MAST Certification Homepage

What are the MAST Certifications?

A MAST Certification is granted when a member of MAST has performed outstanding and consistent work in their chosen field of study. MAST will develop a number of in-house certifications leading to the ability for individuals to write for research grants as PIs (principal investigators) in order to get funding and salary support for their research. MAST certifications are not necessary if you do not intend to write for grants as a MAST member. MAST officers are not required to be certified.

Kinds of Certifications

Every time you acquire 120 points (see below for how to acquire points) in a subject area you will get a certification. There are several types of certifications:

  1. Normal Certification: This is acquired when you get 120 points in an area of study.
  2. Certificate with Honor: This is acquired when you receive a second (or more) certification within the same area and do not yet have a degree in it.
  3. Teaching Certificate: This is acquired if you have a Bachelor's Degree or a Certificate with Honor and you acquire another certificate in the same area of study where over 50% is from courses.
  4. Research Certificate: This is acquired if you have a Bachelor's Degree or a Certificate with Honor and you acquire another certificate in the same area of study where over 50% is from research.
  5. Master's Degree: This is acquired if you have a Teaching/Research Certificate and you acquire another certificate in the same area of study.
  6. Scholar Certificate: This is acquired if you have a Master's Degree and you get another certification in the same area.
  7. Doctorate Degree: This is acquired if you have a Scholar's Certificate and you get another certification in the same area.

Specific Studies Accepted by MAST

Archaeology: The scientific study of materials from past cultures.

Astronomy: The scientific stuydy of the universe, its structure, and contents.

Atmospheric Science: The scientific study of the atmosphere.

Botany: The science of plants.

Cell and Molecular Biology: The scientific study of the basic constituents of living systems.

Chemistry: The science of the structure, properties, constituent components, and interactions of matter.

Computer Science: The scientific approach to software and the interface between software and hardware.

Electronics and Computer Technology: The technology of using electricity and magnetism for practical and scientific purposes, and the technology of computer hardware.

Engineering Science: The science behind engineering technology.

Environmental Science: The scientific study of ecological systems.

Geology: The scientific study of the earth.

Hydrology: The scientific study of groundwater systems.

Materials Science: The science of studying and developing new materials.

Mathematics: A rigorous study of abstract structures and their applications.

Microbiology: The science of microscopic organisms.

Oceanography: The scientific study of oceanic systems.

Physics: The science of fundamental processes in the universe.

Zoology: The science of animals.

Examples of Levels of MAST Studies:

Here are some examples of how subjects develop from elementary to frontier levels.

Chemistry

Elementary:

  1. General Chemistry

Intermediate:

  1. Analytical Chemistry
  2. Organic Chemistry
  3. Physical Chemistry

Advanced:

  1. Analytical Organic Chemistry
  2. Biochemistry
  3. Chromatography
  4. Environmental Organic Chemistry

Frontier:

  1. Chromatography of Organic Compounds

Computer Science

Elementary:

  1. Computer Programming
  2. General Computer Science

Intermediate:

  1. Algorithms
  2. Data Structures
  3. Database Systems
  4. Numerical Linear Algebra
  5. Programming Language Structure

Advanced:

  1. Graph Theory
  2. Numerical Optimization
  3. Programming Language Design

Frontier:

  1. Compiler Design

Electronics and Computer Technology

Elementary:

  1. Electronics

Intermediate:

  1. Digital Electronics
  2. Electrodynamics

Advanced:

  1. Antenna Theory
  2. Digital Filters
  3. Signal Processing

Frontier:

  1. Digital Signal Processing

Mathematics

Elementary:

  1. Calculus

Intermediate:

  1. Abstract Algebra
  2. Differential Equations
  3. Linear Algebra

Advanced:

  1. Differential Geometry
  2. Topology
  3. Vector Spaces

Frontier:

  1. Riemannian Geometry

Microbiology

Elementary:

  1. Microbiology
  2. Microscopy

Intermediate:

  1. Microbial Growth
  2. Photomicrography

Advanced:

  1. Effects of Light on Bacteria.

Frontier:

  1. By-products of the effects of light on bacteria.

Physics

Elementary:

  1. General Physics

Intermediate:

  1. Classical Electrodynamics
  2. Classical Mechanics
  3. Quantum Mechanics
  4. Thermal Physics

Advanced:

