University of Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

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Computer Science

In BSc in Computer Science major, honours and minor degrees are available. Anyone of the specializations can be added to major or honours degrees:

  • list items Communications & networks
  • list items Graphics & gaming
  • list items Software systems
  • list items Theory
  • The MSc program comprises of at least 15 units which include CSC course work (CSC courses are valued at 1.5 units each), a research skills course and either a master's thesis, project, or industrial project. A minimum of 12 units of the program must be at the 500 level or higher. The remaining units may be at the 400 level or higher (CSC or SEng courses). A student is expected to complete the program in four to five terms.

    The PhD program for those entering with a master's degree comprises of a minimum of six units (four courses) of course work at the 500 level or higher. All courses are of 1.5 units. All PhD programs include a research skills course (formerly called: Graduate Seminar) which needs to be over and above the required course work. The PhD program for students entering with a bachelor’s degree consists of at least 12 units of course work, where a minimum of nine units must be at the 500 level or higher.

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    Biomedical Engineering

    Biomedical engineers design innovative healthcare technologies. Biomedical Engineering, offered by the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering, is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program. The department provides a BEng degree in Biomedical Engineering.

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    Electrical and Computer Engineering

    An electrical engineer designs and studies electrical and electronic systems. A computer engineer is similar to an electrical engineer but mainly deals with computer applications. The department of Electrical and Computer Engineering provides BEng, MEng, MASc and PhD degrees to the students.

    The faculty and graduate students are working in the following research areas: Communication, signal processing and control; Computers, software and networking; Electronics and energy; Electromagnetics and photonics; Materials and devices.

    The MEng program consists of a minimum of 12 units of coursework plus a project of 2 units. In addition to the minimum units of coursework stated, the MEng program requires 1 unit for the Seminar course.

    The Master’s of Applied Science (MASc) program is meant for students interested in pursuing advanced research at the postgraduate level and advancing their knowledge in the field of electrical and computer engineering. The MASc program consists of at least 7.5 units of coursework plus a Thesis of 12 units. The Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS) consists of six compulsory core technical courses (9 units), three compulsory professional courses (3 units), and four elective courses (6 units) selected from a list for a total of 18 units of course work. The Master of Engineering in Telecommunication & Information Security is a one-year master's program. MTIS comprises often technical and three professional career development courses for a total of 18 units of course work.

    The PhD program comprises of a minimum of 4.5 or 15 units of course work depending upon whether the admitted student has a MASc degree or has transferred to a PhD program from a MASc program, plus the Candidacy Examination of 3 units, Seminar of 1 unit, and the PhD Dissertation of 30-36 units.

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    Mechanical Engineering

    Mechanical engineering applies the discoveries of science to the design and creation of things that are safe, reliable and practical. The department of Mechanical Engineering provides BEng, MEng, MASc and PhD degrees. The MEng program consists of a minimum of 16.0 units, usually not less than 12 units of graduate course work, a 1.0 unit seminar and an MEng Project Report.

    The MASc program consists of a minimum of 18.0 units, normally with at least 7.5 units of graduate coursework, a 1.5-unit seminar, and a thesis. The thesis for the MASc program is typically equivalent to 9 units. The topic of the thesis is subject to the approval of the department.

    The PhD program for a student already having a master’s degree is for at least 37.5 units, normally with not less than 6.0 units of approved course work, a 1.5 unit seminar, a 3.0 unit candidacy examination and a dissertation. The dissertation for the PhD program is typically equivalent to 27 units. The dissertation topic needs to be first approved by the department

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    Software Engineering

    The department of Software Engineering under the University of Victoria provides BSEng degree.The Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSEng) degree program comprises of 47 courses (71.5 credits) which are usually completed in four years and eight months. This includes four compulsory co-op work terms that offers 16 months of suitable work experience.

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    Pure Science

    1. Physics and Astronomy

    The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs of study and research leading to the degrees of BSc, Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Students already holding a BSc degree usually enter the MSc program, which combines a set of graduate courses with an original research project leading to a thesis. The MSc is normally completed within 24 months.

    The PhD program has a research focus, and a completed MSc (or equivalent) is the normal prerequisite for entry. It includes coursework along with the completion of a thesis and public dissertation.

    The research areas include:

  • list items Astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology
  • list items Condensed matter physics
  • list items Medical physics
  • list items Ocean physics
  • list items Particle and accelerator physics
  • list items Theoretical physics
  • 2. Chemistry

    The Department of Chemistry offers BSc, MSc and PhD degrees. Candidates for the MSc degree are required to complete at least 3 units of graduate courses in Chemistry. Students can substitute courses with those from the other department only with the permission of the Chair, Supervisor, Graduate Adviser and Faculty of Graduate Studies. In addition to the course work completed early in the program, candidates are required to complete an MSc Thesis. 

    The focus areas include:

  • list items Bioactivity
  • list items Catalysis
  • list items Energy
  • list items Kinetics/dynamics
  • list items Materials
  • list items Magnetism
  • list items Mechanisms
  • list items Medicinal
  • list items Nanotechnology
  • list items Polymers
  • list items Sensors
  • list items Surfaces
  • 3. Biology

    The department of Biology offers General, Minor, Major or Honours programs at the undergraduate level. The MSc and PhD degrees are full-time, research-intensive graduate programs, culminating in a master’s thesis and PhD dissertation, respectively.

    The M.Sc. degrees are typically 2-2.5 years in length. PhD degrees are typically 4-5 years in length. Students in the MSc program can raise a request for a transfer to the PhD program within an appropriate timeline, with the permission of their supervisory committee.

    The major research areas are: Ecology and evolution; Cell and molecular biology; Genetics and genomics; Forest biology; Marine science; Neurobiology

    4. Mathematics and Statistics

    Along with undergraduate programmes, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Each student must complete a program comprising of a minimum of 15 units. The program normally consists of a thesis of six units, another six units of courses at the 500 level or higher including a graduate seminar, and the remaining three units at the 400 level or higher. A master's with non-thesis option is available in statistics. It consists of a minimum of 12 units of course work and a master's project. Students admitted to the PhD program are required to complete a minimum of four graduate courses.