I would like to do a thesis (9 units) instead of a project (3 units). Due to the coop schedule, the only year I'll be there for the full year is 4th year, but there are a lot of courses I want/need to take, and depending what courses are offered, I may not have enough room to take a 9-unit thesis. If this is the case, I'll definitely have room in 5th year to do the thesis, but I'll only be in school for one term. Since you usually take 15 units per term, would I be allowed to do my thesis in one term? Or does it have to be over two terms?

I dont know if this is the case in chem bio but I have been told that upper year students in my program (biopharm co-op) sometimes bridge their co-op and thesis together. Meaning you can have it so that your co-op placement is with the supervisor you wish to do your thesis with. Dr. Wilson told me of a student who really enjoyed the research they were doing in their co-op placement so they decided to do their thesis with that person. Granted that person did their co-op with a member of the McMaster faculty, I think that is an option you can consider.

Originally Posted by nerual

I would like to do a thesis (9 units) instead of a project (3 units). Due to the coop schedule, the only year I'll be there for the full year is 4th year, but there are a lot of courses I want/need to take, and depending what courses are offered, I may not have enough room to take a 9-unit thesis. If this is the case, I'll definitely have room in 5th year to do the thesis, but I'll only be in school for one term. Since you usually take 15 units per term, would I be allowed to do my thesis in one term? Or does it have to be over two terms?

You could start your thesis the summer before 4th year - working as a summer student, theoretically you could have everything written up during first term - many of my friends did. However, it's up to your faculty and some may require a presentation or defense in the second term. You would also need supervisor approval.