Graduate Handbook - Faculty of Health Sciences - McMaster ...

2013-2014
Biochemistry & Biomedical
Sciences Graduate Handbook
1

This document is not intended to replicate or modify the information found
in the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar available at
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/graduate-calendar.
If there is any discrepancy between this document and the SGS Calendar, then the School of Graduate
Studies Calendar shall prevail. Students and faculty are encouraged to look at the SGS Calendar for
information about:
Graduate study at McMaster;
General regulations of the School of Graduate Studies;
University regulations;
Graduate fees and financial assistance;
University regulations affecting graduate students;
University services;
Fellowships, scholarships, bursaries and other awards;
University governing bodies;
Student appeals; and
Degree programs (including degree requirements).
2013-2014 GRADUATE CALENDAR & SESSIONAL DATES
http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/sgs_cal/15/
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity/
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sessional Dates....................................................................................................................4
Important Dates ....................................................................................................................5
Registration...........................................................................................................................6
Validation Stickers ................................................................................................................6
Graduate E-mail....................................................................................................................6
Academic Record .................................................................................................................6
Student Wellness Centre ......................................................................................................6
Biochemrocks .......................................................................................................................7
Laboratory Safety Training ..................................................................................................7
Payroll Information................................................................................................................8
Health & Dental Plans...........................................................................................................9
Teaching Assistantships .....................................................................................................11
Course Requirements .......................................................................................................12
Course Offerings.................................................................................................................13
Seminars ...........................................................................................................................14
Supervisory Committee Meetings.......................................................................................14
MSc Requirements .............................................................................................................17
MSc Thesis Evaluation ......................................................................................................17
Transfer Examination..........................................................................................................18
PhD Requirements ...........................................................................................................20
Qualification Examination ...................................................................................................20
PhD Comprehensive Examination .....................................................................................21
PhD Thesis Evaluation ......................................................................................................21
Thesis Submission..............................................................................................................22
Combined MD/PhD.............................................................................................................22
Astrobiology ........................................................................................................................22
Department Awards ............................................................................................................23
External Awards..................................................................................................................25
Biochemistry Safety Training Documentation.....................................................................26
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Sessional Dates
SESSIONAL DATES 2013-­‐2014
FALL TERM (1)
WINTER TERM (2)
SUMMER TERM (S)
DEADLINE DATES FOR GRADUATE
w & x Sept. – Dec., 2013 y & z Jan. – April, 2014
PROGRAMS (EXCEPT MBA – SEE BELOW)
w Sept. – Oct., 2013 y Jan. – Feb., 2014
May – August, 2014
x Nov. – Dec., 2013 z March – April, 2014
On-­‐Time Registration
Thursday, July 11 to Thursday, December 5 to Thursday, April 10 to
Friday, August 2 Thursday, December 19 Thursday, April 24
Class Start Dates *
Classes begin after Classes begin after Class start dates vary –
September 4, 2013 – January 5, 2014 – check check with program for
check with program for with program for details
details
details
Late Registration
Saturday, August 3 to Friday, December 20 to Friday, April 25 to
Monday, September 9 Monday, January 6 Monday, May 5
Final Dates to Add Courses:
Full Courses
Friday, September 27
Half Courses or Quarter Courses (1w or 2y) Friday, September 27 Friday, January 24 Friday, May 23
Quarter Courses (1x or 2z) Friday, November 1 Friday, March 7
Final Dates to Drop Courses: **
Full Courses
Friday, January 10
Half Courses Friday, October 11 Friday, February 7 Friday, June 13
Quarter Courses (1w or 2y) Friday, September 27 Friday, January 24
Quarter Courses (1x or 2z) Friday, November 8 Friday, March 14
Final Dates to Submit Grades:
Full Courses
Sunday, May 4
Half Courses Monday, January 6 Sunday, May 4 Friday, August 29
Quarter Courses (1w or 2y) Friday, November 1 Friday, March 7
Quarter Courses (1x or 2z) Monday, January 6 Sunday, May 4
Final Date to Submit Results of Incomplete
(INC) Grades for Previous Term with
Friday, March 14 Friday, July 11 Friday, November 14
Permission of Associate Dean
THESES FALL 2013 SPRING 2014 FALL 2014
Final Date to Submit Ph.D. Theses to
Friday, July 19 Tuesday, Feb. 4 (Health Friday, July 18
Graduate Studies (Prior to Defense)
Sci.)
Tuesday, Feb. 25(All others)
Final Date to Submit Master’s Theses to
Friday, August 16 Friday, March 14 Friday, August 15
Departments (Prior to Defense)
Final Date to File Theses with Graduate
Studies and Complete Degree Requirements
-­‐ Faculty of Health Sciences
-­‐ All Other Faculties
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Wed., April 2(except
Nursing)
Wednesday, April 23
(including Nursing)
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Wednesday, Sept. 24
* There is no official fall break or reading week for graduate students (except MBA). Students should check with their program and their
course instructor(s) as to whether classes will be held during these periods. Please see sections 1.3 (Responsibilities of Graduate Students
to the University) and 2.4.6 (Vacations) of the calendar for more information.
** All courses on a student’s record after these dates will require a grade. Exceptions require submission of a Petition for Special
Consideration
McMaster University School of Graduate Studies Calendar 2013-­‐2014
Page xvii

IMPORTANT DATES
Tues, Sept. 3 10:00 - 1:30
HSC-1A5
WHMIS Laboratory and Fire Safety Training –
Mandatory for New Students. All other quizzes must be
completed no later than September 30 (see page 7 for
more information)
Friday, Sept. 6
2:00 pm
HSC-4E20
Graduate Student Orientation – Mandatory for New Students
To begin the new academic year, a meeting with our Assistant
Chair of Graduate Studies, Dr. Brian Coombes.
Mon, Sept. 9 10:00 - 11:30
HSC-2J3A
Health Sciences Photo ID Badge
All students are required to wear a McMaster Health Sciences
Centre photo identification badge for security purposes.
TBA
12 – 1:30 pm
Esplanade
Come join us for our annual department welcome BBQ.
AWARDS
BBS Travel Awards
OGS
NSERC
CIHR (Doctoral)
CIHR (Masters)
Department Deadline: Sept. 27
Department Deadline: TBA
Department Deadline: TBA
Directly to CIHR: Oct. 1
Department Deadline: TBA
SGS 101# (Mandatory Ethics Course) – On-line training available Sept. 13, 2013
All graduate students are required to complete the Academic Integrity/Research Ethics course
offered by the School of Graduate Studies as part of their degree requirements. Students may
not graduate or register for subsequent years unless they have received a passing grade.
Please register on SOLAR - subject code is SGS; course code 101#. To access the course
material, visit "Avenue to Learn" at: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/ and click on the “McMaster e-
learning” button. Your student MacID and password are required to access "Avenue to Learn".
SGS 201# (Mandatory AODA Training) – On-line training available Sept.13, 2013
The Ontario government has enacted a Customer Service regulation of the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which came into effect with the start of 2010. Senate passed the
requirement for all graduate students to complete this training. Please register on SOLAR -
subject code is SGS; course code 201#. Students may not graduate or register for subsequent
years unless they received a pass grade. The course content is offered by Accessibility at
McMaster through: http://www.mcmaster.ca/accessibility/
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REGISTRATION
Registration and Course Selection Guideline
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/registration
All new and returning graduate students are required to register on SOLAR annually for the forthcoming
academic session. A MacID and password is required in order to access SOLAR. NOTE: Students
who fail to register during the on-time registration period will be charged a $50 late fee.
VALIDATION STICKERS
Validation stickers identify your academic classification and should be attached immediately to your
student card to avoid theft. Your confirmation letter and sticker can be picked up from our Department
Graduate Assistant on August 29 if your registration has been successfully confirmed and your payment
agreement is cleared by Student Accounts. The validation sticker displays various University services
available. Simply flash your regular student ID card when boarding any Hamilton Street Railway bus and
enjoy travelling around the Hamilton community. You also will have access to the athletics and recreation
facilities located in the David Braley Athletic Centre. NOTE: Access to The Pulse Fitness Centre is
available with an additional fee (see http://www.marauders.ca/). Students who register late or fail to
complete their academic registration and payment agreement on-time must visit the School of Graduate
Studies (Gilmour Hall, room 212) in person during the first week of September.
