Interdisciplinary

Research in Chemical Physics

Research in Chemical Physics currently includes: theoretical chemistry and electronic structure theory (P.W. Ayers); crystal chemistry of oxide and mineral compounds (J. Barbier); applications of neutron spectroscopy to problems in solids (B. Gaulin); quantum molecular dynamics and NMR spectrum simulation (R. Dumont); synchrotron radiation based spectromicroscopy of soft matter, environmental and biological samples; quasi-elastic and inelastic electron scattering of gases (A.P. Hitchcock); single and multiphoton laser-based studies of negative ions and selected solid state media (H.K. Haugen); surface science of electronic materials, scanning probe microscopy and dissipative nanopatterning (P. Kruse); magnetocaloric and thermoelectric inorganic solids (Y. Mozharivskyj); fundamental studies and applications in photonics (K. Saravanamuttu), nonlinear optical processes in solid materials (I. Vargas-Baca); surface electronic and magnetic structure using spin-polarized electron scattering and optical scattering (D. Venus). A student in this program may undertake research work under the supervision of any member of the Chemistry or Physics and Astronomy Departments.

Environmental Science

Environmental science is concerned with the interactions between the physical and biological environment and human activity. It examines and models ecosystem dynamics involving the atmosphere, the biosphere and the hydrosphere, and the dynamic interrelations between the natural environment and human resource use and conservation. Because land and resource use places severe strain on ecosystems, much emphasis is directed towards developing knowledge, models and techniques to help ameliorate such strains, often through regulatory policies.

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies emphasize the human role in the management of the environment and is especially concerned with the economic, social and health problems which may arise from deterioration of ecosystems. Environmental studies focus on economic, political, regulatory, and sociological aspects of environmental management.

There is not a designated graduate degree for Environmental Science/ Studies at McMaster. However, many departments are involved in teaching and research in this area. Interested students are encouraged to pursue graduate degrees in one of these departments or programs and to take interdisciplinary groups of courses related to the environment. This will provide students with a strong background in a fundamental subject and a high level of interdisciplinary training.

Contact people for Departments/Programs involved in Environmental Science/Environmental Studies are as follows:

H. Feit (Anthropology)
V.S. Ananthanarayanan (Biochemistry)
J.S. Quinn (Biology)
J.L. Brash (Chemical Engineering)
B. McCarry (Chemistry)
B. Baetz (Civil Engineering)
D. Feeny (Economics)
P. Kanaroglou (School of Geography and Earth Sciences)
W-K. Lu (Materials Science)
R.J. Haslam (Medical Sciences)
G. Browman (Health Research Methodology)
E. Boetzkes (Philosophy)
D. Chettle (Physics and Astronomy)
M. Sproule-Jones (Political Science)
M. Daly (Psychology)

Molecular Biology

Opportunities for graduate studies in Molecular Biology are available at McMaster University through M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Biochemistry, Biology, and Medical Sciences. Research interaction is fostered through the McMaster Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology which maintains a Central Facility providing state-of-the-art equipment and reagents. More than 50 faculty members from 10 departments participate in the supervision of graduate students covering a broad range of research areas in molecular biology. McMaster’s programs offer a flexible choice of graduate courses. Research interactions are facilitated through journal clubs, work-in-progress and formal seminars.

Enquiries should be addressed to the Graduate Programs in Biochemistry, Biology and Medical Sciences.

Research in Molecular Biology

Cell biology and metabolism; developmental biology; DNA replication, mutation and repair; gene expression and regulation; gene targeting, transfer and therapy; hemostasis, thromboembolism and atherosclerosis; membranes and organelles; molecular biology, genetics and cancer; molecular evolution; molecular immunology; virology; molecular pharmacology and toxicology; neuroscience and behavioural sciences; oncogenesis and cancer therapy; plant biology; microbiology; protein engineering; x-ray crystallography.

Northern Studies

The Committee on Northern Studies (chaired by Dr. Susan Dudley of the Department of Biology) allocates grants received by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to graduate students for research in the north. These grants are intended to offset the high costs of travel and living in the north, and students from a broad range of disciplines are eligible. For grant allocation, “north” is designated as any area that is underlain by permafrost, but students who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to inquire. Though there is no degree program in Northern Studies, many departments and schools offer graduate work in this area, particularly:

Anthropology
Biology
School of Geography and Earth Sciences

Information and application forms can be obtained in the early fall from Dr. Susan Dudley of the Department of Biology, 905 525-9140 ext. 24004. The deadline for application is November 1.

Peace Studies

As there is no separate degree program, graduate work in Peace Studies at McMaster is discipline based. The Centre for Peace Studies offers interdisciplinary courses in some of its areas of specialization, and individual departments offer courses with some content relevant to different aspects of Peace Studies. These courses are listed below. The Departments of Anthropology, Economics, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Sociology, offer M.A. or Ph.D. degree programs in which students can work on topics related to Peace Studies. Specific regulations concerning admissions and programs of study can be found under each department’s listing.

The Centre for Peace Studies conducts peace research and peace education projects on a broad range of topics, but it has developed a primary focus in five areas: social movements against war; religious and philosophical approaches to peace and conflict; alternative security; human rights, and achieving peace through health initiatives.
Enquiries: 905 525-9140 Ext. 24729

Email: peace@mcmaster.ca
Website: http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~peace

Regional Science

Regional Science uses the concept of a region as a basis for analysing the spatial dimensions of human activities and their structure. It examines the theoretical bases of the activities, methods to analyse the diverse nature of those activities and the assessment of impacts of decisions and policies on those activities. Specific areas of research at McMaster University include: the dynamics of regional economies; resource allocation and management; regional impact analysis; theories of spatial processes; transportation; and public policy analysis.

Graduate work in Regional Science at McMaster is discipline oriented. Expertise is found in the Department of Economics, and in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences. M.A. and Ph.D. degrees obtained through these departments allow a specialization in Regional Science by incorporating some of the courses listed below. Students wishing to specialize in Regional Science are required to complete one course in methods of regional analysis and one other methods course pertaining to their specific research interest. In addition, students must fulfill the degree requirements of the department in which they are registered.

Enquiries should be directed to the Director (School of Geography and Earth Sciences) at 905 525-9140 Ext. 23535.

Science and Religion

Science and religion are often thought to be necessarily in conflict, with mutually incompatible approaches to method and discordant meanings of truth. In fact, the relationships between science and religion can indeed be modeled in terms of conflict; however, they can also be seen as mutually independent or even offering fruitful engagement. In the first half of the last century A.N. Whitehead wrote, “When we consider what religion is for [humanity] and what science is, it is no exaggeration to say that the future of history depends upon the decision of this generation as to the relation between them.” The generation that Whitehead was addressing has passed, but the relation between religion and science remains fluid and, in many respects, unresolved. The aim here is to draw together intellectual resources and traditions of understanding from different Faculties in order to explore if there are ways in which science and religion can work together constructively. At present one graduate seminar course is offered.

Urban Studies

There are a number of departments at McMaster that offer graduate courses in Urban Studies, and in certain departments a research specialization in Urban Studies is possible at both the Master’s and Ph.D. levels. A listing of some of the relevant courses is given below.

Enquiries should be directed to the Director (School of Geography and Earth Sciences) at 905 525-9140 Ext. 23535.

Website: http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/geo/

Programs

• Chemical Physics, M.Sc.

• Chemical Physics, Ph.D

• Water Without Borders Graduate Diploma

• Collaborative Courses