Biology, M.Sc.

Requirements

The 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 in Biology is normally required to spend at least one calendar year in full-time graduate study at McMaster University. Completion of the M.Sc. degree, however, typically requires two years of full-time study.

The M.Sc. candidate is required to complete satisfactorily not fewer than one full course in Biology or related fields, of which at least one half course must be at the 700 level. If a 600-level course is taken, it must be in Biology. The candidate is also required to present a thesis which demonstrates the ability to do original research. The candidate will be required to defend his/her thesis in the final oral examination. The Department may require the student to take additional graduate or undergraduate courses to remove program deficiencies.

Ph.D Program Transfer

Students in the M.Sc. program can be considered for transfer to a Ph.D. program, normally after one year.The first supervisory committee of an M.Sc. student must take place within 9 months of joining the program. The process of transfer to a Ph.D. program will begin soon after this meeting, and the examination must be completed within 12-20 months after the start of the M.Sc. program. Prior to transfer, the candidate must have completed a minimum of one graduate half course (preferably at the 700-level) and obtained the average grade of B+ or better. Transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D. will be initiated by a mutual agreement between the student and supervisor. Refer to the appropriate section of the program guide available from the Department of Biology for more details. Enrolment in the Ph.D. program is dependent upon the successful completion of the transfer examination.

Note:

Candidates for the M.Sc. degree who wish to complete the requirements in time for a particular convocation, should submit their theses to the Department a full two weeks ahead of the date given elsewhere in the calendar, in order to give their examiners adequate time to review their theses.)