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Department of Plant Science September 1 2007 Dear Postgraduate Student, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the Department of Plant Science, McGill University, and to present you with a copy of our departmental handbook. This handbook contains a variety of information that will be helpful during your graduate studies. We are pleased that you have chosen Macdonald Campus of McGill University for your graduate work, and we wish you every success in your studies. Yours sincerely, Martina Stromvik, Ph.D. Graduate Program Director

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Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Department of Plant Science

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Table of Contents Page

Letter from the Graduate Program Director ………………………………………………………….….…..1 1. Plant Science Department: Faculty members and research areas …………………..……………......…...4 2. General information ……………….. ………………………………………………………………….....5 3. Admission requirements ………………………………………………………………………………..…5 4. Registration …………………………………………………..……………………………………………6 5. Graduate programs and courses in Plant Science ………………………………………………………….6

5.1. Master's program ………………………………………………………………………………..6 5.1.1. Program requirements ……………………………………………………………..…..6 5.1.2. Advisory committee …………………………………………………………………..6 5.1.3. Thesis ………………………………………………………………………….……...7 5.1.4. Transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D. program ……………………………………………...…7 5.2. Ph.D. program …………………………………………………………………………………..8 5.2.1. Program requirements …………………………………………………………….…..8 5.2.2. Advisory committee ……………………………………………………………….….8 5.2.3. Comprehensive examination ………………………………………………………….8 5.2.4. Research program …………………………………………………………………….12 5.2.5. Thesis ………………………………………………………………………………….12 5.2.6. Transfer from Ph.D. to M.Sc. program ……………………………………………….13 5.3. Advisory Committee meetings …………….…………………….………………………...…..13

6. Teaching Assistantships …………………………………………………………………………………14 7. Problems with advisor and/or advisory committee ………………………………………………………14 8. Various Departmental aspects ………………………………………………………………………….…14

8.1. Departmental keys ………………………………………………………….………………….14 8.2. Mailboxes …………………………………………………………………………………...…15 8.3. Photocopying and office supplies ………………………………………….………………..…15

9. Research facilities – Department …………………………………………………………..………….…15 9.1. Lods agronomy research centre …………………………………………………………….….15 9.2. Horticulture services building ……………………………………………………………….…16 9.3. Greenhouse and phytorium operations ……………………………………………….….…….16 9.4. Herbarium ……………………………………………………………………………….…….16 9.5. Quarantine facility ………………………………………………………………………..……16 10. Research facilities – Faculty …………………………………………………………………………….16 10.1. Applied biotechnology laboratory …………………………………………………………….16 10.2. Macdonald campus library ……………………………………………………………………16 11. Emergencies/health ………………………………………………………………………………...…..16

11.1. Emergencies ………………………………………………………………………………….16 11.2. Anti-tetanus protection ………………………………………………………………….……16

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12. Vacation policy …………………………………………………………………………………….…..17 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1. Options with the Plant Science Programs (Neo, BioOpt, Env)……….………….………18 APPENDIX 2. Laboratory Safety Procedures …………………………………………………………..….21 APPENDIX 3. McGill University Policy on Research Ethics ………………………………………………22 APPENDIX 4. Committees Composition Requirements …………………………………………………..23 APPENDIX 5. Advisory Committee Report Forms ……………………………………………………..…24 M.Sc. Committee Report Form 1 ……………………………… ……………………..…24 Ph. D. Committee Report Form 1 ……………… ……………………………………..…27 M.Sc./Ph.D. Committee Report Form 2 …………………………………………………..…30 APPENDIX 6. Research Horizons Evaluations ………………….……………………………………..…32 Thesis Proposal ……………… ………………….……………………………………..…32 Final Seminar ……………………………………..……………………………………..…34 APPENDIX 7. Citing literature in a scientific project…………….………………………………………..35 APPENDIX 8. Handling of Pesticides and Other Toxic Compounds …………………………….....…...37 APPENDIX 9. Important Procedures to Follow if an Accident Happens ………………………………..38 APPENDIX 10. Laboratory Safety Responsibilities ……………………………………………………...39 Updated by M. Stromvik on September 1, 2007

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1. DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE: Faculty members and research areas A description of research programs and publications for each faculty member can be found at: http://www.mcgill.ca/plant/faculty/ JACQUELINE C. BEDE, Ph.D., Toronto. Plant-insect interactions. Office: R2-026C. Telephone: 398-7860. Email: jacqueline.bede@mcgill.ca SYLVIE DE BLOIS, Ph.D. Université de Montréal. Landscape ecology; plant ecology; spatial and temporal heterogeneity; rural landscape dynamics; linear habitats; plant biodiversity and conservation. Office: R2-028a. Telephone: 398-7581. Email: sylvie.deblois@mcgill.ca DANIELLE J. DONNELLY, Ph.D., Simon Fraser. Plant tissue culture, anatomy and physiology of cultured plants. Office: R2-023a. Telephone: 398-7856. Email: danielle.donnelly@mcgill.ca PIERRE DUTILLEUL, D.Sc., Louvain. Applied statistics; time series and spatial data analysis; experimental design. Office: R2-021a. Telephone: 398-7870. Email: pierre.dutilleul@mcgill.ca MARC G. FORTIN, Ph.D., McGill. (on leave 2007) Plant molecular biology; molecular genetics of disease resistance. Office: R2-025a. Telephone: 398-8384. Email: marc.fortin@mcgill.ca SUHA JABAJI, Ph.D., Waterloo. (Associate Dean – Research and Graduate Education) Biotechnology of fungi for improving plant growth; mechanisms of biological disease control. Office: R2-020c. Telephone: 398-7561. Email: suha.jabaji@mcgill.ca TIMOTHY A. JOHNS, Ph.D., Michigan. Ethnobotany, with emphasis on traditional uses of cultivated and wild plants. Office: MS2-039. Telephone: 398-7847. Email: tim.johns@mcgill.ca AJJAMADA C. KUSHALAPPA, Ph.D., Florida. (Department Lab Safety Officer) Epidemiology and management of plant diseases. Office: R2-028b. Telephone: 398-7867. Email: ajjamada.kushalappa@mcgill.ca PHILIPPE SEGUIN, Ph.D., Minnesota. Forage crops: Management, physiology, and ecology. Office: R2-027a. Telephone: 398-7855. Email: philippe.seguin@mcgill.ca DONALD L. SMITH, Ph.D., Guelph. (Department Chair, on sabbatical leave 2007) Crop physiology, crop ecology, crop production and crop quality. Office: R2-017a. Telephone: 398-7866. Email: donald.smith@ mcgill.ca

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KATRINE A. STEWART, Ph.D., Reading. (Acting Department Chair, 2007) Physiology and production of vegetable crops. Office: R2-022a. Telephone: 398-7872. Email: katrine.stewart@ mcgill.ca MARTINA V. STROMVIK, Ph.D., Illinois (Graduate Program Director) Bioinformatics and genomics research on plant promoters, gene expression and functional anatomy. Office: R2-020b. Telephone: 398-8627. Email: martina.stromvik@ mcgill.ca MARCIA J. WATERWAY, Ph.D., Cornell. Plant systematics and ecological genetics, emphasis on the Cyperaceae. Office: R2-021b. Telephone: 398-7864. Email: marcia.waterway@ mcgill.ca ALAN K. WATSON, Ph.D., Saskatchewan. Weed biology; biological control of weeds; bioherbicide development. Office: R2-026d. Telephone: 398-7858. Email: alan.watson@ mcgill.ca 2. GENERAL INFORMATION Details of policies relevant to graduate students are available at the web site for the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office is: http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/. Information for new students can be found at: http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/current/records/infonew/ . An orientation containing many useful items of information on rules and procedures can be found at: http://upload.mcgill.ca/gps/dogradstudentorientation.ppt . The 2007/2008 course calendar is available at: http://coursecalendar.mcgill.ca/gps200708/ Routine matters relating to regulations of the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office, registration, adding and dropping courses, scholarship applications, TA positions, keys, desk assignments, etc., can be discussed with Ms. Carolyn Bowes (Graduate Program Coordinator) in room R2-024 FROM 1:30-3:30 P.M. We hold departmental staff meetings at intervals throughout the year, at which we discuss policy matters, course changes and other items of general concern. You will have a representative at those meetings. Problems, suggestions, etc., that you feel should be brought to our attention can be raised in our meetings by your representative. 3. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS There are several admission requirements for admittance in our graduate programs. These are either set by our Department and/or the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Studies Office. These include:

1. A CGPA > 3.0 out of 4. 2. Two letters of recommendations 3. The application fee. 4. The admission application (http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/online/) 5. A statement of research interests. 6. A TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or a minimum overall score of

86 with each component score not less than 20 (internet-Based Test - iBT) (TOEFL scores are only

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required for international students who have not completed a degree in an institution where English is the language of instruction).

