Masters in Chemical Sciences
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Graduate Studies
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a vibrant, dynamic team of highly motivated researchers probing many aspects of the chemical sciences. A synopsis of research topics is listed below or peruse individual research profiles on our research webpage. Read all graduate course descriptions here. We encourage prospective students to approach faculty members directly via email.
Propective students can visit the School of Graduate Studies for more information related to admissions. Click here to view the online application procedure. Visit the student fees website for information on domestic and international tuition fees.
Course offerings 2011-12
Program Options
1. M.Sc. degree by course work and thesis
The student is required to pass at least 1.5 courses (9 credits), or the equivalent, chosen from those listed under the graduate program in chemical sciences. One of these courses must be CHMI 5606. These courses must be at the fifth-year (5XXX) level. Paired courses (4X7X/5X7X, 4X8X/5X8X, 4X9X/5X9X) are not eligible. In addition, the student must write and successfully defend a thesis (CHMI 5000) in accordance with the regulations of the school of graduate studies. Each student will also be required to give an oral presentation on a topic that is different from that given in any other course. This requirement is met by taking CHMI 5606 E. Each student will be assigned a three-person advisory committee which must include their supervisor. At least two members of this committee must be full-time faculty members in the department of chemistry and biochemistry. The committee will meet with the student at least once a year to discuss his/her progress.
2. M.Sc. degree by course work and critical review essay
The student is required to pass at least four full courses (24 credits), or the equivalent, chosen from those listed under the graduate program in chemical sciences. One of these courses must be CHMI 5005. The public presentation and the oral exam required for CHMI 5005 will be chaired by a representative of the school of graduate studies and will be evaluated by the student’s advisory committee. Failure to pass the oral exam requires the student retake it within three months. A second failure means the student will not receive credit for the course. Another requirement is an oral presentation on a topic that is different from that given in any other course. This can be met by taking CHMI 5606 E. Each student will be assigned a three-person advisory committee, which must include their supervisor. At least two members of the committee must be full-time faculty members in the department of chemistry and biochemistry. The committee will meet with the student at least once a year to discuss his/her progress.
Topics Currently Investigated
Analytical Chemistry
• Development of new analytical procedures (geochemistry, geology and metallurgy) (Dr. Belzile)
• Analysis of inorganic compounds (mining industry) (Dr. Belzile)
• Reactivity of mine tailings systems (Dr. Belzile)
Biochemistry
• Adaptation and toxicology (Dr. Appanna)
• Studies on the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis in mammalian cells (Dr. Gauthier)
• Multidrug resistance (Dr. Parissenti)
• Metabolic networks in Drosophila (Dr. Merritt)
• Liposomal formulation of drug delivery (Dr. Omri)
• Sepsis molecular signaling pathways (Dr. Kumar)
Environmental Chemistry
• Behaviour of trace elements in lakes (Dr. Belzile)
• Design of new materials for environmental remediation (Dr. Appanna)
• Migration of radiocontaminants in soils (Dr. Caron)
• Geochemical computer modeling (Dr. Spiers)
Inorganic/Material Chemistry
• Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous inorganic materials (Dr. Mercier)
• Role of metal ions in biological system (Dr. Siemann)
• Electroactive polymers (Dr. Chahma)
• Surface modification of polymer biomaterials (Dr. Gray-Munro)
Physical/Theoretical Chemistry
• Development of new molecular modeling algorithms (Dr. Arteca)
• Conformational flexibility and fluctuations in polymers (Dr. Arteca)
• Computer-assisted molecular design models (Dr. Arteca)
• Quantum theory of chemical reactions (Dr. Arteca)
Organic Chemistry
• Mechanisms of organic reactions (Dr. Joly)
• Structure elucidation and synthesis of natural products (Dr. Montaut)
• Metal-atom-mediated chemical transformations (Dr. Joly)
• Medicinal chemistry (Dr. Ulibarri)
Surface Modifications
• Modification of conducting surfaces (Dr. Chahma)
• Electrochemical/Biological sensors (Dr. Chahma)