree growth, macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features of wood, identification of softwoods and hardwoods, wood variability and quality, chemical make-up, physical properties including fire-resistance and structural properties, wood-water interactions, transport phenomena, and wood drying methods.
  • Graduate Seminar (NRES 704)
  • NMR of Wood Material(MCPS 799)
    1H-NMR studies of wood-water systems have provided an understanding of how the interaction between wood material and bound water at a molecular level develop and/or formed. Most of the studies have been for solid wood at different moisture content levels either in adsorption or desorption conditions in wood as a function of temperature as well. The purpose of this independent study course is for the student to develop background of NMR principles as it applies to wood material. This will be accomplished by the student reading, summarizing and discussing with the instructor, the classic NMR textbooks along with selected 1H-NMR papers about wood – water interaction.
  • Advance Wood Physics (MCPS 799)
    Over the last decade there have been several advances in wood physics that mainly surround the wood-water systems, heat and mass transfer, diffusion and acoustic properties. The purpose of this independent study course is for the student to develop background of topics in wood physics through various readings in those areas mentioned above. Basic wood anatomical structure will be covered in light of the physical properties being different within the material itself.
  • Advanced Wood Science (NRES 798 - Special Topics)