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Mathematics and Statistics

Note: This is the 2014–2015 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.

Mathematics and Statistics

Location

Location

  • Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Burnside Hall, Room 1005
  • 805 Sherbrooke Street West
  • Montreal QC H3A 0B9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-3800
  • Fax: 514-398-3899
  • Email: grad.mathstat [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website:

About Mathematics and Statistics

About Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs that can be focused on applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics leading to master’s degrees (M.A. or M.Sc.), with program options in Bioinformatics and in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE). The research groups are: Algebra Category; Theory and Logic; Geometric Group Theory; Algebraic Geometry; Discrete Mathematics; Mathematical Physics; Analysis and its Applications; Differential Geometry; Number Theory; Applied Mathematics; Differential Equations; and Probability and Statistics. In the basic master’s programs, students must choose between the thesis option, and the non-thesis option which requires a project. The Bioinformatics and CSE options require a thesis. In addition to the Ph.D. program in Mathematics and Statistics, there is a Ph.D. option in Bioinformatics.

The Department website () provides extensive information on the Department and its facilities, including the research activities and the research interests of individual faculty members. It also provides detailed information, supplementary to this eCalendar, concerning our programs, admissions, funding of graduate students, thesis requirements, advice concerning the choice of courses, etc.

Students are urged to consult the website () of the Institut des Sciences Mathématiques (ISM), which coordinates intermediate and advanced-level graduate courses among Montreal and Quebec universities. A list of courses available under the ISM auspices can be obtained from the ISM website. The ISM also offers fellowships and promotes a variety of joint academic activities greatly enhancing the mathematical environment in Montreal and in the province of Quebec.

Master of Arts (M.A.) Programs in Mathematics and Statistics

Detailed program requirements for the following M.A. programs are found in the eCalendar under Faculties & Schools > Faculty of Arts > Graduate > Academic Programs > Mathematics and Statistics.

Master of Arts (M.A.); Mathematics and Statistics (Thesis) (45 credits)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs with concentrations in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics leading to the Master's degree (M.A.). The thesis option requires a thesis (24 credits) and six approved courses of 3 or more credits each for a total of at least 21 credits.
Master of Arts (M.A.); Mathematics and Statistics (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs with concentrations in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics leading to the master's degree (M.A.). The non-thesis option requires a project (16 credits) and eight approved courses of 3 or more credits each for a total of at least 29 credits.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Programs in Mathematics and Statistics

Detailed program requirements for the following M.Sc. programs are found in the eCalendar under Faculties & Schools > Faculty of Science > Graduate > Academic Programs > Mathematics and Statistics.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Mathematics and Statistics (Thesis) (45 credits)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs with concentrations in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics leading to the master's degree (M.Sc.). The thesis option requires a thesis (24 credits) and six approved courses of 3 or more credits each for a total of at least 21 credits.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Mathematics and Statistics (Thesis) — Bioinformatics (48 credits)
Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases, and the use of algorithms and statistics. Students successfully completing the Bioinformatics option at the M.Sc. level will be fluent in the concepts, language, approaches, and limitations of the field.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Mathematics and Statistics (Thesis) — Computational Science and Engineering (47 credits)
CSE is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary area with connections to the sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. CSE focuses on the development of problem-solving methodologies and robust tools for the solution of scientific and engineering problems. Please visit our website for more information: .
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Mathematics and Statistics (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers programs with concentrations in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics leading to the master's degree (M.Sc.).The non-thesis option requires a project (16 credits) and eight approved courses of 3 or more credits each for a total of at least 29 credits.

Ph.D. Programs in Mathematics and Statistics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Mathematics and Statistics
The Department offers a course of studies leading to the Ph.D. degree. It differs substantially from the master’s programs in that the student must write a thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis topic is chosen by the student in consultation with the research supervisor. The thesis must be examined and approved by an internal examiner (normally the research supervisor), an external examiner and the Oral Examination Committee. The student must make an oral defense of the thesis before that Committee. In addition, the student has to pass comprehensive examinations.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Mathematics and Statistics — Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics research lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. The intention of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in this interdisciplinary field. This includes the development of strategies for experimental design, the construction of tools to analyze datasets, the application of modelling techniques, the creation of tools for manipulating bioinformatics data, the integration of biological databases, and the use of algorithms and statistics. Students successfully completing the Bioinformatics option at the Ph.D. level will be fluent in the concepts, language, approaches, and limitations of the field and will have the capability of developing an independent bioinformatics research program.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Mathematics and Statistics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Mathematics and Statistics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies requirements, the Department requirements are as follows:

Master's Degree

The normal entrance requirement for the master's programs is a Canadian honours degree or its equivalent, with high standing, in mathematics or a closely related discipline in the case of applicants intending to concentrate in statistics or applied mathematics.

Applicants wishing to concentrate in pure mathematics should have a strong background in linear algebra, abstract algebra, and real and complex analysis.

Applicants wishing to concentrate in statistics should have a strong background in linear algebra and basic real analysis. A calculus-based course in probability and one in statistics are required, as well as some knowledge of computer programming. Some knowledge of numerical analysis and optimization is desirable.

Applicants wishing to concentrate in applied mathematics should have a strong background in most of the areas of linear algebra, analysis, differential equations, discrete mathematics, and numerical analysis. Some knowledge of computer programming is also desirable.

Students whose preparation is insufficient for the program they wish to enter may, exceptionally, be admitted to a Qualifying year.

Ph.D. Degree

A master's degree with high standing is required, in addition to the requirements listed above for the master’s program. Students may transfer directly from the master’s program to the Ph.D. program under certain conditions. Students without a master's degree, but with exceptionally strong undergraduate training, may be admitted directly to Ph.D. 1.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Personal Statement – In the personal statement, the applicants should clearly explain their choice of preferred research group(s) and preferred area(s) of research, as well as providing relevant information that will not be reflected on their transcripts.
  • Research Proposal (optional) – If applicants have a specific research problem of interest that they want to pursue, they may discuss the details in the research proposal.
  • Applicants in pure and applied mathematics should provide a GRE score report, if available

For more details, please consult the website at .

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Same as Canadian/International
Winter: Sept. 15 Winter: Sept. 15 Winter: Same as Canadian/International
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty

Chair
Jacques Hurtubise
Graduate Program Director
Russell Steele
Emeritus Professors
Michael Barr; A.B., Ph.D.(Penn.) (Peter Redpath Emeritus Professor of Pure Mathematics)
William G. Brown; B.A.(Tor.), M.A.(Col.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Marta Bunge; M.A., Ph.D.(Penn.)
Jal R. Choksi; B.A.(Cant.), Ph.D.(Manc.)
Kohur N. GowriSankaran; B.A., M.A.(Madr.), Ph.D.(Bom.)
Joachim Lambek; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.S.C. (Peter Redpath Emeritus Professor of Pure Mathematics)
Michael Makkai; M.A., Ph.D.(Bud.) (Peter Redpath Professor of Pure Mathematics)
Sherwin Maslowe; B.Sc.(Wayne St.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Calif.)
Arak M. Mathai; M.Sc.(Kerala), M.A., Ph.D.(Tor.)
William O.J. Moser; B.Sc.(Manit.), M.A.(Minn.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Karl Peter Russell; Vor.Dip.(Hamburg), Ph.D.(Calif.)
Georg Schmidt; B.Sc.(Natal), M.Sc.(S. Af.), Ph.D.(Stan.)
Vanamamalai Seshadri; B.Sc, M.Sc.(Madr.), Ph.D.(Okl.)
George P.H. Styan; M.A., Ph.D.(Col.)
John C. Taylor; B.Sc.(Acad.), M.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McM.)
Professors
William J. Anderson; B.Eng., Ph.D.(McG.)
Henri Darmon; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Harv.), F.R.S.C. (James ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Professor)
Stephen W. Drury; M.A., Ph.D.(Cant.)
Christian Genest; BSp.Sc.(UQAC), M.Sc.(Vermont), Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Eyal Z. Goren; B.A., M.S., Ph.D.(Hebrew)
Pengfei Guan; B.Sc.(Zhejiang), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Princ.) (Canada Research Chair)
Jacques C. Hurtubise; B.Sc.(Montr.), D.Phil.(Oxf.) F.R.S.C.
Dmitry Jakobson; B.Sc.(MIT), Ph.D.(Princ.) (William Dawson Scholar)
Vojkan Jaksic; B.S.(Belgrade), Ph.D.(Calif. Tech.)
Niky Kamran; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Bruxelles), Ph.D.(Wat.), F.R.S.C. (James ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Professor)
Charles Roth; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Hebrew)
F. Bruce Shepherd; B.Sc.(Vic., Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Wat.) (James ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Professor)
David A. Stephens; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Nott.)
John A. Toth; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McM.), Ph.D.(MIT) (William Dawson Scholar)
Daniel T. Wise; B.A.(Yeshiva), Ph.D.(Princ.)
David Wolfson; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Natal), Ph.D.(Purd.)
Jian-Ju Xu; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Beijing), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Rensselaer Poly.)
Associate Professors
Louigi Addario-Berry; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Masoud Asgharian; B.Sc.(Shahid Beheshti), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Peter Bartello; B.Sc.(Tor.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences)
Rustum Choksi; B.Sc.(Tor.) S.M., Ph.D.(Brown)
Antony R. Humphries; B.A., M.A.(Camb.), Ph.D.(Bath)
Wilbur Jonsson; M.Sc.(Manit.), Dr.Rer.Nat.(Tübingen)
Ivo Klemes; B.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Calif. Tech.)
James G. Loveys; B.A.(St. Mary's), M.Sc., Ph.D.(S. Fraser)
Johanna Neslehova; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Hamburg), Ph.D.(Oldenburg)
Neville G.F. Sancho; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Belf.)
Robert Seiringer; Dip, Ph.D.(Vienna)
Russell Steele; B.S., M.S.(Carn. Mell), Ph.D.(Wash.)
Adrian Vetta; B.Sc., M.Sc.(LSE), Ph.D.(MIT) (joint appt. with Computer Science)
Assistant Professors
Abbas Khalili; Ph.D.(Wat.)
Jean-Christophe Nave; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Calif., Santa Barbara)
Gantumur Tsogtgerel; Ph.D.(Utrecht)
Johannes Walcher; Dip, Ph.D.(ETH Zurich)
Associate Members
Xiao-Wen Chang (Computer Science)
Luc P. Devroye (Computer Science)
Pierre R.L. Dutilleul (Plant Science)
Eliot Fried (Mechanical Engineering)
Leon Glass (Physiology)
George Haller (Engineering)
James A. Hanley (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Hamed Hatami (Computer Science)
Lawrence Joseph (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Anmar Khadra (Physiology)
Michael Mackey (Physiology)
Erica Moodie (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Lawrence A. Mysak (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences)
Christopher Paige (Computer Science)
Prakash Panangaden (Computer Science)
Robert Platt (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
James O. Ramsay (Psychology)
George Alexander Whitmore (Management)
Christina Wolfson (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Adjunct Professors
Vasek Chvatal; Ph.D.(Wat.)
Donald A. Dawson; B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(MIT)
Martin Gander; M.S.(ETH Zurich), M.S., Ph.D.(Stan.)
Andrew Granville; B.A., CASM(Camb.), Ph.D.(Qu.)
Adrian Iovita; B.S.(Bucharest), Ph.D.(Boston)
Ming Mei; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Jiangxi Normal Uni.), Ph.D.(Kanazawa)
Alexei Miasnikov; M.Sc.(Novosibirsk), Ph.D., Dr. of Sc.(Lenin.)
M. Ram Murty; B.Sc.(Car.), Ph.D.(MIT), F.R.S.C.
Vladimir Remeslennikov; M.Sc.(Perm, Russia), Ph.D.(Novosibirsk)
Robert A. Seely; B.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Cant.)
Faculty Lecturers
José A. Correa; M.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(Car.)
H. Hahn; Ph.D.(Ill.-Urbana-Champaign)
Axel Hundemer; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich)
Armel Djivede Kelome; M.Sc.(Benin), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Georgia Tech.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Master of Arts (M.A.); Mathematics and Statistics (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Arts (M.A.); Mathematics and Statistics (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Mathematics and Statistics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Mathematics and Statistics — Bioinformatics

Faculty of Arts—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)
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