Department of Earth SciencesWestern Science

Master of Science Program

The primary function of our M.Sc. program is to prepare young scientists for independent research, through the formulation of a research problem, the collection of data, development of analytical methods, review of literature, to writing of the final thesis. This process is the principal means by which our students learn the process of research. Learning through independent investigation is supplemented by instruction in a variety of graduate courses that may include both formal lectures and laboratories, and various projects, research papers and seminars. Current graduate degrees include:

Graduate students are encouraged to develop a passing knowledge of fields peripheral to their thesis topics by regular attendance at the weekly departmental colloquia, M.Sc. and Ph.D. defence lectures of fellow students, and through participation in the graduate seminar course and informal brownbag seminars.

Program Requirements

The foregoing course requirements can be found here. Courses are designed to supplement and broaden the student's knowledge base, however, a thesis based on original research, forms the most important part of both the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs.

Residence Requirements

M.Sc. students are required to be resident in the Department as full-time students for a minimum of one full year.