Biochemistry, M.Sc.

General Requirements

The general requirements for the M.Sc. degree appear under the Regulations for the Master’s degree near the beginning of this Calendar. A candidate for the M.Sc. degree is required to spend at least one calendar year in full‐time study at McMaster University.

The candidate must complete, with at least B- standing, at least one full, 700-level graduate course (or two half-courses), which must include at least one half, 700-level graduate course in Biochemistry. The candidate is required to present a thesis in a final oral examination that embodies the results of their original research. All MSc students are required to present one public seminar in the Departmental seminar program. Meetings of the Supervisory Committee, consisting of the supervisor and two additional faculty members, will take place every 6 months.

Transfer to the Ph.D Program

Not sooner than two terms after initial registration in the Master’s program, students may request to be reclassified to the Ph.D. program. Students wishing to be transferred to the Ph.D. program prior to the completion of a Master’s degree must successfully pass the Transfer Examination (see Calendar Section 2.1.2 of the General Regulations of the Graduate School and refer to the appropriate section of the Program Handbook available from the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences). The candidate must present requests for transfer to the supervisor and the Supervisory Committee and all must be in agreement to proceed with the transfer process. The Transfer Exam includes a written research proposal representing the student’s own original proposed work for Ph.D. studies and an oral defense. Details of the Transfer Exam and its administration are as outlined in the Program Handbook available from the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. Students enrolled in the Master’s program beyond 22 months must complete the degree requirements including the thesis prior to admission to the Ph.D. program. As such, all students seeking reclassification to the Ph.D. program from the M.Sc. program must successfully pass the Transfer Examination before going beyond 22 months following registration in the M.Sc. program. Approval to transfer will be determined at the meeting of the Transfer Committee following the oral defense.