GRADUATE E-MAIL ADDRESS
The School of Graduate Studies and the Department uses electronic mail to communicate directly with
graduate students at various times throughout the year. University Technology Services provides every
student with an email address. To activate, go to https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca/cis/ahtml/login.htm and
click on the “Email by Google” tab. *It is important to inform the BBS Graduate Assistant ASAP
when you receive your MAC address.
ACADEMIC RECORD
MUGSI Login: https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca/cis/ahtml/login.htm
McMaster University Gateway to Student Information (MUGSI) is an online service allowing students to
access their academic, financial and personal information. With a valid MAC ID, students can use
MUGSI to: view grade reports, check personal timetables, view account statements, change personal
information, view and maintain academic information and view links to various University services such as
e-mail, libraries and the Registrar’s office. Please take the time to check your academic record on
MUGSI. There are registration deadlines to drop and add courses in each term. Students registering in,
or adding a course after the appropriate deadline will not receive academic credit for that course.
Students dropping a course after the deadline will receive a failing grade in that course. As you have
access to your record on MUGSI, it is important to check your record to ensure changes to your record
during the year are accurately reflected on the system. If you notice any discrepancies, please notify the
department as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to initiate and follow through on dropping
and/or adding courses. Informing the course instructor is not sufficient enough!
STUDENT WELLNESS CENTRE
The Student Wellness Centre provides services to full and part-time graduate students that will enhance
your personal and academic success. Staffed by highly qualified service providers with a special interest
in university students, they provide student-centered, accessible, confidential and caring services for you.
The Centre is located in the McMaster University Student Centre, Room B101. For more information go
to: http://wellness.mcmaster.ca/
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BIOCHEM ROCKS has officially been launched on Facebook!
This is a great opportunity for the members of our department to share ideas and connect with the rest of
McMaster community. Please take time to visit our site, post comments and share your contributions.
http://www.facebook.com/macbiochemrocks
COMMENTS BOX: (Black cupboard, bottom slot, beside room 4H39)
In an effort to improve communication about graduate student issues, we will be hosting a "Comments
Box" where graduate students can bring ideas, suggestions or any issue of concern to the attention of the
Associate Chair, Graduate Education. Comments are confidential; however if specific follow-up is
required please provide contact information where you can be reached. All comments will be read in
confidence and will be given the full consideration of the Associate Chair and other members of the
Graduate Curriculum Committee as necessary.
LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING
Every employee of McMaster University must participate in basic safety training sessions as they relate to
their work environment. All new graduate students are required to attend the full “Technical WHMIS”,
“Fire” and “Biosafety (if applicable)” orientation within their first month of employment. The “Training
Documentation” form (Appendix A) is to be signed by the session leader and returned to your lab
representative. The FHSc Safety Office requires annual Fire Safety, Laboratory WHMIS and Biosafety
training updates.
REQUIRED LAB SAFETY TRAINING
http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/safetyoffice/lab_safety_training.html
• Fire safety (online followed by a quiz)
• Laboratory WHMIS (in-class followed by a quiz)
• Biosafety Training (in-class followed by a quiz)
• Initial training and quiz required followed by an annual update
http://cll.mcmaster.ca/eohss/
• Health & Safety Orientation
• Asbestos Awareness
• Chemical Handling and Spills
• Ergonomics
• Slips, Trips and Falls
• Office WHMIS
• Training and quiz required only once
REQUIRED AWARENESS TRAINING
Violence and Harassment Program: http://mcmaster.ca/accessibility/
OTHER SAFETY RELATED FORMS
Working Alone Policy: A person working in the lab outside of regular hours (8:30-5pm) must read and
sign their lab’s working alone policy. Please contact your lab safety rep or supervisor for more
information.
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Job Hazard Analysis: All employees (post-docs, technicians, casual and summer employment) working
in a lab setting must complete a JHA form. The JHA must be completed between the employee and their
supervisor and mailed to EOHSS. A copy must be submitted to Jodi Biro in the main office (HSC-4N59).
JHA instructions and login: http://www.mcmaster.ca/workwell/
Additional training may be required based on your duties (autoclave, CAF orientation, radio-isotopes,
TDG, etc.) and lab site-specific training (centrifuge, fermenter, French press, etc.). Please see your lab
safety rep or supervisor.
PAYROLL INFORMATION
(http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/payment-services/payroll-information)
Stipend: A minimum stipend is approved each year by our Department Chair. The 2013-2014 support
for MSc students is $20,300.00/year and $23,500.00/year for PhD students. Students can expect
minimum support from their supervisors for either two years (MSc students) or four years (PhD students).
There is no guarantee of financial support after these respective periods. Salaries of students who
hold external or internal scholarships will be adjusted according to our Department ”Graduate Stipend
Rates” listed on our website: http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/biochem/graduate/financial.html.
Direct Deposit – IS MANDATORY
Monthly pays will be deposited directly into your bank account. A monthly "Statement of Earnings" slip
showing details of your payment will be inserted into your lab mailbox located in HSC-4N59. It is
imperative you complete the Employee Deposit Information form available on the School of Graduate
Studies website, attach a void cheque and mail to the School of Graduate Studies (GH-212) upon your
arrival. Please arrange this immediately as failure to do so may result in considerable delay in receiving
your pay.
Payday: Payday for graduate students is the last Thursday of every month, except December’s pay
will be deposited on the 12 th . All teaching assistantship and scholarship support is dependent upon
continuous full-time registration in good standing.
CALCULATION OF MONTHLY PAYMENTS - Please read carefully
All employment income (TA and/or RA in lieu of TA) you are to receive will be paid to you when the work
is scheduled to be done, normally from September to April. External scholarships (ie. NSERC, SSHRC,
OGS, CIHR Masters) will be paid out one twelfth per month. Department, Graduate and Research
scholarships will be paid out in such a way that you will receive approximately equal monthly payments
over the academic year (September - August). Entrance scholarships will be paid out monthly over the
first term. Tuition Bursary payments will be paid out according to how the tuition is to be deducted (ie.
Tuition deducted over 8 months - bursary will be paid over 8 months, tuition deducted over 12 months -
bursary will be paid out over 12 months). Incidental Fees ($821.88) and UHIP for Visa Students ($684)
will ALL be deducted in September. Please Note: If you are receiving department and/or graduate
and/or research monies during the academic year, we will attempt to pay you a larger amount in
September (or the first month you receive payment) to accommodate the Incidental Fees.
Social Insurance Number (SIN): Students employed as Teaching Assistants require a Social Insurance
Number. This is a nine-digit number required by law as an administrative number for authorized federal
programs, notably Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Income Tax. A SIN card is
compulsory in Canada to receive government benefits. Please refer to the following website to find a
Service Canada Centre near you and to obtain other information you require before you apply:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca./eng/sc/sin. Required documents: passport, study permit, and a letter
confirming employment (see Lorraine Curtis, Operations Manager, HSC-4N59).
8

Personal Tax Credits Return: TD1 and TD10N
The university will be issuing the following tax documents during the month of February. There will be a
fee and delay (after April) for replacement copes.
• T-4 Slips (Employment Income)
• T-4a Slips (Scholarship Income)
• T-2202a Certificates will be available for students to download on MUGSI (Tuition, Education and
Textbook Amounts Certificate). This is the official receipt for tuition fees, the number of months of
full time or part time study, eligible textbook amounts and the designation of amounts that may be
eligible to transfer to a qualifying individual. MUGSI provides you with a print option of this receipt
but you are not required to submit printed confirmation with your income tax return, unless
specifically requested by the Canada Revenue Agency. For more information on processing your
income tax return, refer to the Canada Revenue Agency Student Guidelines . Graduate
Students who have questions regarding their T2202As should direct inquiries to: The School of
Graduate Studies in GH 212 (905) 525 9140 Ext 23685
NOTE: T4 and T4a slips will be mailed directly to your mailing/local address, alternatively if no mailing
address is recorded in your record, the slips will be mailed to your permanent address. Changes to your
home address must be made through MUGSI no later than January 1, 2014. This is your responsibility!
Tuition Discount:
Doctoral students in term 13 or greater are automatically eligible for discounted tuition. Masters students
are not eligible for discounted tuition and will continue to pay regular fees through to completion. Masters
students who are overtime (term 7 or greater) have the option to select the overtime payment plan where
they pay tuition for the fall term and give a post-dated cheque for the remainder of the academic year
(January to August). If they defend in the fall, the post-dated cheque will not be cashed.
HEALTH & DENTAL PLANS
All questions concerning health and dental benefits should first be directed to the Graduate Students
Association information website: http://www.ihaveaplan.ca/rte/en/McMasterUniversity_Home. If further
assistance is still required, then please contact macgsa@mcmaster.ca
Health Insurance (OHIP): The Graduate Student Association (GSA) Health Plan was designed to
provide many important services and cover expenses not covered by your basic health-care plan (i.e.
OHIP or UHIP), such as prescription drugs, travel health coverage, physiotherapy, medical equipment
and more. Graduate students are charged an annual premium for a group health plan underwritten by
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. All full-time and part-time graduate students who are GSA
members and who pay GSA and McMaster fees are automatically enrolled in the plan. Coverage starts
once you are fully registered with Graduate Studies.
Health Insurance (International Students): VISA STUDENTS are required to obtain health coverage
under the UNIVERSITY HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN (UHIP). Students with sufficient University funding
will have their UHIP premium (student single coverage only) deducted from payroll in their September
pay. After successfully registering, students may pick up their UHIP card from the International Students'
Office located in Gilmour Hall, Room 104. For more information:
http://oisa.mcmaster.ca/handbook%5Chealth_care.cfm
How Much Does it Cost?
The health insurance fee for full-year coverage (Sept. 1, 2013 - Aug. 31, 2014) is $182.00 for GSA
members. The cost of the Plan is part of your student incidental fees.
9

Prescriptions - Pay Direct Card: Your Health Plan will cover eligible prescription drug costs up to 80%.
The plan covers most medications legally requiring a prescription. The plan covers oral contraceptives
and contraceptive devices. Smoking cessation devices are covered at 80%, to a maximum of $500 per
policy year. This includes non-prescription smoking cessation devices, when accompanied by a detailed
receipt. Charges in excess of the lowest priced equivalent generic product are not covered. The GSA
Health Plan only covers those medications listed in the National Formulary. In the event that the drugs
covered by the National Formulary are not effective in treating the condition, an exception process is in
place.
Pay Direct Card: By presenting the Pay Direct Card with your valid student ID card, you can fill your
prescriptions at most Canadian pharmacies. The pharmacist can process your claim immediately, so you
won’t have to pay the full amount up front and wait to be reimbursed.
http://www.ihaveaplan.ca/rte/en/McMasterUniversity_DownloadCentre_PayDirectCard
For more information (“Download Centre”): www.ihaveaplan.ca. Use these forms to submit your health
claims to the insurance company. Claim forms can also be picked up at the GSA office. Please allow
one to two weeks for your claim to be processed. Where to Send Health Claims: Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada, PO Box 11805 Stn. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC H3C 0H3
Travel Health Coverage: Travel health benefits cover hospital, physician and other services (with some
exceptions) for emergency treatment of an injury or illness while traveling outside of the province in which
you are residing. If you're planning to travel, please visit www.ihaveaplan.ca “Download Centre” for more
information.
*Blackout Period (for new students only): Processing claims are delayed for new students during the
first two months of the Fall and Winter semesters while studentcare.net waits for complete enrolment lists
and opt outs have been processed. During this time, you many submit claims, but reimbursement
cheques will only be mailed once the Blackout Period ends. Pharmacists cannot accept Pay Direct
during the Blackout Period.
Dental Coverage Basic Eligibility Criteria: All full-time and part-time graduate students enrolled in
September or January who are GSA members and pay GSA and McMaster fees will automatically be
enrolled in the Dental Plan. This includes International Students studying at McMaster and paying
McMaster fees, as well as students away on exchange.
CUPE Dental Coverage (Teaching Assistants): CUPE 3906 provides dental coverage for Unit 1
members who have a TA or RA in lieu of TA. Students will be opted-out of the GSA plan automatically on
September 30. Regardless of what is listed on your schedule of fees – YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED
for the GSA plan. To qualify you must have a TA contract for 130 hours in the current academic year.
For help determining which plan you are enrolled in and/or for general dental inquiries, please contact
either: GSA: http://gsa.mcmaster.ca/contact-us or
CUPE: http://www.cupe3906.org/wordpress/about/contact
Opting Out: A student can opt-out of their plan if they have equivalent coverage. When opting out, be
sure to complete the forms for the correct dental plan. You must provide proof of equivalent coverage
with your own name on it in order to opt-out successfully.
GSA (before Sept. 25, 2013): www.ihaveaplan.ca
CUPE 3906 (early September): www.cupe3906.org (Forms are available in the CUPE office or online.
Opt-out forms must be submitted in person to the CUPE office by the deadlines stipulated on the form.)
10

TEACHING ASSISTANTS
The Centre for Leadership in Learning helps anyone involved in teaching at McMaster. As a Teaching
Assistant you may just be getting started in your teaching journey or want to further develop your skills as
a teaching assistant. A number of resources are available to assist you on their website
http://cll.mcmaster.ca/. Alternatively, if you wish to speak to someone directly, you can call ext. 24540 or
email gradnet@mcmaster.ca.
Appointments: Each year our program receives an allocation of Teaching Assistantships. PhD students
will continue to TA, while it is not mandatory for MSc students. An application-based process for TA
allocation to PhD students will be implemented. If we do not fill all of our TA positions with our in time
PhD students, then MSc students will be invited to apply for the remaining positions.
Canadian Union of Public Employees: If you have been offered a Teaching Assistantship, you will
become an employee of McMaster University in addition to being a graduate student. The terms and
conditions of your employment are governed by the collective agreement between the Canadian Union of
Public Employees, Local 3906 Unit 1 and the University.
http://www.cupe3906.org/wordpress/about/collective-agreements
Continuity of Funding: Every regular full-time student, in a Master's program, who has been
employed as a Teaching Assistant during a part of the first year of study in a program will be re-employed
as an assistant during a part of the one succeeding year of study subject to his/her maintaining regular
full-time graduate status and to his/her ability to perform the work. Full-time students, in a Doctoral
program, who have been employed as a Teaching Assistant during a part of the first year of study in a
program will be re-employed as an assistant during a part of each of the three succeeding years of study,
subject to his/her maintaining regular full-time graduate status and to his/her ability to perform the work.
Hours of Work Form: A meeting between the Course Instructor and Teaching Assistant must be held
within 7 days of the TA commencing his/her duties in the applicable academic term. At this meeting, the
employment supervisor will describe the work to be done, giving details, including the nature, number of
scheduling of specific assignments and the estimated hours of work each will involve. The employee and
supervisor will discuss this information, taking into account course enrollment, nature of assignments and
expectations for grading and determining reasonable workload. Following this discussion, the
"TEACHING ASSISTANT HOURS OF WORK ASSIGNMENT" form must be completed and signed by
both parties and returned for the Chair’s signature. All TAs must fill in their completed Health and Safety
Training dates in addition to signing a Job Hazard Analysis Summary Form.
