About the Program
The Department of Chemistry offers a program of graduate studies and research leading to M. Sc. and Ph. D. degrees, in all areas of chemistry, including, analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry. Within these general areas, members of the faculty have active research programs in themes such as atomic layer deposition, bioinorganic sensors, functionally imprinted polymers, fungal toxicity, nanotechnology, polymers and nanocomposites, polymers for photonics, self assembly, thin films, microelectronics etc. Most of the instrument facilities relevant to these research activities exist in the department. We also leverage on the strength of the Ottawa Carleton Chemistry Institute for other instrumental needs. In addition to regular faculty members, several scientists from the government laboratories serve as adjunct professors with joint supervisory privileges. As needed, students are permitted to take courses from University of Ottawa towards the required credits. In addition to regular student funding, endowed scholarships are available to outstanding students.
Admission Requirements
- Honours B.Sc. degree in Chemistry, with a B+ average in the last two years and a B average overall.
- Applicants who do not meet this requirement, or whose undergraduate degree is in another, closely related field, may be accepted into the program, but may be assigned extra courses.
Qualifying Year
Applicants who do not qualify for direct admission to the Master's program may be admitted to a qualifying-year program (see 2.3 under General Regulations).
5.0 credits must be completed within two consecutive fall and winter terms, including a 1.0 credit Research Project and Seminar course (CHEM 4908), and 4.0 credits in 0.5- and 0.25-credit courses, as assigned by the Graduate Supervisor. An average grade of A- over these five credits, with a minimum grade of B in each course must be presented to be considered for admission to the M.Sc. program.
Program Requirements
- A research thesis defended at an oral examination (3.0 credits)
- One credit of graduate courses (made up of any combination of 0.5 credit and 0.25 credit courses)
- CHEM 5801 (1.0 credit)
- Residence requirement - at least one year of full-time study
Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree
Full-time students in the master's program will normally complete the degree requirements in two years. Part-time students will normally complete the degree requirements in four years.
Thesis Advisory Committee
Within four months of initial registration in the M.Sc. or Ph.D. program, a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) will be appointed for each student. Committee membership will be formally approved by the departmental chairs and OCCI directors at Carleton and the University of Ottawa. The committee will consist of a minimum of three members, including the thesis supervisor, and where practicable, at least one member will be from the other campus of OCCI. Committee membership may include adjunct faculty members of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS) at the University of Ottawa or the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Carleton.
Once a year, the student will prepare a formal Thesis Progress Report. The report is not to exceed four pages and will outline the problem, methodology used, results achieved, and aims for future research. The TAC will evaluate the report and indicate whether the student has made satisfactory progress. No meeting with the student will be required if progress is deemed by the TAC to be satisfactory. A meeting to discuss the student's progress may be held at any time at the request of either the student or the committee.
