35.2 Fisheries Science (Stock Assessment)

The Degree of Master of Science in Fisheries Science (Stock Assessment) is a research-focussed Master's degree offered by the School of Fisheries at the Fisheries and Marine Institute. This program is for students who aim to pursue a specific career in quantitative stock assessment of fisheries. The Degree is normally offered to full-time students. These regulations must be read in conjunction with the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies of Memorial University of Newfoundland.


35.2.1 Qualifications for Admission

  1. Admission is limited and competitive. To be considered for admission an applicant will normally hold at least a high second class Honours Degree, or an M.D. Degree, or the equivalent of either, both in achievement and depth of student, from an institution recognized by the University Senate.

  2. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and scientific computing.

  3. Any other applicant may be considered for admission provided that:

    1. the applicant's undergraduate record after the first year shows an average of at least a grade of 'B' in courses in the proposed field of specialization;

    2. the applicant's overall undergraduate record after the first year shows an average of at least a grade of 'B' in all courses taken, and;

    3. the applicant demonstrates a commitment and passion for mathematics or statistics, through employment or experience in field schools, research programs, regulatory agencies or government departments, non-governmental organizations, consulting activities, or other relevant activities.

  4. Applicants must meet the English Proficiency Requirements described under General Regulations, English Proficiency Requirements.


35.2.2 Program of Study and Research

Every student for the Master of Science in Fisheries Science (Stock Assessment) degree shall normally be required to complete all of:

  1. 12 credit hours including:

    1. FISH 6000 Science Communication for Fisheries
      FISH 6001 Ecology, Management, and Practice of North Atlantic Fisheries
      FISH 6004 Overview of Statistical Stock Assessment
      FISH 6005 Advanced Statistical Stock Assessment
    2. A thesis composed of at least one chapter of original research.

  2. A student will normally complete course requirements in the first four semesters of the program.

  3. Within three months of the first registration in the M.Sc. degree program, the student will meet with their Supervisory Committee. A meeting report, signed by all members of the Supervisory Committee and student, must be given to the Academic Unit. A copy will be sent to the student and to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Subsequent meetings must occur at least annually, with a report filed after each meeting.

  4. A student may be required by the Supervisory Committee to take additional courses.

  5. The student must present the thesis seminar of 20-30 minutes duration prior to submission of the thesis to the School of Graduate Studies.

  6. The thesis shall conform to the School of Graduate Studies General Regulations, Theses and Reports.


35.2.3 Evaluation

  1. In order to continue in the School of Graduate Studies and in order to qualify for a Master's Degree a student shall obtain a grade of 'A' or 'B' in each program course as per General Regulations, Evaluation, Evaluation of Graduate Students.

  2. The Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee may recommend that a student be required to withdraw from the program, if after consultation with the student, it is determined that the student is not making satisfactory progress towards completion of the program and the unsatisfactory progress is unlikely to be corrected.


35.2.4 Thesis

A student must meet the requirements as outlined under the School of Graduate Studies General Regulations, Theses and Reports.


35.2.5 Courses

  • FISH 6000 Science Communication for Fisheries
  • FISH 6001 Ecology, Management, and Practice of North Atlantic Fisheries
  • FISH 6004 Overview of Statistical Stock Assessment
  • FISH 6005 Advanced Statistical Stock Assessment