Scientific computing

Why Scientific Computing @ Memorial?

Memorial University's MSc program in Scientific Computing was one of the first in North America, and remains the only such program in Atlantic Canada. Both MSc and PhD programs are now being offered in Scientific Computing. These programs train students in advanced computational techniques and in the application of these techniques to at least one scientific area, such as Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Physical Oceanography. Students can expect to gain knowledge and experience in: (1) state-of-the-art numerical methods, (2) high performance computer architectures, (3) use of software development tools for parallel and vector computers, (4) graphics, visualization, and multimedia tools, and (5) acquisition, processing, and analysis of large experimental data sets.

The MSc and PhD Scientific Computing programs are interdisciplinary, enriched by the expertise of faculty members in a range of academic units. Researchers in external organizations contribute by co-supervising students, providing placements for co-op students, providing computing resources, and teaching some courses. The program has close links with ACEnet, the Atlantic Canada Excellence network of high performance computers on which much of our computational work is carried out.

Description of program

• MSc " The program is offered in both thesis and non-thesis (project) versions, with a cooperative education (co-op) option also available. Both full-time and part-time studies are possible. A distinguishing characteristic of this program is the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Graduating students will have mastered a broader range of science and engineering areas than graduates from the more traditional, discipline-based programs.
  
  Related programs: data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer science

• PhD - The PhD program is a thesis-based program, available by full-time and part-time studies. The program is designed to produce effective researchers in Scientific Computing and within the applied areas of interest. The program's courses are designed to ensure advanced understanding of core Scientific Computing principles.

Contact a faculty supervisor

Graduate applicants interested in research-based programs are strongly encouraged to connect with a faculty supervisor at the time of application. In fact, a faculty supervisor is required for all programs before an offer of admission will be made. Visit the Scientific Computing program website for a list of faculty members, their research interests, and contact information. You may also use the Yaffle search application to find a supervisor you may wish to work with.

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

• MASF (course work): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• MASF (thesis): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• PhD: Master’s degree in a relevant area of study and an excellent academic record OR 12 months in a Master’s program and demonstration of exceptional ability to pursue research at the doctoral level OR Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) and 5 years of related full-time professional experience OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed research area (with permission).

Analyst/modeler, researcher, consultant, software developer/programming, computational financial analyst, university professor, data scientist/analyst, software engineer, research computing specialist, computational scientist, quantitative engineer

• The application must be fully and accurately completed. Please note the online application only supports the English language.
• Ensure your full legal name (including previous last name if applicable) is listed in the correct order, as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID. Please ensure your date of birth is entered accurately in the format listed.
• Under “Personal Information” and “Canadian Immigration Status”, select "Student Visa" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you require a study permit to legally study in Canada. Select "Permanent Resident" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you have immigrated to Canada.
• Please carefully review the definitions of full-time and part-time status before selecting this under “Student Status”. Graduate student status is not determined by the number of courses one registers for.
• If you have previously applied to or enrolled in Memorial University, please ensure you enter your MUN student number under “Program Information”. You can find this in Self-Service (if you were previously a student) or on a decision letter emailed to you (if you previously applied). This will ensure your application is processed quickly and accurately.
• Please ensure you choose the right graduate program under “Program Information”. This normally cannot be changed after you submit your application online.
• Please note the correct route (e.g., thesis, course, internship) for your program of interest under “Program Information”. Refer to the Graduate Programs and Routes document for details. Incorrect routes may lead to delays in the admission process. You can only be considered for a route available for your graduate program of interest.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), under “Program Information” please note the names of up to two faculty members you may be interested in working with. Please visit our website for more information on how to find potential supervisors.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), please note the research area or focus you are interested in for your graduate thesis (or instrument for Master of Music applicants).
• Under “Program Information” and “Self-declared Average”, please enter in number form your overall average from your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program as it appears on your university transcript (e.g., 80%, 3.0, 16, etc.). In the following field, please select the country in which your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program was completed.
• Ensure you provide names and email addresses for all referees. Please ensure you contact your referees before applying to confirm their availability and willingness to write a reference letter on your behalf. Please also ensure the email address you enter is correct and one actively used by your referee.
• Ensure that the “Statement of Interest” section is properly completed, as most academic units place considerable emphasis on this section. You’ll find a video tutorial on this at the bottom of this page.
• Please complete the “Special Circumstances” section if there are any exceptional circumstances that may have had an impact on your past academic records.