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Plant Science

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Plant Science

Location

Location

  • Department of Plant Science
  • Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7838
  • Email: gradstudies.macdonald [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/plant

About Plant Science

About Plant Science

The Department offers an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Science with options in Bioinformatics, Environment, or Neotropical Environment, and provides for study in all fields of plant science. Research facilities—both field and laboratory—are available for investigations in plant breeding, crop physiology, crop management, crop quality, plant ecology, the epidemiology and biology of plant diseases, epigenetics, biosystematics, recombinant DNA technology, mycology, weed biology, tissue culture, plant biochemistry, and bioinformatics. Facilities include: the Horticultural Research Centre, the Emile A. Lods Agronomy Research Centre, greenhouses, growth cabinets, the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Herbarium, the Applied Biotechnology laboratory, the CT Scanning laboratory, and a Level 2 Quarantine Facility.

An advisory committee is named for each student and has the responsibility of developing the program of study appropriate to the student's background and area of specialization.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) (45 credits)
This M.Sc. in Plant Science requires approximately two years for completion. Overall, the program consists of two graduate-level courses, seminars, and a research project leading to a thesis. The courses and the research project are chosen and defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, the private sector, or further graduate studies in a related field.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Bioinformatics (48 credits)
This M.Sc. in Plant Science requires approximately two years for completion. Overall, the program consists of two graduate-level courses, seminars, and a research project leading to a thesis. The courses and the research project are chosen and defined with the help of an advisory committee. The goal of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, which lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering. This option has an added emphasis on bioinformatics, including additional seminars. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, the private sector, or further graduate studies in a related field.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Environment (48 credits)
This M.Sc. in Plant Science requires approximately two years for completion. Overall, the program consists of two graduate-level courses, seminars, and a research project leading to a thesis. The courses and the research project are chosen and defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, the private sector, or further graduate studies in a related field. This option has an added emphasis on environmental sciences, including additional courses and seminars. The Environment graduate option is aimed at students who wish to take an interdisciplinary approach in their graduate research on environmental issues and who wish to benefit from interactions with students from a wide range of disciplines.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Neotropical Environment (48 credits)
This M.Sc. in Plant Science requires approximately two years for completion. Overall, the program consists of two graduate-level courses, seminars, and a research project leading to a thesis. The courses and the research project are chosen and defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, the private sector, or further graduate studies in a related field. This option has an added emphasis on neotropical environments, including additional courses and seminars. Part of the program takes place in Panama.
Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.); Plant Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
This M.Sc. in Plant Science requires about 18 months or four to five terms for completion. Overall, the program consists of graduate-level courses, seminars, and a research project. The courses and the research project are chosen and defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, the private sector, or further graduate studies in a related field.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science
This Ph.D. in Plant Science requires approximately three years for completion. Overall, the program consists of seminars and a research project leading to a thesis. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination within their first year of study. The research project is defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, universities, or the private sector.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Bioinformatics
This Ph.D. in Plant Science requires approximately three years for completion. Overall, the program consists of seminars and a research project leading to a thesis. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination within their first year of study. The research project is defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, universities, or the private sector. This option has an added emphasis on bioinformatics, including additional courses and seminars. The goal of the Bioinformatics option is to train students to become researchers in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, which lies at the intersection of biological/medical sciences and mathematics/computer science/engineering.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Environment
This Ph.D. in Plant Science requires approximately three years for completion. Overall, the program consists of seminars and a research project leading to a thesis. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination within their first year of study. The research project is defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, universities, or the private sector. This option has an added emphasis on environmental sciences, including additional courses and seminars. The Environment graduate option is aimed at students who wish to take an interdisciplinary approach in their graduate research on environmental issues and who wish to benefit from interactions with students from a wide range of disciplines.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Neotropical Environment
This Ph.D. in Plant Science requires approximately three years for completion. Overall, the program consists of seminars and a research project leading to a thesis. Students must also complete a comprehensive examination within their first year of study. The research project is defined with the help of an advisory committee. Subsequent career paths are varied, but include work with government agencies, universities, or the private sector. This option has an added emphasis on neotropical environments, including additional courses and seminars. Part of the program takes place in Panama.
Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics is a new cross-disciplinary program that teaches students the foundations of bioinformatics thinking, methodology, and applications through hands-on experience with computers and bioinformatics tools. The program introduces students to many areas of application such as medicine, agriculture, and chemistry. Required courses include basic UNIX skills, genomics data, common bioinformatics software, relational databases, and web resources. The Certificate is completed in one term (Winter) after which graduates may go on to pursue successful careers in the biomedical, biotechnology, and biosciences fields.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Plant Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Plant Science Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

