Master of Science (MSc) Thesis-based in Chemistry

In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Science requires students to complete:

• 7 units at the 500 level or above, chosen in consultation between the student and the Graduate Program Director:

  • course;

  • a minimum of 3 units of Chemistry courses;

  • 3 units of electives (from Chemistry or another Faculty/Department).

In addition, students must register in course and course research seminars in their first year, and are expected to present one seminar before completion of their degree.

All students are expected to attend CHEM 601/603 seminars in their research area, as well as Departmental seminars, for the entirety of their graduate program.

Advanced Credit

Advanced Credit for graduate courses taken as an unclassified student, or qualifying student may be given for courses in which the student obtains a grade of “B” or higher.

A reduction in course requirements may be given for students who completed graduate courses at other institutions. This will be determined on program entry and after consultation with the research supervisor and the graduate office.

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The Department of Chemistry will allow students to pursue the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) with the exception of Chemistry 601 and 603.

Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.

Credit for Undergraduate Courses

At least one-half of a graduate student’s course work must be at the 600 level or higher and only where appropriate to a student’s program will graduate credit be given for courses numbered 500-599, which are considered undergraduate courses. In addition to course prerequisites, consent of the department is required.

Time Limit

Expected completion time is two years for the Master of Science degree. Maximum completion time is four years.

Supervisory Assignments

Applicants must contact faculty members directly regarding supervision of their graduate program, prior to submitting an application. The Department does not accept students unless at least one faculty member has indicated a willingness to act as supervisor. For both MSc and PhD programs, the supervisor, in consultation with the student, selects a Supervisory Committee consisting of the supervisor and at least two other faculty members whose research experience will be beneficial to the student's graduate program.

Thesis Examination

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the Department requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
Before an examination can be scheduled, all members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Thesis examinations are open.

Financial assistance is normally available to all qualified students in the form of Teaching Assistantships and Trust funded Assistantships. Assistantship funding is not normally available beyond twenty-eight months in a master’s program.

For further information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar.