Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science with a specialization in Geophysics (Physics)


A supervisory committee of three faculty members is appointed for each graduate student. Within the first year of registration in the program, the committee makes a formal recommendation on the candidate’s potential for graduate work. At this time students may in certain cases be permitted to transfer directly to a PhD program if their progress should warrant such a transfer.

Program Requirements


Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in coursework and a thesis.

Coursework:


  • GEOPH 521  
  • Coursework is to be selected in coordination with the supervisor, supervisory committee, and graduate chair, which may make additional requirements.

Thesis


  • Registration in 900-level THES. Students must complete a research project, the results of which are to be presented in a thesis and an oral examination.

Seminar Presentation


Starting in the second year, each MSc student in Geophysics is required to present the results of their current research at least once per year at the Geophysics Seminar Series or at the Institute for Geophysical Research conference.

Ethics Requirement


Students must meet the FGSR Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement  through the completion of INT D 710  (for both master’s and doctoral students) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Residence Requirement


The minimum period of residence for the thesis MSc is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program


The time required will vary according to the previous training of the candidate and the nature of the research undertaken; however, an average of two years is normally required to complete the MSc program.

The maximum time to complete the thesis-based MSc program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is four years.

Program extensions  may be granted in exceptional circumstances.