General

The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is 3.0/4.0 (second class – upper division) or a GPA of 3.2/4.0 during the last two years of full-time university study. High grades are expected in courses considered by the academic unit to be preparatory to the graduate program.

Ph.D.

Ph.D. candidates are required to have an M.Sc. degree in an area related to the chosen field of specialization for the Ph.D. program. Outstanding M.Sc. students may be permitted to transfer to the second year of the Ph.D. program following one year of study.

Qualifying Students

Some applicants whose academic degrees and standing entitle them to serious consideration for admission to graduate studies, but who are considered inadequately prepared in the subject selected may be admitted to a Qualifying program if they have met the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. The course(s) to be taken in a Qualifying program will be prescribed by the academic unit concerned. Qualifying students are registered in graduate studies, but not as candidates for a degree. Only one Qualifying year is permitted. Successful completion of a qualifying program does not guarantee admission to a degree program.

Financial Aid – Financial aid is very limited and highly competitive. It is suggested that students give serious consideration to their financial planning before submitting an application. Normally, a student will not be accepted unless adequate financial support can be provided by the student and/or the student’s supervisor. Academic units cannot guarantee financial support via teaching assistantships or other funds.

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:
  • Acceptance to all programs depends on a staff member agreeing to serve as the student’s supervisor and the student obtaining financial support.
  • The GRE is not required, but it is highly recommended.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the Department of Plant Science 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: May 31 Fall: March 15 Fall: Same as Canadian/International
Winter: Oct. 15 Winter: Aug. 31 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.

International applicants are advised to apply well in advance of these dates because immigration procedures may be lengthy.

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

Plant Science Faculty

Plant Science Faculty

Chair
P. Seguin
Emeritus Professor
D.J. Buszard; B.Sc.(Bath), Ph.D.(Lond.)
Professors
P. Dutilleul; L.Sc., D.Sc.(Louvain)
D.L. Smith; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Acad.), Ph.D.(Guelph)
A.K. Watson; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(Sask.)
Associate Professors
J. Bede; B.Sc.(Calg.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)
S. deBlois; B.Sc.(Agr.)(McG.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.)
D.J. Donnelly; B.Sc.(Agr.)(McG.), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(S. Fraser)
S. Jabaji; B.Sc.(Beirut), M.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(Wat.)
A.C. Kushalappa; B.Sc., M.Sc.(B'Lore), Ph.D.(Flor.)
P. Seguin; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Minn.)
M. Stromvik; B.A., M.Sc.(Stockholm), Ph.D.(Ill.)
M. Waterway; B.A.(Grand Rapids), M.S.(Wisc.), Ph.D.(Cornell)
Assistant Professors
J.-B. Charron; B.Sc.(Montr.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(UQAM)
V. Gravel; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Laval)
J. Singh; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(Punjab), Ph.D.(Syd.)
Faculty Lecturers
C. Begg; B.Sc.(Agr.)(McG.), M.Sc.(Sask.), Ph.D.(McG.)
S. Lussier; B.Sc.(Agr.)(McG.)
D. Wees; B.Sc.(Agr.), M.Sc.(McG.)
Associate Members
G. Brown (Department of Biology)
T.A. Johns (School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition)
Adjunct Professors
A. Bertrand
S. Jenni
S. Khanizadeh
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Bioinformatics (48 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Environment (48 credits)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Plant Science (Thesis) — Neotropical Environment (48 credits)

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.); Plant Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Bioinformatics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Environment

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Plant Science — Neotropical Environment

Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics (15 credits)

Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)
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