A Master of Science degree comprises one year of coursework (part I) and a 12 month research project (part II).
Entry Requirements
- MSc part I: B average (GPA 5) in 200- and 300-level science courses.
- MSc part II: B average (GPA 5) across your 400-level courses and an accepted research proposal.
Things you need to know
- You must enrol and pay fees in February every year of your degree.
- You must include BIOL 411 (Research Preparation) and BIOL 412 (Research Proposal) as two of your 4th year courses.
- All papers must be passed at the first attempt but if no more than one paper is failed, a pass in the year as a whole may be recommended, provided that a B- average (GPA 4) is attained including the failed course. However it should be noted that normally a B- would be insufficient to allow progress from MSc part I to MSc part II. If your grades are not sufficient for progress to MSc part II, but you have passed MSc part I, you will be awarded a PgDipSc.
- Your MSc Research Outline forms part of the assessment for BIOL 411 and is due in late April. This brief statement tells us that you are intending on doing an MSc research project, that you have spoken to a prospective supervisor, that they have agreed to take you on as a student and that you have a provisional topic. This topic might change later. This brief statement tells us that you are intending on doing an MSc research project, that you have spoken to a prospective supervisor, that they have agreed to take you on as a student and that you have a provisional topic. This topic might change later.
- Your MSc Thesis Proposal forms part of the assessment for BIOL 412 and is due in late September. This is a more detailed document outlining the main aims and methods of your proposed research and contains details on what permits, equipment and funding you might need.
MSc Part II
- The recommended commencement date for MSc part II is 1st March. However, preliminary work can be started earlier (e.g., summer fieldwork) and so we encourage students to enrol in BIOL 401/402 (summer research courses) prior to the start of MSc part II.
- Your research proposal is due two months after commencement, and your progress report is due at six months.
- You must complete your thesis in the equivalent of 12 months (full-time) to be eligible to graduate with honours
- If you take a break between Part I & Part II and enrolment is not completed by March 1st or August 1st then a start date must be registered.
- In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to complete Parts I and II concurrently. For more information contact the Fourth Year Course Cordinator.