Wages: Employees who sign a Teaching Assistant Contract shall be paid their wages in equal monthly
installments over the term of their Teaching Assistant contract. The 2013 hourly rate for employees
holding a 4-year undergraduate degree is $40.20. This rate includes 4% vacation pay. Plus 3 additional
hours per term will be allocated solely for the purpose of participating/fulfilling safety training
requirements. Please note tuition, taxes, CPP, EI, UHIP (if required), dental (if eligible) etc., will be
deducted from your teaching assistantship income.
Exchange or Substitution of Duties: An employee may arrange to exchange his/her duties with or by a
qualified person for periods not to exceed ONE week at a time and not to exceed two weeks per term
subject to the approval of Dr. Michelle MacDonald (macdonml@mcmaster.ca). Examples of such an
arrangement would be for the employee to attend an Academic Conference or to attend to an ill family
member.
Discharge and Discipline: Where appropriate, discipline will be preceded by counseling. Discipline will
typically consist of (oral or written) warning(s) and suspension prior to discharge.
11

Vacations: Students will be allowed a total of two (2) week's vacation annually, which may be taken
during the mid-term recess or subsequent to the completion of TA duties within an academic term during
which they are employed. Scheduling of vacations shall be subject to the academic and residency
requirements of the student's program of studies and must be approved by the student’s supervisor.
DEPARTMENT COURSE REQUIREMENTS
MSc => Two half graduate courses (at the “700-level”)
PhD => No formal course requirements
In selecting courses, students must consult with their supervisor. At least one full, 700-level graduate
course (or two half courses) must be completed, which must include at least one half, 700-level graduate
course in Biochemistry. Supervisory committees may recommend a student take courses in addition to
those prescribed by departmental regulations. Students may take 600-level courses however these do
not count towards degree requirements. Under normal circumstances a student who fails to obtain B- in a
prescribed course is asked to withdraw from the program. Those allowed to remain in the program must
either repeat or replace the failed course. A failing grade in a prescribed course remains on the transcript.
COURSE SELECTION
It is important to note that students must have the approval of their supervisor prior to making their course
selections on SOLAR. Course selection may be completed either at the time of registration or at a later
date with reference to the critical deadline dates. *It is important to complete all these steps (add/drop,
verify and apply) as until the final step, courses do not appear on your academic record. Courses are
identified as being in one of the three categories: M (Master’s), D (Doctoral) or EC (Extra Course).
To register for courses:
• Log on to SOLAR via MUGSI (the link for SOLAR is under “My academics”)
• Select “GRADUATE REGISTRATION/COURSE SELECTION” for session
• Read the accountability statement and click continue
• Complete course selection by adding and/or dropping courses
• Verify changes
• Apply changes
• Confirmation screen will return with confirmation number
• Print this screen so there is a record of course selection
Please contact the course coordinator at the beginning of the term regarding dates, times and
location.
Illness During Course Work: If a graduate student is ill or is under a doctor's care prior to an
examination or course deadline, this must be brought to the attention of the course instructor at that time.
12

COURSE OFFERINGS (2013-2014)
The following are general descriptions of graduate courses offered by the Department of Biochemistry &
Biomedical Sciences for 2013-2014. Please contact the course coordinator for dates, times and
location.
TERM 1 — Special Topics in Systems Pharmacology and Chemical Biology – 711*
Instructor: Nathan Magarvey (Sept. – Dec. 2013) - Limited enrollment: 10 students
This course will cover topics of current interest in the areas of Systems Pharmacology and Chemical
Biology. A particular focus will be placed on the properties of drugs and natural chemicals and their
interaction with living systems. Select examples will be discussed on how to probe the mechanism of
action and global pharmacological properties. Natural products small chemicals will remain a start point
for discussions and learning how best to generate new targeted chemotherapies based on systems
pharmacologic principles.
TERM 1 — Protein Structure Determination – 727*
Instructor: Joaquin Ortega (Sept. – Dec. 2013) - Limited enrollment: 10 students
Most of the enzymes both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are multi-component assemblies. Electron
microscopy is a technique uniquely position to study the structure and conformational changes that these
macromolecular assemblies undergo while performing biochemical reactions that sustain life. This course
describes how the structures of these macromolecular assemblies are elucidated using cryo-electron
microscopy. The course will discuss methods for specimen preparation, imaging, reconstruction and
validation. The format of the course will include some introductory lectures provided by the instructor, as
well as students presentations of recent papers related to latest advances in the techniques or describing
recently published high impact structures.
TERM 2 — Special Topics in Membrane Biochemistry – 712*
Instructor: Russell Bishop (Jan. – April 2014) - Limited enrollment: 10 students
The structural biology of bacterial cell envelope biogenesis represents one of the most important and
challenging problems in membrane biochemistry. Bacterial cell surface molecules provide signatures for
host innate immune receptors that recognize pathogens and trigger the inflammatory response. Inhibiting
production of those cell surface molecules that are both unique and essential to bacteria can provide
selective toxicity. Consequently, bacterial cell surface molecules reveal targets for the development of
anti-inflammatory agents in addition to major classes of antibiotics. This course will explore the
structure/function relationships that govern the biosynthesis, export, and assembly of key bacterial cell
surface molecules, including those of their receptors and downstream effectors in higher organisms.
TERM 1 - Biochemistry Colloquium – 720*
Instructor: Brian Coombes (Sept 2013 – April 2014)
Limited to Biochemistry students enrolled in their second year of our Master’s program.
The aim of this course is a detailed examination of the student's own area of research. Students will
prepare a review article describing the current state of their field in the format employed by the journal
"Trends in Biochemical Sciences". In addition to this, students will give a seminar on their research,
including necessary background information in the course of the Departmental Seminar Series. Following
that, the student will answer questions from selected faculty members.
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TERM 2 — Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine – 731*
Instructors: Jon Draper, Kristin Hope and Brad Doble (Jan – April 2014)
Limited enrollment: 10 students
Stem cells hold immense experimental potential as model systems for human disease and development
that are difficult to ascertain in cell lines or in the mouse. Arguable, the most impactful role of human stem
cells is for tissue repair that becomes damaged from disease or injury, examples included diabetes and
spinal cord injury. This utility of stem cells is heavily seeded in new approaches to the clinical called
"regenerative medicine". However, there are many stem cell types that may be specific to certain
applications, new technologies involved with stem cell delivery and differentiation that require elucidation
before these stem cell based replacement therapies can be robustly brought to the bedside. The
underlying biology that defines stem cells, and their potential applications to human health will be
discussed broadly to better define the current successes and future limitations of regenerative medicine
using human stem cells.
SEMINARS – Mondays (11:30-12:30)
Participation in the departmental seminar program is mandatory for all graduate students: learning to
communicate the results of basic research is an integral part of graduate education. It is also important for
students to be exposed to research outside their own area of specialization. Students are therefore
expected to attend their colleagues seminars as well as present their own. MSc and PhD students are
required to present one and two seminars respectively.
MSc Seminar: Master’s students will present a 15-minute seminar (with 5 minutes set aside for questions
from the audience) during our Monday seminar series. This should be a very focused presentation. The
problem the student is trying to address should be explained in such a way that any scientifically literate
audience member can grasp what they’re working on.
PhD Seminars: The first doctoral level seminar is given concomitantly with the student’s comprehensive
examination and the second seminar is typically during the last 12 months in the program. The student
has 45-50 minutes to present reserving 15 minutes for questions from the audience. Seminars must
place the student’s sizable body of work in the context of their field. It is important to explain how the
specific work contributes to this field. Students will receive feedback from faculty and other graduate
students following each seminar.
SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
University regulations require all graduate students meet formally with their supervisory committee to
discuss their progress. Committee meetings provide a tool for both communicating and documenting
students’ accomplishments and their supervisory committees’ expectations. Graduate students are
encouraged to familiarize themselves with the McMaster University Graduate work Supervision
Guidelines for Faculty and Students available on the School of Graduate Studies website:
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/student-responsibilities.
Supervisors are responsible for assembling their student’s committee members. The research interests of
all committee members will encompass the thesis topic of the student. The committee will consist of the
student's supervisor plus two other members (at least one other must be a full-time faculty or associate
member from the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Department). A third member, whose scholarly
interests include the area of the student’s main interest, may be from outside the department.
14

All original supervisory committee forms are submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and a copy is
kept on file in the department student records. Your form will be emailed to you and/or your supervisor
approximately one week before your meeting. It is your responsibility to ensure your supervisor
completes, discusses and returns all forms to the Graduate Assistant (HSC-4H21A) as soon as possible
for processing.
Students will be assigned one of four grades by each of their committee members: “excellent”,
“satisfactory”, “marginal” or “unsatisfactory”. If marginal or unsatisfactory is given by any one member,
another committee meeting must be held within 3 months to re-assess your progress. If all committee
members give marginal, the supervisor will confer with our Department Assistant Chair of Graduate
Education to decide what further course of action to take. The rare instance in which a student receives
two “unsatisfactory” grades will usually lead to expulsion from the program by the School of Graduate
Studies.
GUIDELINES FOR SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Students enrolled in our MSc program are to meet every six months with their supervisory committee.
Students enrolled in our PhD program are to meet once a year unless stated otherwise. It is suggested
that each meeting have a specific focus as outlined below.
*First Meeting (4-6 months)
The first supervisory committee meeting is to be held within 4-6 months of registration in the graduate
program. The goal of this initial meeting is to determine whether the student has a well-defined project
and whether the student is making the necessary effort to become well-versed in the background
literature to their field. We expect all students to attempt to master this material within their first year of
graduate school. At this first meeting, the student should also have made some basic progress towards
their research goals although it may be of a preliminary nature.
*Second Meeting (9-12 months)
The second committee meeting is to be held between 9 and 12 months after arrival in the program. It is
expected the student will have made further progress in digesting literature relevant to their field and to
have made headway in their research.
*Third Meeting (18-20 months)
The third committee meeting will be held no later than 18 months after initial registration in the program.
The purpose of this meeting is to decide what the student needs to do to complete their MSc thesis.
Alternatively, if the student has the support of their supervisor and committee members, he/she may
obtain permission to take the transfer examination for entry into the PhD program without obtaining a
Masters degree (see page 18).
Subsequent Meetings – PhD
Doctoral students must meet with their committee to review progress at least once a year. However, if
desired or considered necessary by their supervisor, additional meetings may be arranged.
Direct Admission to PhD Program
Students who enter our PhD program directly with a MSc degree are required to schedule their first
Supervisory Committee meeting within FOUR months of initial registration. A proposal will be prepared
and defended at a qualification exam following our transfer exam guidelines at approximately NINE
months after initial registration. This meeting will include participation of a chair and their committee
members (see page 20).
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Committee Report – to be submitted one week prior to your meeting
Students must submit a 10-20 page (double spaced, not including figures) report to their committee that
briefly introduces their project, the work they have done previously (i.e. prior to the previous committee
meeting) and since the last meeting. It is imperative that work completed since the previous meeting be
identified so that the committee can assess the progress that has been made at the bench.
In addition to having sound scientific judgment, nothing is more central to the career of a scientist than
being able to clearly explain scientific concepts in writing. We therefore expect our students to master the
art of writing scientifically and these reports are part of this process: they will serve as important dress
rehearsals for writing papers and theses later on. Any criticisms made of meeting reports will be revisited
at subsequent meetings and it is expected that they will have been acted on.
We expect all students to master the literature that is relevant to their project during the first year of
graduate studies: this includes those papers that make up the foundation of their project as well as those
that deal with relevant technical issues. One way of assessing progress in this area is the reference list at
the end of each report: these should be thorough citations and must be made using one of the formats
accepted by journals (see for example http://jb.asm.org/misc/ifora.shtml).
The standards for presentation of data in these reports are identical to those in the journals: lanes in gels
must be labeled, strains on plates must be identified, micrographs must be clearly labeled, graphs must
include error bars as appropriate and so on.
The last page or two of each report should set out what you expect to achieve in the block of time (usually
6 or 12 months) leading up to your next meeting. This does not need to be a detailed description of every
technique to be employed, rather the goal is to explain the scientific questions to be addressed and briefly
outline the approach that will be taken.
What happens at committee meetings?
Typically students will come prepared to give a 15-20 minute presentation based on what they have
described in their meeting report. The presentation should provide the rationale of the project, a
description of the experimental approaches being used, an overview of progress, ongoing work, and
future directions. The Committee will then discuss the project in detail with the student. Students receive
a grade and specific recommendations in writing following each committee meeting. Students whose
performance is not considered to be up to par will be graded “unsatisfactory” for that meeting. Depending
on the circumstances, two grades of unsatisfactory can be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Students should feel free to bring up any issues they would like guidance on. The most common format is
that committee members will interrupt the student as they proceed through their work and ask questions
about anything that is relevant to the topic. This can include challenges on the interpretation of data, first
principles, and scientific questions that are relevant to the topic or to planned experiments. Committee
members may ask the student to briefly explain any of the references they cite in their report.
Students are asked to bring lab notebooks containing relevant experimental observations to each
meeting. One important aspect of the scientific method is the reproducibility of each important
observation: typically the most publishable version of an experiment will be shown in the meeting report,
however, students must be able to provide evidence that each observation has been made more than
once.
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MSc REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: A student whose work is unsatisfactory may at any time be
required to withdraw from the program.
The general requirements for the MSc degree appear under the Regulations for the Master's degree
(Section 3) in the School of Graduate Studies Calendar. The MSc degree program is typically 18-24
months in length. A candidate is required to spend at least one calendar year in full-­‐time study. The
maximum permissible time for completion is limited to THREE years from initial registration in the
program.
The candidate must complete, with at least B- standing, at least one full, 700-level graduate course (or
two half-courses), which must include at least one half, 700-level graduate course in Biochemistry. The
candidate is required to present a thesis in a final oral examination that embodies the results of their
original research. All MSc students are required to present one public seminar in the Departmental
seminar program. Meetings of the Supervisory Committee, consisting of the supervisor and two additional
faculty members, will take place every 6 months.
Not sooner than two terms after initial registration in the Master’s program, students may request to be
reclassified to the PhD program. Students wishing to be transferred to the PhD program prior to the
completion of a Master’s degree must successfully pass the Transfer Examination. The candidate must
present requests for transfer to the supervisor and the Supervisory Committee and all must be in
agreement to proceed with the transfer process. Students enrolled in the Master’s program beyond 22
months must complete the degree requirements including the thesis prior to admission to the PhD
program. As such, all students seeking reclassification to the PhD program from the MSc program must
successfully pass the Transfer Examination before going beyond 22 months following registration in the
MSc program. Approval to transfer will be determined at the meeting of the Transfer Committee following
the oral defence.
MSc THESIS EVALUATION
Please review information listed on the following website to ensure plans to complete your degree are in
accordance with the School of Graduate Studies policies. THESIS REGULATIONS:
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/completing-your-degree
Permission to write an MSc thesis is typically requested at or after the student’s third supervisory
committee meeting at approximately the 18-month mark from initial registration in the program. Acting on
behalf of the chair, the time of the defence will be set by the Department’s Graduate Assistant
approximately 6-8 weeks before the expected defence date. A copy shall be given to the student’s
supervisor for formal review at this time. Upon approval, ONE hard copy shall be submitted to each
committee member 2-3 weeks in advance of the expected date for oral defence.
The candidate will defend their thesis in an oral examination before a committee of not fewer than three
members (including the supervisor). The oral thesis defence is an examination of a candidate's ability to
defend publicly his or her written work. The student is to present an oral statement about his/her thesis of
approximately 15 minutes duration (in no case more than 20 minutes). The student should stress the
main points of the contribution to knowledge and the principal technical difficulties either of an
experimental or theoretical nature that he/she has overcome. Notes or other aids may be used
17

ut the statement may not be read from a prepared script. Individual examiners will question the
candidate according to the order established by the Chair (typically the student’s supervisor). After a
successful defence, the Chair of the examination committee will inform the student of thesis changes
required by the examiners. The Chair will initial and give the student a form [entitled Final Thesis
Submission Sheet] indicating whether minor or major changes are required to the thesis. After all
changes have been made, the student must submit this completed form to the School of Graduate
Studies for his Final Submission to be published to Digital Commons. Final submission information:
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/completing-your-degree/651-step3-final-submission
TRANSFER EXAMINATION
Goals and Outline of the Transfer Process
The Department promotes the effective integration of graduate students into the research programs of its
faculty members. Since these are ongoing programs with long-term objectives, it is for the benefit of the
students and the research programs to integrate MSc students intending to proceed to PhD degrees into
these long-term objectives as early as practical. In order for this to happen, a process has been
established to assess MSc students’ academic and research ability and potential to carry out PhD
studies. Students who have demonstrated this ability may proceed directly to the PhD program without
writing up their Master’s thesis provided the following conditions have been met: The student has had
his/her first supervisory committee meeting within 4 to 6 months of first registration and the committee
approves the long-term strategy of the proposal as suitable for a PhD project. At this meeting the
committee will expect that the student has taken significant steps to master the literature relevant to
his/her fields. Some preliminary progress at the bench is also expected. A second meeting held within 9
to 12 months of the student’s first registration will serve to address any shortcomings identified during the
first meeting. At this point it is anticipated that the student will have made significant progress in their
bench work. The student must have a solid grasp of the literature relevant to his or her field at this time in
order to be eligible for the examination required for direct transfer to the PhD program. The supervisory
committee recommends that the student be considered for transfer based on his/her performance to date
within 18 to 20 months of first registration in the program. The transfer exam will take place within 22
months of the student’s first registration.
Transfer Examination
The transfer examination has three purposes. First, it tests the student’s preparation for PhD level
research by determining whether they have mastered the theoretical background to their fields. Students
will therefore be expected to have researched and read the publications that form the foundation of their
field as well as the necessary background for the technology they intend to employ. Secondly, it will
provide independent assessment of performance to-date and the student’s ability to execute the longerterm
strategy of the proposed PhD research project. Thirdly, this exam will help reveal the student’s
strengths and weaknesses. While questioning in the transfer exams can be expected to be rigorous,
students are not expected to have the correct answers for everything. A student coming out of this
examination therefore will have had an independent evaluation of his/her project and background
knowledge, and will have been made aware of areas in which he/she needs improvement. This last point
may include the recommendation of specific course work.
Procedure
Students will complete a proposal using the format of a CIHR operating grant. This written proposal must
represent the student’s own original work; the inevitable input of the supervisor notwithstanding,
McMaster University policies on Academic Ethics and Academic Dishonesty apply.
The aim of this proposal is to describe the theoretical background to the project and outline the goals of
the research. This document should illustrate that the student’s goals have sufficient depth to form the
basis of a PhD project and must clearly demonstrate the progress that the student has made during the
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first 18 months as a graduate student. This proposal is expected to be a major exercise in writing and
should be interesting, concise and informative. It must be comprehensible to faculty members who are
not necessarily experts in the field. This proposal should include an abstract of not more than 300 words,
an introduction to the student’s field and basic research direction, a summary of progress and a detailed
discussion of the research to be carried out towards a PhD, including hypothesis, rationale and aims. It is
important to explain and justify the approach being taken and include a projected time line for the
completion of each goal.
There is an absolute length limitation of 20 pages (double-spaced, 12 point font, not including figures or
references). The first 2-3 pages should introduce the subject of the student’s thesis. Following the
introduction there should be a 2-3 page summary of the student’s progress. The remaining 14-16 pages
should explain the proposed research. Students may subdivide each section in whatever manner they
deem to be the most readily digested by the examining committee. References must conform to
accepted ASM practices (see http://www.journals.asm.org/misc/ifora.shtml).
Preparation time for this proposal is limited. Students will be assigned a date for their transfer exam 4-5
weeks in advance of their exam (at least 2-3 months prior to anticipated PhD start-date). The report must
be presented to the Committee at least one week prior to the transfer meeting. Extensions will not
normally be granted.
Transfer Meeting
The student will give a 15-20 minute presentation outlining the major points of his/her proposal, including
accomplishments to-date and the research proposed for the PhD. The exam will then consist of at least
two rounds of questioning from each of the voting Committee members, and will deal with any and all
aspects of the presentation and proposal. The total time for the questioning will not exceed two hours.
The Transfer Committee will consist of the members of the Supervisory Committee, Transfer Chair, and
one additional member who has no direct connection with the student’s Supervisory Committee. The
Department Chair will normally appoint the Transfer Chair and the additional member. In the event that
the Transfer Chair is the student’s supervisor, the role of Chair will be delegated to another faculty
member. The Transfer Chair will have no voting privileges. The Transfer Chair will ensure that the exam
is conducted in a fair manner in keeping with the objective of this document. In the event that a student is
at a loss to answer a particular question, the Chair may ask the examiner for clarification or to move on to
a more fruitful line of questioning.
Students should expect questioning to be thorough and far ranging. Frequently, a correct answer will be
followed up with a more difficult continuation in an attempt to plumb the depths of the student’s
knowledge. It is to be expected that most students will encounter at least some questions that they are
unable to answer; it is particularly important therefore that the student is certain he/she always
understands what is being asked.
Possible Recommendations
• Proceed to PhD studies without obtaining a Master’s degree;
• Admission to PhD studies but with concurrent completion of all requirements for a Master’s degree
within two months from the date of reclassification;
• Proceed with PhD studies following completion of the Master’s degree;
• Not proceed with PhD studies but complete the Master’s degree;
• Adjournment of the transfer meeting.
In the event deficiencies are identified in the course of the transfer examination, which the Committee
deems can be rectified in a timely manner, the Committee is empowered to adjourn, providing the student
with a written copy of its concerns to be addressed. The Committee must be reconvened for a reexamination
and to make a final determination, in no case later than 24 months after the first registration
of the student in the graduate program. After the examination, the Transfer Chair will inform the
candidate and the Department Chair of the Committee’s decision and the reason for it. Transfers can
only become effective: September 1 st , January 1 st or May 1 st .
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PhD REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: A student whose work is unsatisfactory may at any time be
required to withdraw from the program.
A candidate for the PhD degree must comply with the School of Graduate Studies Regulations for the
Degree Doctor of Philosophy. Our PhD program is tailored to maximize student productivity and learning
through basic research. Our philosophy is that the most important goal of a higher degree is to become
an expert in a specific field while maintaining sufficient breadth of knowledge to succeed after leaving
graduate school. This includes publication in respected peer-reviewed journals, applications for study
scholarships, oral and written presentation skills. Our graduates typically secure top-level international
post-doctoral fellowships or have industry placements in leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical
research companies worldwide.
The minimum time to complete a PhD is THREE calendar years beyond the bachelor’s level or TWO
calendar years beyond the master’s level. Completion of the PhD degree is normally limited to SIX years
from initial registration. There is no minimum course requirement for the completion of the PhD degree,
unless the student’s supervisory committee has made a specific recommendation for additional course
work to supplement the student’s knowledge in their area of research. The candidate will be required to
participate in the Departmental seminar program and meet at least annually with their Supervisory
Committee. All PhD candidates must pass a Comprehensive Examination, consisting of a public
Department seminar based on their thesis research, followed by an oral examination by the
Comprehensive Examination Committee. The Comprehensive Examination is designed to test students
for breadth of knowledge and the ability to integrate ideas. The Comprehensive Examination typically
takes place at 18 months after the student has begun PhD studies, with an upper limit of 24 months.
Candidates must present a thesis that embodies the results of original research and high scholarship.
This thesis must be defended in a Final Oral Examination as outlined in the School of Graduate Studies
Regulations for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy.
Students applying to our program who already hold an MSc degree from another institution have the
possibility for direct admission into our PhD program subject to approval from our admissions panel.
