Chemistry

Master of Science (MSc)



Meet Taylor Martino, graduate student in Chemistry

“The facilities at Western University are a definite factor in being successful in the research I do. Chemistry itself has many important analysis tools, but I have found that it is very easy to collaborate with other departments if necessary. My lab works also with contacts in physics and engineering, and is also able to analyze samples easily using Surface Science Western and Western Nanofabrication Facility.”

Supervisor: Dr. David Shoesmith

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Western; I enjoyed the overall environment of the department and met Professors with very intriguing research. I was accepted as a graduate student into an electrochemistry/corrosion lab near the end of my fourth year. I absolutely loved my four undergraduate years at Western, and was very confident in my decision to join the department for graduate school.

Where is “home” for you?
Palgrave, Ontario

Describe your research in 100 words or less.
Copper is the primary candidate material for the fabrication of nuclear fuel waste containers in Sweden, Finland and Canada primarily for its thermodynamic stability in the anoxic aqueous environments anticipated in geologic repositories. However, upon burial of the canisters in repositories the copper outer shell is susceptible to the oxidant of sulphide. My research focuses on sulphide induced copper corrosion and the mechanism by which it occurs. This research is important in ensuring safety and stability of the buried nuclear fuel canisters.

What is your “dream” career?
My goal right now is to be a corrosion scientist within the nuclear waste disposal industry.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
It is important to know exactly what you will be researching once you join the lab – pursuing a project you are truly interested in will make graduate school a more enjoyable experience. I have also found it important to meet the people you will be working with – having a great environment around you while completing your graduate degree will make a world of difference.

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
In the chemistry department you are offered teaching assistant jobs two terms per year. I have always worked as a teaching assistant during my degree and found it has improved my ability to talk and teach to large audiences as well as develop quick problem solving skills (especially when teaching upper year chemistry labs).

What are you most passionate about?
I strive to be a supportive person for others and strongly feel it is important to learn more about history.

What one thing would you like people to know about you?
My inner scientist always comes out in everyday conversations, my soul belongs in the 1940’s and I always have trouble choosing only one thing.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Darlene DiValentin (dhagen@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Chemistry

Western University
Chemistry Building Rm 116
London, Ontario N6A 5B7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 81543
f. 519-661-3022

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study that lead to the Master of Science (MSc) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. All programs are research-based.

Taking a modern view of the chemical sciences, the four main research themes reflect Western’s open-minded and multidisciplinary approach to research. Research is broadly characterized into the themes of: Chemical Biology and Biomaterials; Synthesis, Catalysis and Molecular Materials; Materials: Design, Function and Characterization; and Theory and Computation.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • A four-year Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, or a related discipline, from a recognized university, college, or institute with an overall academic standing of at least B+ (75%).
  • Applicants must have a research experience and demonstrate significant potential to undertake research.
  • Especially for applicants from related disciplines, provide a clear statement on your academic qualifications and how past training and experiences have positioned you for success in graduate teaching and research for the proposed area of study within chemistry.
  • For applicants who have not yet been conferred the BSc degree, all program requirements must be completed prior to the start of the MSc studies.

Additional Requirements

  • Previous degrees must have a research component.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score for chemistry is 90, with no individual score below 20 for the internet based version; 230 for the standard electronic version; or 570 for the paper and pencil version, although some programs require a higher minimum score.[Western's TOEFL ID is 0984]. TOEFL Study Guide: http://www.discoverbusiness.us/education/online-mba/resources/toefl/
  • The International English Language Testing Service(IELTS)of the British Council. The minimum acceptable score for Chemistry is 7 in each category out of 9. The IELTS is offered in 6 test centres in the US and 3 in Canada.
  • The Duolingo English Test is available online (takes 1 hour) and is offered at a reasonable cost. The minimum acceptable score for admission to the Chemistry program is 120. Western University and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies receives scores from Duolingo directly. When completing the Duolingo English Test, please select “Western University-Graduate Studies” from the Institution list to ensure your results are available.
  • The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 70 in each section. The CAEL Assessment is offered in several countries throughout the world as well as Canada.
  • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components. Official proof of graduation required.
  • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the program.
Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency.

Other formal evidence of graduate level proficiency in English (as determined by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) may be considered in lieu of these test scores.

Application Deadline

Domestic Applicants:

  • November 1 - Winter Term
  • March 1 - Summer Term
  • July 1 - Fall Term

Applications are accepted year-round; however, you should try to meet the deadlines above in order to be accepted for the term you are applying to. Domestic students are welcome to apply to winter, fall, and summer terms.

Domestic applicants: Acceptance notifications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Fields of Research

  • Inorganic
  • Organic
  • Physical/Analytical