The program is offered in thesis-based and course-based options, both having a co-op education version (see below). It is intended to maintain comparable overall levels of student effort and performance required in the thesis and course-based versions. The normal length of time to complete each option is 24 months.

The work for the thesis is completed under the guidance of a supervisor (or joint supervisors). Upon completion of the work for the thesis, each student is required to present a seminar suitable for an interdisciplinary audience.

After acceptance into Scientific Computing (formerly Computational Science), a program of study will be developed by the applicant and supervisor that is tailored to their interests. It is normally expected that all students take three courses from the list of core courses below. However, exceptions can be made subject to the approval of the student’s supervisor and the Chair of the Scientific Computing Program. Additional courses are required (see below), usually in the student’s discipline of specialization. The course requirements for each student are approved by the Program Chair on the recommendation of the student's supervisor(s), and should reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

Core courses (exceptions possible):

MATH 6210 Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations
CMSC 6910 Matrix Computations and Applications or COMP 6732 Matrix Computations (credit may be obtained for only one of CMSC 6910 and COMP 6732)
CMSC 6920 Scientific Programming
CMSC 6930 Algorithms for Distributed and Shared Memory Computers
CMSC 6950 Computer Based Tools and Applications
COMP 6906 Topics in Numerical Methods

In order to obtain and keep financial support through SGS Fellowships, students must have acceptable grade averages.

Students are also expected to attend research seminars in their home departments as well as those relevant to Scientific Computing when advertised.

Thesis option

This option requires the completion of at least 4 graduate courses (12 credit hours) numbered 6000 or higher, where 3 of these (9 credit hours) are from the list of core courses, and the submission of an acceptable thesis. CMSC 6950 (3 credit hours) is also recommended. However, exceptions to the total number of courses can be made, subject to the approval of the student’s supervisor and the Chair of the Scientific Computing Program. The thesis is to contain an original scholarly contribution which must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for final examination. The additional course(s) will normally be in the same field as the thesis work.

Course option

This option requires the completion of a minnimum of 7 graduate courses (21 credit hours) numbered 6000 or higher, which must include CMSC 6920 plus a minimum of 3 courses (9 credit hours) from the Core Courses list. Equivalent courses may be considered for substitution with approval of the Program Chair.

Additional courses will normally be chosen from the Additional Courses list.

Co-operative education option

A Co-operative Education Option is available to students in the thesis or course-based program. Students may indicate that they wish to follow this option at the time of application or after they have started the program.

The co-op option will add 4 or 8 months to the program length. Students will declare their intention to complete the co-op option five months prior to the intended work term start by submitting this form.

This application must be submitted by August 1 for a work term beginning in January, by December 1 for a work term beginning in May and by April 1 for a work term beginning in September.

Applicants must be in the MSc Scientific Computing program.  The minimum requirements for admission to the Co-operative Education Option are:

1. Completion of at least two terms prior to the work term start.
2. Completion of at least four courses (12 credit hours) prior the work term start.
3. At least one course remaining to complete following the work term.
4. Applicants must maintain an average of 80% or higher in Memorial University graduate courses.

Students will complete one (CMSC 601W) or two (CMSC 601W and CMSC 602W) consecutive work terms with the same employer.

General management of the Co-operative Education Option is the responsibility of the designated Academic Staff Member in Co-operative Education (ASM-CE). ASMs-CE are responsible for providing professional development to students, facilitating the engagement of potential employers in the program, developing employment opportunities, organizing competitions for work term employment, arranging job interviews, monitoring students during the work term and evaluating the work term.

Work terms are not guaranteed; students are ultimately responsible for securing their work term placements.

Qualifying work experience are 4 or 8 months duration, full-time and paid. Remuneration for work placements is determined by employers based on their internal wage structures.

Questions?  Contact coopscihss@mun.ca