Such students are required to take a qualification exam, similar in structure and content to the transfer
exam.
QUALIFICATION EXAMINATION
Direct-entry PhD students are required to schedule their first Supervisory Committee Meeting within 6
months of initial registration. Students who enter our PhD program directly with an MSc from another
McMaster Department or Institution, or with only a first degree (B.Sc.) are also required to pass the
Qualification Exam within 9-12 months following registration. The Qualification Exam follows the
guidelines and procedure as outlined for the PhD Transfer Exam and involves a written submission and
oral defence of a CIHR-style grant proposal on the student’s proposed doctoral work. Please consult the
Program Handbook for additional details related to the Qualifying Exam, available from the Department of
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. The Qualification Exam Committee consists of the members of
the Supervisory Committee and the Exam Chair, who is appointed by the Program. The outcome of the
exam will be Pass or Fail. If the candidate fails the Qualification Exam, The Exam Chair will notify the
student whether the written, oral or both parts of the exam were insufficient and in need of a second
attempt. The student will be allowed a second opportunity for re-examination, which must be successfully
completed within 3 months of the first attempt. Students who entered the program with an MSc Degree
who fail their second attempt at the Qualification Exam are required to withdraw from the PhD Program.
Students who entered the program directly from a B.Sc. may be given the opportunity to re-­‐register as a
Master’s student, provided that their work to date has met the standards for the Biochemistry Master’s
program.
20

PhD COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Goals and Outline of the Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive exam is a capstone event in the PhD program and will normally take place between
12 and 20 months after entry into the PhD program, with an upper limit of 24 months. The grading for the
Comprehensive exam is Pass, Pass with Distinction, or Fail. Students are encouraged to familiarize
themselves with University policies on Comprehensive exams in the School of Graduate Studies
Calendar. The exam consists of two components: 1) a departmental seminar and 2) a post seminar
question period with members of the student’s supervisory committee.
1) Seminar: The presentation is made before the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
during the course of the departmental graduate seminar series. Copies of the power point
presentation (3 slides per page) will be distributed to each committee member at the beginning of
the seminar. Students are required to give a thorough background description of their field and complete
synopsis of their research accomplishments to date. The seminar will be 45-50 minutes in length,
followed by a 10-15 minute question period. This should very much resemble in form and content,
seminars that students attend in the external seminar series. .
2) Question Period: Following the presentation, the student will meet with the comprehensive
examination committee for a session of questions and answers similar to our transfer exam or a PhD
defence. Note, examinations are sometimes held on a different day due to conflicting schedules. The
examination will typically involve two rounds of questions from each member of the student’s supervisory
committee and is expected to last ~90 minutes. Questions can include anything relevant to the student’s
field, including the current state of literature and prevailing views on relevant questions related to the
topic. An additional line of questioning will likely centre on the student’s strategy for completing their PhD
research within the allotted time. A member of the Graduate Curriculum and Recruitment Committee
chairs this oral examination.
3) Timing of Re-Examination
If a re-examination is necessary, it will normally take place within one month, but the actual timing will be
determined on the basis of consideration of what is needed to correct the deficiencies. A second failure
will necessitate withdrawal from the PhD program.
PhD THESIS EVALUATION
GUIDE FOR THESES PREPARATION:
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/completing-your-degree
The PhD final oral examination takes the form of a brief statement by the candidate and questioning by
their committee. Prepare a statement that will take between 15 and 20 minutes to deliver. In preparing,
consider you are speaking to an audience who have read your thesis. A simple summary is therefore
neither necessary nor desirable. What you should endeavour to do is stress the main points of your
contribution to the advancement of knowledge and the principal technical difficulties either of an
experimental or theoretical nature which you have overcome. Notes or other aids may be used but the
statement may not be read from a prepared script.
The scheduling process begins when a student and their supervisory committee members are in
agreement that the thesis is ready for defence in the following 8-10 weeks time. The student will initiate
the defence process electronically approximately 2-3 weeks before the final thesis copy is submitted to
the School of Graduate Studies. After online initiation, the student's supervisor will be prompted by e-mail
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to submit to the School of Graduate Studies a list of potential external examiners who are qualified to
evaluate the thesis. It will be up to the student to propose a date and time for the defence that is
acceptable to the supervisory committee members who will attend and acceptable in terms of the School
of Graduate Studies' scheduling guidelines. A PDF version of the PhD thesis must be submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies prior to the defence. A paper version of the thesis should be available if
requested by either the external or internal examiners. The pre-defence copies of the thesis should be
formatted according to the requirements in The Guide for the Preparation of Theses.
MSc and PhD THESIS SUBMISSION
Electronic thesis - Students are required to submit their dissertations electronically. More information
can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website:
http://graduate.mcmaster.ca/current-students/completing-your-degree/651-step3-final-submission
If you have any questions regarding thesis submission, you may contact the Thesis Coordinator at
gthesis@mcmaster.ca or (905) 525-9140, ext. 23680.
COMBINED MD/PhD PROGRAM
Students in the MD/PhD program will complete both the MD curriculum requirements (eligible for MD
residency programs), and the PhD curriculum requirements in order to be eligible for particular academic
placements across institutions. The program will seek to train individuals who will pursue research as a
major priority and to prepare graduates for leadership roles in integrated research initiatives, particularly
those involving interdisciplinary and translational health research endeavors. The program expects that
McMaster MD/PhD graduates will contribute significantly to the need for clinician scientists in a variety of
roles. The MD/PhD program is offered in an integrated format with specific blocks of time provided for
activities either in full-­‐ or part-­‐time studies in either program. There will be opportunity for flexibility in the
arrangement of a student curriculum, if requested and/or deemed appropriate. These requests will be
reviewed by the MD/PhD program committee and the student’s doctoral program before making a
recommendation to the Associate Deans. The Program utilizes the established MD curriculum and
Biochemistry is one of the established graduate programs that participate in MD/PhD training. MD
program fulfillment (in the MD/PhD program): The new MD curriculum, electives and clerkship periods.
Horizontal electives (optional in current MD program, not optional in the MD/PhD program) must be
completed during graduate research block (3 years). A minimum of 80 hours in horizontal electives must
be completed satisfactorily. PhD program fulfillment (in the MD/PhD program): Time will be allowed for
attendance at regular research group meetings while in the MD curriculum. Attendance at MD/PhD
program group meetings (faculty and students) will be held a minimum of 3 times annually. In addition,
students must complete the requirements of their PhD program, as outlined in the relevant section of
Graduate Calendar, including the comprehensive examination and the submission and defence of a
research thesis (the research proposal should be completed as early as possible in the program).
ASTROBIOLOGY
(copied from the School of Graduate Studies Calendar 2013-2014, page 674)
“The Origins Institute in collaboration with five “home” departments offers Canada’s first graduate
program in Astrobiology. The “Collaborative Graduate Program in Astrobiology” offers students an MSc or
PhD in the rapidly emerging interdisciplinary science of Astrobiology. Students must be accepted to do
graduate studies in any of five participating home departments: Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences,
Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Physics and Astronomy, and the School of Geography and
Earth Sciences. Astrobiology is an intrinsically interdisciplinary, or perhaps more appropriately
'transdisciplinary,' science. Researchers must possess expertise in specific fields such as astrophysics,
microbiology, planetary sciences, biochemistry and chemistry, etc. but also must have the training that
22

allows them to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Our graduate program provides this kind of
training and research opportunities. A candidate will register for the MSc or PhD degree in any of the
participating five departments and, in addition to the special regulations summarized below, will be
subject to the general regulations and course/thesis requirements that govern graduate work in the
department in which he/she is registered. The Astrobiology portion is carried out by the OI in close
collaboration with these departments. Some course work and research seminars in astrobiology (see
below), as well as Astrobiological research and thesis, lie at the heart of the program. Required courses
are defined according to prescriptions for each home program. Additionally, MSc students are required to
take a one term, ORIGINS *701 Survey of Astrobiology course and the bimonthly ORIGINS *705
Astrobiology Research Seminar and Journal Club course. Doctoral students are required to complete
(one term) course work from outside their research area, from the Astrobiology course list as well as the
ORIGINS *705. With supervisory committee permission, the courses below and entries in the
Astrobiology course list could count toward requirements for a home program. All students are required to
attend the Origins Institute Colloquium series. This is an important resource for students, as they will have
the opportunity to interact directly with distinguished leaders and scientists in the field. Doctoral students
must complete a Comprehensive exam that is administered by their home department.”