  1. Chaos Theory
  2. Quantum Field Theory
  3. Relativity

Frontier:

  1. Black Holes

Examples of How to Gain Points

Chemistry:

  1. You read Linus Pauling's book on general chemistry. You take at least two hundred pages of notes and work six problems per chapter, a total of one hundred fifty six problems (or five groups of thirty). This is worth a total of 7 points.
  2. While reading Pauling's book you become aware that you need to study some calculus. You acquire Kline's book on calculus and read it, generating at least two hundred pages of notes and working nine problems per chapter, a total of two hundred twenty five problems (seven groups of thirty). This is worth nine points, for a total of 16 points.
  3. You start to read a lab manual for general chemistry and decide to construct an elementary-level chemistry lab. You make a list of lab equipment and chemicals that you will need and acquire these. You construct a lab bench. This is worth three points, for a total of 19 points.
  4. You perform several experiments (taking 100 pages of notes in your lab notebook in the process) and then you write a paper about them. In the process you construct an apparatus for MAST use. This is worth four points, for a total of 23.
  5. You decide that chemistry is really cool and want to share it with others. You create a twenty lecture course with detailed lecture notes, twenty tutorials, and ten lab sessions. This is worth ten points, for a total of 33.
  6. Along the way you become interested in analytical chemistry and after some searching and saving, you get a book on it. You read the book taking detailed notes. You have at least two hundred pages of notes and have solved six problems per chapter (assuming there are twenty chapters, this is one hundred twenty problems, or four groups of thirty problems). This is worth twelve points, for a total of 45.
  7. You create a potentiometric apparatus for two points, a titration apparatus for one point, and acquire an analytical balance for two points. This is worth five points, for a total of 50.
  8. You get interested in the underlying principles of chemistry. You study a book on general physics. You take at least one hundred pages of notes and work three problems per chapter (assuming forty chapters, this is one hundred twenty problems, or four groups of thirty). This is worth five points for a total of 55.
  9. You continue your study with a book on physical chemistry. You take at least two hundred pages of notes and work three problems per chapter, assuming the book has thirty chapters this is a total of ninety problems (or three groups of thirty). This is worth ten points for a total of 65.
  10. You become interested in organic chemistry and read the Schaum's outline of that subject. You generate at least two hundred pages of notes and work twelve problems per chapter. There are twenty two chapters in the book, for a total of two hundred sixty four problems (or eight groups of thirty). This is worth twenty points for a total of 85.
  11. You want to study biochemistry so you read a book on biology, taking at least one hundred pages of notes and doing three problems per chapter. Assuming there are thirty chapters this is a total of ninety problems (or three groups of thirty). This is worth four points for a total of 89 points.
  12. You read a book on biochemistry, take at least two hundred pages of notes, and do three problems per chapter. Assuming the book has twenty four chapters, this is a total of seventy two problems (or two groups of three). This is worth twelve points for a total of 101 points
  13. You become interested in developing a computer-controlled gas chromatograph. You purchase a computer and a programming language. You generate a program to help you analyze lab results you have already made. This is worth three points for a total of 104 points.
  14. You decide to build the gas chromatograph, this generates at least one hundred pages of notes and a paper. This is worth seven points, for a total of 111 points.
  15. You develop a way to connect the gas chromatograph to the computer and do all of the programming. You make at least two hundred pages of notes, an analog-to-digital converter, software to read the ADC, and software to analyze the chromatogram. This is worth sixteen points, for a total of 127 points. Since you have biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, electronics, and computer programming you have just earned a MAST Associate Degree in chemistry. You also have seven points toward your next certification.
  16. You read a book on data analysis to refine your software. You generate at least two hundred pages of notes and work sixty problems. This is worth eight points, for a total of 15 points.
  17. You become interested in stories about toxic waste dumping. Using your background in organic chemistry you write an essay on the social impact of dumping in your community. This is worth three points, for a total of 18 points.
  18. You read about plans for a new toxic waste facility and attend several hearings. This generates at least one hundred pages of notes, you write a very technical report on the proposed facility, and you produce three essays that you submit as letters-to-the-editor to a local newspaper. This is worth fourteen points for a total of 32 points.
  19. You become interested in the history of waste treatment and get a book on it. You develop at least two hundred pages of notes and you write a paper on it. This is worth ten points for a total of 42 points.
  20. You go through your past notes and become interested in the basis for molecular structure. You get a book on quantum mechanics, generating at least one hundred pages of notes and sixty problems. This is worth nine points for a total of 51 points.
  21. You continue your interest in environmental chemistry with a study of local lakes. You get a GPS receiver so you can record your position. You also get a recording thermometer and take samples from various depths. You then use your equipment to analyze for various contaminants. You produce a detailed report after accumulating at least three hundred pages of notes. This is worth nineteen points for a total of 70 points.
  22. You get a book on molecular dynamics and generate at least two hundred pages of notes, you solve sixty problems, you develop a computer system to build molecular models, and you develop two papers. This is worth twenty three points, for a total of 93 points.
  23. You develop a system for molecular dynamics, generating three hundred pages of notes, and four papers. This is worth thirty one points, for a total of 124 points. This is worth enough points to get a new certification, since you have all of the requirements this certification is a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. You also have four points left over for your next certificate.