7. A supervisor in the Department. 8. Funding for the entire period of studies from either scholarship or the supervisor’s research funds

Based on these requirements each file submitted for admission is examined by the Admission Committee of the Department which will decide on recommendation of admission. It is the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office who makes the final decision. 4. REGISTRATION Before the start of each semester students must pick a MINERVA registration form and instructions from Ms. Carolyn Bowes, the Graduate Coordinator, in room R2-024. They then must complete the form have signed by their supervisor, and must give it back to Carolyn. Once approved by the Graduate Program Director, copies are given back to the student who then can register on MINERVA (http://www.mcgill.ca/minerva-students/). New students are also required to carefully read the Laboratory Safety Manual (http://www.mcgill.ca/ehs/laboratory/labsafety) and McGill University Policies on Research Ethics (http://www.mcgill.ca/researchoffice/policies/sponsored/policies/regulations/ & http://www.mcgill.ca/researchoffice/policies/sponsored/policies/training/); upon reading, the Appendices 2 and 3 of this handbook must be signed and returned to Carolyn. 5. GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND COURSES IN PLANT SCIENCE A list of graduate courses in the Department of Plant Science can be found in the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office Course Calendar 2006-2007 or at: http://coursecalendar.mcgill.ca/gps200708/. 5.1 Master's Program 5.1.1. Program requirements Candidates must complete a 45-credit course and research program established by their advisory committee. Research programs require approximately two years for completion. The program consists of:

1) Two 3-credit graduate level courses or their equivalent; 2) M.Sc. I: PLNT 664 Thesis proposal - (12 credits); 3) M.Sc. II: PLNT 665 Thesis progress report - (12 credits); 4) M.Sc. III: PLNT 666 Thesis (15 credits); 5) Research Horizons (PLNT 690 Year 1, PLNT 691 Year 2); Graduate student attendance is

obligatory at these seminars (see Appendix 6); 6) Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the candidate's advisory committee.

Students take a minimum of 12 credits per term. Options: Three options are available with the Masters program, see Appendix 1 for details. 5.1.2. Advisory committee Each student will have an advisory committee (see Appendix 4), normally consisting of three members of the departmental teaching staff, including the student's research advisor, who serves as the chair. Advisory committees are expected to meet with the student every six moths, (twice a year) to discuss the student's course requirements and research progress. For each committee meeting, report(s) must be completed (see Appendix 5) and given to Carolyn (see section 5.3.). The committees function to aid the student. Please make certain your committee meets, as this will ensure that your progress towards the degree is as rapid as possible.

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5.1.3. Thesis 1) The presentation of a thesis is a requirement of all Master's candidates. 2) The thesis should be prepared according to the guidelines prepared by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/programs/thesis/guidelines/), a copy of which is available from Carolyn Bowes in room R2-024. 3) Make sure that all necessary documents (e.g., biohazard documents) are in order. The Thesis Submission Form MUST have the signature of your advisor before you submit your thesis 4) The thesis has first to be reviewed and approved by the chair’s deputy (Dr. Suha Jabaji-Hare). Submit your thesis to Ms. Carolyn Bowes and she will arrange so that the chair’s deputy receives it. At times close to registration deadlines, many theses are received and you need to hand in your thesis in good time before the deadline in case there are revisions to be made. 5) The thesis will be evaluated by one internal examiner, normally a department member who is not on the student's Advisory Committee, and by one external examiner. (See Appendix 4). The Nomination of Examiner Form MUST have approval and signature of the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Martina Stromvik) before you submit your thesis. 6) Carolyn Bowes will contact you directly once your thesis has been examined.

