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

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 (even if your courses were taught in English):

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

International Applicants:

  • March 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, Summer terms. International students are welcome to apply to the Fall term only.

International applicants: Acceptance notification begins in April.
Domestic applicants: Acceptance notifications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Fields of Research

  • Inorganic
  • Organic
  • Physical/Analytical