Computer Science:

  1. You buy a computer, a programming language, a printer, and monitor. This constitutes an elementary-level computer science lab. This is worth seven points.
  2. You read a book on programming and take at least one hundred pages of notes, doing six exercises per chapter. Assuming there are ten chapters in the book, this is a total of sixty problems (or two groups of thirty). This is worth three points, for a total of 10 points.
  3. You do a programming project, write a paper about it, and produce two programs for use by MAST. This is worth five points, for a total of 15.
  4. You read a book on discrete mathematics, taking at least two hundred pages of notes and working six problems per chapter. There are thirty chapters in the book for a total of one hundred eighty problems (or six groups of thirty). This is worth sixteen points, for a total of 31.
  5. You read a book on data structures, taking at least one hudred pages of notes and working six problems per chapter. Assuming twenty chapters this is one hundred twenty problems (or four groups of thirty). This is worth ten points, for a total of 41.
  6. You create a database system for MAST use, making at least one hundred pages of notes, create a users manual (the equivalent of a paper), and develop a 10 lesson course of tutorials in its use. This is worth eight points, for a total of 49 points.
  7. You become interested in combinatorics, but when you start reading the book you realize your math background isn't up to it. You settle on a book on linear algebra and take at least one hundred pages of notes and work 3 problems per chapter. Assuming twenty chapters this is a total of sixty problems (or two groups of thirty). This is worth six points for a total of 55 points.
  8. You write a set of tools for doing linear algebra on the computer, in the process you come up with at least two hundred pages of notes, and write a users guide and a 10 tutorial course in its use. This is worth ten points for a total of 65 points.
  9. You now read a book on abstract algebra to prepare you for combinatorics. You take at least one hundred pages of notes and work three problems per chapter. Assuming the book has eight chapters you have a total of twenty four problems, this is not enough. You do another six problems to bring it up to thirty. This is worth four points for a total of 69 points.
  10. You finally get to the combinatorics book and take well over two hundred pages of notes and work three problems per chapter. Assuming the book has twenty chapters this is a total of sixty problems (or two groups of thirty). This is worth nine points for a total of 78 points.
  11. You become fascinated with graph theory and, armed with a book on the subject, you produce at least two hundred pages of notes and nine problems per chapter. Assuming the book has ten chapters, this gives a total of ninety problems (or three groups of thirty). This is worth fifteen points for a total of 93 points.
  12. You become interested in combinatorial optimization. You read a book on it, take at least one hundred pages of notes, do six problems per chapter (assuming a total of sixty problems, or two groups of thirty), write three optimization programs, and write a paper. This is worth twenty two points, for a total of 115 points.
  13. You become interested in developing a computer language. You buy a book on programming languages, take at least one hundred pages of notes, and do sixty problems. This is worth six points, for a total of 121 points. You now receive a MAST certification in Computer Science. You also have one point towards you next certification.

