Regulations for the M.Sc. Degree in Chemistry

Graduate Courses:

The minimum course requirement for the M.Sc. degree is four graduate modules or the equivalent, selected from Chemistry #701-790, 600-level courses (one module credit each), or extra-departmental graduate courses (usually two module credits each). A student may apply one 600-level course for credit at the M.Sc. level.

Students should make course choices in consultation with their supervisor.  Additional courses beyond the minimum requirement may be recommended by a student's supervisory committee. The minimum passing grade for any module or course is B-.

Colloquia and Seminars:

All graduate students are expected to attend departmental colloquia and seminars regularly . M.Sc. students will present a departmental colloquium on their own research during Term 4 of their graduate program.

Options for M.Sc. students:

1. M.Sc. Degree Option: Students must complete and defend an M.Sc. thesis reporting the results of his or her research within 24 months from entry into the M.Sc. program. The M.Sc. thesis will be examined by a committee of not fewer than three people - usually the student's supervisory committee plus one other faculty member selected by the supervisor. The candidate will defend the thesis at an oral examination normally held about two weeks after the completed thesis has been submitted to the Department. It is the policy of the Department and of the University that no student intending to graduate with an M.Sc. degree will receive financial support beyond 6 terms, or 2 years.

2. M.Sc. to Ph.D. Transfer Option: M.Sc. students interested in doctoral studies are encouraged to transfer to the Ph.D. program without completing the formal M.Sc. requirements. Transferring removes the need to write and defend a separate M.Sc. thesis, lets you use your research to date for your Ph.D. thesis, and potentially allows you to graduate with a Ph.D. degree faster.

You are eligible for transfer after your second M.Sc. supervisory committee meeting, assuming you have completed most of your M.Sc. courses and have made good progress in your research. Your supervisory committee will schedule the exam in consultation with the Associate Chair, and will discuss the transfer process with you in more detail. The transfer exam is usually held during terms 4 or 5 of your M.Sc. program, and no later than the beginning of term 6. We encourage qualified students to transfer earlier rather than later.

The transfer exam is designed to ensure that you have the skills to succeed in the Ph.D. program, including a good understanding of the scientific principles of your research and the ability to discuss your research in a broader context.

For the transfer, you will be asked to submit a report summarizing your research results to date, and outlining your plans for your Ph.D. work (see the guidelines below). At the meeting, you will be asked to give a 20-minute summary presentation, and field questions on your research and on related background knowledge. The whole meeting will last no more than 2 hours.

Your transfer exam committee will consist of your M.Sc. supervisory committee plus one additional faculty member, and will be chaired by the Transfer Coordinator, usually the Associate Chair. The possible outcomes of the transfer exam are:

1. Transfer approved
2. Transfer approved, with required registration in specified courses, or required readings.
3. Transfer not recommended. You would then be advised to submit and defend your M.Sc. thesis by the end of term 6. You may subsequently apply to enter the Ph.D. program.

Approved transfers become effective at the start of the term following the transfer exam.

Guidelines for the preparation of the transfer report:

The transfer report and the transfer exam differ from your earlier committee reports and meetings, as their main purpose is to allow the transfer committee to assess your level of scientific thinking. It is important that you structure your report and presentation according to this purpose.

The report should start with a review of the relevant literature, and then summarize the research questions you have addressed to date, supported by key results. You need not list every experiment you have carried out. The report should go on to outline your planned Ph.D. research. Again, your focus should be on the big picture, with only enough detail to permit your committee to appraise your plan.

In format, the transfer report is closer to an extended supervisory committee report than to an M.Sc. thesis, which typically requires much more detail. Transfer reports should be 20-30 pages in length, double spaced, font size 12, plus tables, figures and references. Manuscripts and published papers may be appended to the report which may be correspondingly shortened. Please make sure that you show an early draft to your supervisor.

Details of the thesis requirements and the procedures for thesis submission and defence are described in the School of Graduate Studies Calendar (Sections 2.7 and 4.4) and on this School of Graduate Studies web page.

Information on graduate admissions, funding, fees, and programs of study is subject to periodic revision. The only official statement for these and other related regulations is the most recent printed edition of the School of Graduate Studies Calendar.