Master of Science in Chemistry University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) - Prince George Campus, Canada

Thesis and project options are available. The thesis option prepares graduate students for careers in research or further academic study by requiring the design and completion of an original research program and preparation of a thesis. The project option provides training across disciplines particularly suitable to individuals with more defined career objectives, as well as providing a mechanism for non-traditional students (e.g., working students, teachers, and professionals) to upgrade their skills.

Thesis Option

The Master of Science thesis option is designed for candidates who wish to develop career interests related to scientific research or who intend to pursue further academic research degrees. MSc students within the Chemistry thesis stream are required to complete 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar (two semesters), a minimum of 12 credit hours of approved graduate-level electives (i.e., at or above the 600 level), and a 12 credit-hour thesis (CHEM 794-12). It is expected that the electives consist of scientifically-oriented courses and that the thesis involves an independent investigation resulting in an original scientific contribution.

Project Option

The Master of Science project option is designed for candidates who wish to upgrade their skills, or who are constrained in their ability to undertake a traditional research thesis. MSc students within the CHEM project stream are required to complete 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar (two semesters), a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved electives, and a 6 credit-hour project (CHEM 793-6). Given the course-intensive nature of this option, MSc projects are limited, subject to sufficient teaching resources and a critical mass of faculty within an area of defined specialization. It is expected that the electives consist of scientifically-oriented courses, and that the project involves an independent investigation resulting in a scientific contribution, although this contribution need not include original research. Because of the number of courses required for this option, it is restricted to designated specializations that have been decided upon within each program area.