Electronics and Computer Technology:

  1. You read a book on electronics and take at least two hundred pages of notes and work ninety problems (or three groups of thirty). This is worth five points.
  2. While reading the book you decide to make a lab to do experiments. You get a breadboard, a couple of DMMs, a regulated power supply, and some components and wire. Along the way you do enough experiments to generate at least one hundred pages of notes. This is worth eight points for a total of 13 points.
  3. You construct an apparatus for use by MAST, and you write a paper about it. This is worth three points, for a total of 16 points.
  4. You get interested in digital electronics, get a book on it, and take at least one hundred pages of notes doing thirty problems. This is worth four points, for a total of 20 problems.
  5. You experiment with digital filters, taking at least two hundred pages of notes, developing three different filters for MAST use, and writing three papers. This is worth nineteen points for a total of 39 points.
  6. You get interested in signal processing and get a book on it. You realize that you need more mathematics than you have so you decide to study a calculus book. You take at least one hundred pages of notes, work one hundred twenty problems (four groups of thirty), and you write a fifty page topical overview of calculus as a personal reference. This is worth six points for a total of 45 points.
  7. Your math still isn't enough so you study a book on engineering mathematics taking at least three hundred pages of notes and working one hundred twenty problems. This gives you a total of fourteen points, for a total of 59 points.
  8. Now you read the book on signal processing. You take at least one hundred pages of notes and work one hundred twenty problems. This is worth fifteen points for a total of 74 points.
  9. You get a computer and a programming language. You learn to program the computer in the language acquiring at least one hundred pages of notes. This is worth three points for a total of 77 points.
  10. You build an analog-to-digital converter for you computer, generating at least one hundred pages of notes and writing a paper about it. This is worth seven points for a total of 84 points.
  11. You now need to study electromagnetic waves, but you find that you do not have enough physics background. You read a book on physics and generate at least one hundred pages of notes and work thirty problems. This is worth two points for a total of 86 points.
  12. You get a book on electrodynamics. You use it to generate at least two hundred pages of notes and you do sixty problems. This is worth eight points for a total of 94 points.
  13. You read a book on electromagnetic waves, making at least two hundred pages of notes and doing thirty problems. This is worth nine points for a total of 103 points.
  14. You decide that you want an actual degree out this so you read a chemistry book, taking at least one hundred pages of notes and working thirty problems. This is worth two points for a total of 105 points.
  15. You acquire a radio receiver, build an antenna, and use your ADC to develop a radio telescope for observing the Sun. You also develop a facility to record and analyze the data (a laboratory). This generates at least two hundred pages of notes and a research paper. This is worth twenty two points for a total of 127 points. Since you have sufficient background you acquire a MAST Associate Degree in Electronics and Computer Technology. You also have seven points toward your next certificate.

Mathematics:

  1. You read a book on calculus, taking at least two hundred pages of notes and working ninety problems. This is worth 5 points.
  2. You decide to teach a course in calculus consisting of thirty tutorials on a web page, and you state that you will participate in thirty on-line chat sessions that will constitute lectures. You develop and answer three hundred problems for the tutorials. This is worth sixteen points, for a total of 21 points.
  3. You get interested in differential equations and read a book on it, taking at least two hundred pages of notes and working ninety problems. This is worth ten points, for a total of 31 points.
  4. You get interested in linear algebra and read a book on it, taking at least two hundred pages of notes and working sixty problems. This is worth eight points for a total of 39 points.
  5. You think differential equations are interesting and you develop a twenty tutorial course on a web page with twenty on-line chat sessions as lectures. You also develop two hundred problems and their solutions. This is worth twenty points for a total of 59 points.
  6. You decide to make a deeper study of vector spaces and purchase Paul Halmos' book. You read it and generate at least two hundred pages of notes (more than the length of the book!), you also work thirty problems. This is worth nine points for a total of 68 points.
  7. You generate at least one hundred pages of notes for a research project on vector spaces and write two papers. This is worth eleven points for a total of 79 points.
  8. You become interested in abstract algebra. You get a book on it, develop at least two hundred pages of notes and work thirty problems. This is worth six points for a total of 85 points.
  9. You read a book on topology and take at least two hundred pages of notes while working sixty problems. This is worth eight points for a total of 93 points.
  10. You read a book of differential geometry and take at least two hundred pages of notes and work sixty problems. This is worth twelve points for a total of 105 points.
  11. You become fascinated by differential geometry and read another book. You get at least another hundred pages of notes, you work ninety problems, and you develop a research paper. This is worth sixteen points for a total of 121 points. You have just earned a MAST certificate in mathematics. You also have a point left over for the next certificate.

Microbiology:

  1. You acquire a microscope and slidemaking kit. This is worth 2 points.
  2. You read a book about microbiology taking at least one hundred pages of notes and doing thirty problems. This is worth two points for a total of 4 points.
  3. You realize that you do not have enough background in chemistry and so you read a book on general chemistry that is oriented towards the life sciences. You take at least one hundred pages of notes, and work ninety problems. This is worth four points, for a total of 8 points.
  4. You develop a laboratory for cultivating bacteria. You perform enough experiments for at least two hundred pages of notes. This is worth four points, for a total of 12 points.
  5. You acquire the apparatus to take photomicrographs. This is worth a point for a total of 13 points.
  6. You become interested in the effects of light on bacteria. You decide to study some physics so you will understand what is going on. You begin to read a physics book only to realize that you need calculus. You study a calculus book taking at least one hundred pages of notes and doing thirty problems. This is worth two points for a total of 15 points.
  7. You now read the physics book, from this you gain at least one hundred pages of notes, you work thirty problems, and you build an apparatus for controlling and measuring light shining on a petrie dish. This is worth three points for a total of 18 points.
  8. You decide that you need to record the light readings in a computer and you get a computer and learn to program it. You also get a computer-controlled light meter. This is worth three points for a total of 21 points.
  9. You do several experiments into the effects of light on various bacteria. You generate at least three hundred pages of notes and write five papers on the subject. This is worth twenty one points, for a total of 41 points.
  10. You read a book on organic chemistry in preparation to learn about biochemistry. You write at least two hundred pages of notes and do ninety problems. This is worth ten points for a total of 51 points.
  11. You read a book on biochemistry. You generate at least two hundred pages of notes and do ninety problems, you also invent thirty problems relating specifically to bacteria. This in turn generates three papers. This is worth twenty one points, for a total of 72 points.
  12. You do a research project that investigates the biochemical effects of light on bacteria. This results in at least two hundred pages of notes, three papers, and the development of a biochemistry lab including a thin-layer chromatography apparatus. This is worth twenty six points for a total of 98 points.
  13. You investigate the by-products of the effects of light on certain bacteria. This involves extensive analytical chemistry (you read a book on this), generating at least two hundred pages of notes and four research papers. This is worth twenty two points for a total of 120 points. Since you have biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer programming you get a MAST Associate Degree in Microbiology.

Physics:

  1. You read a book about general physics taking at least two hundred pages of notes and doing thirty problems. This is worth 3 points.
  2. You realize that you need a better understanding of calculus as you read the physics book. So you study calculus at the same time, taking at least two hundred pages of notes and working thirty problems. This is worth three points, for a total of 6 points.
  3. You become interested in chaos theory, but decide you do not have the necessary background and decide to study two books simultaneously. The first is a book on classical mechanics where you take two hundred pages of notes and work ninety problems. The second is a book on mathematical methods for physics and you take at least three hundred pages of notes and work ninety problems. This gives you twenty two points for a total of 28 points.
  4. Now you study a book on chaos theory, taking at least one hundred pages of notes and working ninety problems. This is worth twelve points for a total of 40 points.
  5. You do some theoretical work on chaos that generates at least two hundred pages of notes and you write two papers. This is worth fourteen points for a total of 54 points.
  6. You now become interested in quantum mechanics and you read a book on it. You take at least two hundred pages of notes and work sixty problems. This is worth eight points for a total of 62 points.
  7. You develop an interest in relativity. You get a book on it and take at least three hundred pages of notes and work sixty problems. This is worth fifteen points for a total of 77 points.
  8. You develop an interest in black holes. You get a book on it and take at least three hundred pages of notes. You invent and solve thirty problems. You write three papers based on your work. This is worth thirty one points, for a total of 108 points.
  9. You become interested in thermal physics and read a book on it. You take at least one hundred pages of notes and work sixty problems. This is worth six points for a total of 114 points.
  10. You become interested in the thermodynamics of black holes but realize that you need to study quantum field theory. You get a book on that and realize that you need more background in electrodynamics. You get a level text on electrodynamics and generate at least two hundred pages of notes and work thirty problems. This is worth six points for a total of 120 points. You have just earned a MAST certificate in physics.

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