BIOCHEMISTRY INTERNAL DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Karl Freeman Prize for Graduate Seminars
The Karl Freeman Prize is awarded annually to graduate students in the department who are deemed to
have presented the most outstanding graduate seminars. The School of Graduate Studies awards the
prizes on the recommendation of the Department. Prizes are given for first and second place seminar
ranking in the MSc and PhD program. This prize was established in 2001 by Karl Freeman, Chair of the
Department of Biochemistry from 1973 to 1979 and acting chair for six months during 1982.
Impact Awards (Recognition for Student Publications)
This award will be presented to Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences graduate students for highly
meritorious contributions to scientific literature during 2012. A prize for the most impressive first-authored
publication(s) by our graduate students will be given based on the recommendation of the Departmental
Graduate Admissions Committee. Nominations should be submitted in the form of a letter to the Chair
from the graduate supervisor. The letter should briefly outline the achievements of the candidate,
indicating the student’s accomplishments with respect to the publication, and should be accompanied by
a copy of the publication. Nominations must be received no later than March 1, 2013. The department
anticipates bestowing up to three awards annually.
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Student Travel Awards
The Department will grant up to 20 competitive $500 travel awards each year to assist students planning
to attend scientific meetings. To qualify, students must be enrolled on a full-time basis in either the MSc
or PhD program and must present data either as a poster or as a speaker at the meeting they plan to
attend. Students who have received a travel award in the past will only be eligible for another one if
funding permits. Students applying for these awards are strongly encouraged to apply for travel funds
from other sources including, in particular, the GSA. There are three application deadlines: September
28 (for meetings scheduled between September and March 30); March 15 (for meetings scheduled
between April 1 and June 24; June 1 (for meetings scheduled between June 25 and August 31).
Students must apply to the department by the deadline in advance of the meeting they are to attend. The
completed application form must be accompanied by a one page (maximum) letter explaining the
relevance of the meeting to the advancement of their education and how it will benefit their work. The
Graduate Coordinator and Department Chair will review and approve applications.
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Dr. Thomas Neilson Scholarship
The Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences is pleased to invite nominations for the
2013/2014 Thomas Neilson Scholarship which will be awarded to the Biochemistry and Biomedical
Sciences graduate student deemed to show the greatest potential as an independent scientist at the time
of transfer to the PhD program. This award was established in memory of Dr. Thomas Neilson by his
family, friends and colleagues as a token of their appreciation and respect.
The Neilson Scholarship will be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of
the Departmental Graduate Admissions Committee, based upon performance in the program with
particular emphasis upon the overall academic standing, supporting letters, contributions to teaching, the
seminar presentation, the transfer report, research contributions and publications. The award will not
necessarily be given every year, and may be awarded twice in a given year.
Thomas Neilson joined the Department of Biochemistry in its early years and contributed strongly to its
chemical expertise. Among his colleagues, Tom was widely admired for his consummate skill in organic
synthesis. Within a short time, he developed convenient procedures for the large-scale synthesis of
oligoribonucleotides of defined sequence. This accomplishment was recognized internationally and led to
many fruitful collaborations. To his students, Dr. Neilson was a devoted teacher who gave of his time
generously. Above all, he was a man of sincerity and integrity who earned the trust and affection of those
around him. His career at McMaster sets a worthy example to all of us in academic life.
Nominations should be submitted in the form of a letter to the Chair from the student’s supervisor. It
should outline briefly the achievements of the candidate, and be accompanied by a supporting letter from
another member of the supervisory committee. Nominations must be received no later than November
1, 2013. An announcement of the award will take place in the winter of 2013. The value of the award is
$1,000.
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EXTERNAL AWARDS
There are a number of external awards available from provincial and national funding agencies. All
graduate students are encouraged to compete for awards provided he/she meets the eligibility
requirements. Please read and follow all instructions carefully. All graduate students must provide a copy
of any external funding to Lorraine Curtis, Manager of Operations, Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences
(HSC-4N59) to adjust stipends accordingly.
Please refer to our website for guidelines and department deadlines (“External Scholarships”):
http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/biochem/graduate/financial.html
*VANIER: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program is designed to attract and retain
world-class doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly
achievement in doctoral studies. The program helps attract top doctoral students to Canadian universities
by offering a significant financial award to assist successful candidates during their studies. A Vanier
CGS is valued at $50,000 per year up to three years. VANIER competition is separate from the regular
doctoral (CIHR/NSERC) competition. Students MUST submit an application to BOTH competitions to be
considered for both awards. Please contact the Department Graduate Assistant for details.
*NSERC – Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada: To be eligible for support
from NSERC, you must and/or will be undertaking a program of study or research in one of the fields that
NSERC supports. The proposed research must clearly be intended to advance knowledge in one of the
natural sciences or in engineering. In addition, for awards held at universities, research must be
supervised by a faculty member whose own research is in a field that NSERC supports. In cases
where the proposed research is deemed to fall within the mandate of either CIHR or SSHRC, NSERC will
not accept the application. If you hold or have held a CGS from another federal granting agency (CIHR
or SSHRC), you are not eligible to apply to NSERC for support at the same level. Alexander Graham Bell
Canada Graduate Scholarships and NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship applications have now moved to
an electronic on-line submission process.
*CIHR – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Masters Award: These awards will be offered to
students who are pursuing a Master’s degree in a Health related field in Canada. Awards have a maximum
term of one year and are valued at $17,500 per annum.
*CIHR (Doctoral Research Awards): Doctoral Research Awards are intended to provide special
recognition and support to students who are pursuing a PhD degree in a health-related field in Canada or
abroad. These candidates are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research
achievement and productivity. Candidates interested in applying for a CGS Doctoral Award must apply for
a DRA; all DRA candidates will be automatically considered for a CGS based on CGS eligibility
requirements and ranking in the DRA competition. If you already hold, or have held, any federally funded
doctoral award, you are not eligible for a CGS Doctoral Award unless the term of the doctoral award
awarded was less than the maximum allowed and you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for a
DRA described below. For this competition, applications will be accepted in all areas of health research.
Candidates apply directly to the Canadian Institute of Health Research Agency.
*OGS – Ontario Graduate Scholarship: Ontario Graduate Scholarships are awarded for one academic
year ($15,000 value). Students should note you are writing for different and wide audiences. The Ministry
of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has now transferred administration where institutions are
responsible for the intake, processing, and adjudication of applications, as well as the awarding of the
scholarships. Please contact the Department Graduate Assistant for more information.
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Training Documentation
Staff Name:
Department: Biochem. & Biomed. Sciences
Position: Start Date: September 1, 2013
Supervisor:
Room No.
Mandatory Training Date Signature of Trainer Signature of
Trainee
Fire Safety Lecture
Core WHMIS
Biosafety
Radio-Isotopes
Central Animal Facility
• Orientation
• Handling
• Surgery
Supervisor Due
Diligence
ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE:
ANNUAL WHMIS UPDATE:
DATE SIGNATURE OF TRAINER SIGNATURE OF TRAINEE
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Safety Training on
Lab Equipment Date Signature of Trainer Signature of Trainee
Autoclave
Centrifuges
Electrophoresis
Fermentor
French Press
Fume Hoods
Gel Dryer
Laminar Flow Hood
Liquid Nitrogen Tanks
Lyophilizer/Speed Vac
Scintillation Counter
UV Lamp
Transilluminator
Spectrophotometer
Vacumm Oven
Vacuum Pump
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