MSc Program

Program Requirements

There are a number of requirements MSc students must meet to complete their degree, and they are outlined on this page.

If you have any questions regarding graduate studies requirements, please contact the Chemistry Graduate Coordinator at gradadmission@chem.ualberta.ca.

Course Requirements

In addition to demonstrating proficiency in all four areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical) as required, students must also:

  • Enrol in and pass 3 one-term graduate level courses (MSc students will not be given course exemption for courses taken prior to admission to the Chemistry graduate program);
  • Register in CHEM 502 and attend the required number of seminars for two years;
  • Obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or greater in their first year, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater in their second and subsequent years in order to remain in the graduate program.

Master's candidates in Organic Chemistry are normally expected to take all three graduate courses in Organic Chemistry, but may petition the Division of Organic Chemistry for permission to take one course in another area.

Master's candidates in Analytical Chemistry are normally expected to take four half-course modules in the fall semester of their first year.

Master's candidates on Chemical Biology may include one (1) one-term approved graduate course in the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, or Faculty of Pharmacy as part of their required courses.

Master's candidates in Chemical Physics may include up to two (2) one-term approved courses in Physics and Mathematics as part of their required courses.

Additionally, all master's students are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of ethics training. They must also submit an Individual Development Plan and complete a minimum of 8 hours of Professional Development activities.

Master's Thesis

MSc students must conduct research under the direction of their supervisor and must submit the results of this research as an MSc thesis to a committee and support their findings with an oral presentation. The examination committee will consist of the research supervisor, one member of the student's supervisory committee, and one arm's length examiner.

Master's students are required to schedule and attend a meeting with their Supervisory Committee after the first year in the program. The purpose of the meeting is for the committee to see the student's progress and the plan to complete the program. The outcome of the meeting will be for the student to receive some input on the research progress and a clear path to an efficient completion of the Master's program within 2 years and 4 months of starting the program.

At the MSc oral examination, the student is expected to give a brief oral presentation of their research, and to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of his or her thesis subject and related areas.

Change of Category

A student enrolled in the MSc program may change categories and become enrolled in a PhD program. The student must meet the performance requirements for the program. The change of category is requested by the student's research supervisor and must be approved by the student's supervisory committee.