Master of Science in Mathematical, Computer, Physical and Molecular Sciences

University of Northern British Columbia

Mathematical, Computer, Physical and Molecular Sciences (MCPMS) is one stream of the Master of Science degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Thesis and project options are available. The thesis option has, as a substantial component, the completion of an original research program, culminating in the preparation of a thesis, and prepares graduates for careers in research or for further academic study. The project option provides training across disciplines particularly suitable to individuals with more defined career objectives, as well as provides a mechanism for non-traditional students (e.g., working students, teachers, and professionals) to upgrade their skills. Students within the MCPMS stream will, upon successful completion of the degree requirements outlined herein, obtain an MSc with one or any combination of the following study areas noted on their transcript: Mathematics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

All students must participate in a Graduate Seminar course (one of MCPM 704-1.5, BCMB 704-1.5, NRES 704-1.5, CPSC 704-1.5, MATH 704-1.5), CHEM 714-1.5) for at least two semesters during their course of studies.

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. The degree is expected to attract students from traditional science disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and computer science. MSc students within the MCPMS stream are required to complete 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar, a minimum of 12 credit hours of approved electives, and a 12 credit-hour thesis (MCPM 790-12). It is expected that the electives will consist of scientifically oriented courses and that the thesis will involve an independent investigation resulting in a scientific contribution.

The 12 elective credit hours must be graduate-level study (i.e., at or above the 600 level) selected from the science courses available at UNBC. A maximum of 6 credit hours from independent studies can be counted towards the elective requirement. Specific details of coursework are determined by the research area undertaken by the student. The supervisory committee ensures the appropriate selection of elective courses, and may require a student to complete more than 12 elective credit hours if, for example, weaknesses in the student’s background exist (including undergraduate prerequisites for graduate courses) or if additional courses are required for professional accreditation.

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 MCPMS project stream are required to complete 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar, a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved electives, and a 6 credit-hour project. 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 will consist of scientifically oriented courses, and that the project will involve an independent investigation resulting in a scientific contribution, although this contribution need not include original research. Because of the high weighting of course offerings for this option, it is restricted to designated specializations that have been decided upon within each program area. Designation of a specialization implies that sufficient resources are available to ensure that required courses within the specialization can be offered to fulfill the requirements for the degree.