7) Return the corrected thesis to Carolyn Bowes for approval and final signature by the chair’s deputy. Include with your thesis a written document addressing the points that were raised in the earlier draft of your thesis 8) Some time during the final term of registration, after the thesis has been reviewed and approved by the chair’s deputy, the student will orally present his/her thesis to the Department as part of the requirements for PLNT 666. The final requirements for this course will be satisfied when the examiners’ reports have been returned with all recommending a Pass for the thesis, and all editorial revisions have been made. Note: a M.Sc. defense is not required. 9) Students should refer to the Calendar of Dates http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/programs/dates/ to determine deadlines for submitting their thesis, and to the graduate seminar coordinator (Dr. Katrine Stewart) to schedule their thesis presentation. 5.1.4. Transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D. program M.Sc. students who meet the Ph.D. entrance requirements and show adequate potential as evidenced in their M.Sc. graduate program, may be considered for transfer to the Ph.D. program. Students wishing to be considered for transfer from M.Sc. to the Ph.D. program must make a formal application to the Plant Science Admissions Committee according to the following guidelines: 1) Applications must be received by the committee in sufficient time to allow for a decision to be made

within the first year of the student's M.Sc. program. 2) Applications shall consist of the following: i) A letter from the student explaining why a change to the Ph.D. program is requested. ii) Copies of all transcripts, including marks obtained for all graduate course work. iii) A detailed research proposal which includes a progress report summarizing M.Sc. research

completed to date. iv) Letter(s) of support from the student's thesis supervisor and research advisory committee. 3) The student must take a written qualifying exam, in order for the committee to evaluate the student’s

academic ability.

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4) The academic ability, based on the application and the results of the qualifying exam, of the student shall serve as the basis for justifying transfer from the M.Sc. to the Ph.D. program, not the magnitude of the project. Thus, M.Sc. projects that have developed into "Ph.D.-sized" projects shall not be sufficient reason to justify transfer to the Ph.D. program. Approved transfers will not be made retroactively.

5) Students whose applications for transfer to the Ph.D. program have been approved will be admitted to Ph.D.2 upon completion of their first year of graduate studies. A seminar presentation describing the proposed research to the Department must be done even if one had been done during the M.Sc.

5.2. Ph.D. Program 5.2.1. Program requirements Candidates must complete a program of study established by their Advisory Committee. Research programs require approximately three years for completion. The program consists of:

1) Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination: PLNT 701. This must be taken within one year of registration; 2) Thesis is required 3) Attendance at Research Horizons PNT 690, PLNT 691; Graduate student attendance is obligatory

at these seminars (Appendix 6); 4) Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the candidate's supervisory committee; 5) Students who have taken their M.Sc. degree at McGill University are required to spend at least one

semester in study at another research institution. Options: Three options are available with the PhD program, see Appendix 1 for details. 5.2.2. Advisory committee Each student will have an advisory committee, normally consisting of three members of the departmental teaching staff, including the student's research advisor, who serves as the chair (see Appendix 4). Advisory committees are expected to meet with the student every six months (twice a year) to discuss the student's course requirements and research progress (see section 5.3.). 5.2.3. Comprehensive examination (PLNT 701) Ph.D. Comprehensive Examiner for 2007 is Dr. Suha Jabaji. 1) The comprehensive examination is required for all Ph.D. students. The examination is designed to

assess students’ potential to succeed in the Ph.D. program, by evaluating their research plans and by testing their knowledge of plant science and related disciplines, their knowledge of the scientific literature and their analytical and conceptual abilities.

2) The comprehensive examination must be completed within 12 months of registering for the Ph.D.

program. 3) The examining committee for a student’s comprehensive examination will be chaired by the

Department of Plant Science Comprehensive Examination Supervisor and will have five other members, as follows:

a) The student's Ph.D. supervisor; b) A member of the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in the Department of Plant Science;

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c) A person who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in the Department of Plant Science who is not a member of the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee; d) A person who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in a McGill University department other than Plant Science and who is not a member of the student’s advisory committee; and e) One other person who holds a Ph.D. and is able to contribute to the examination of the student. He/she may or may not be a member of the student’s advisory committee. He/she does not have to be a McGill faculty member.

4) If the Department of Plant Science Comprehensive Examination Supervisor is the Ph.D. supervisor of the student, another senior faculty member will chair the committee.

5) The student must be informed of the composition of the examining committee prior to the beginning

of the written examination. 6) The comprehensive examination consists of three components: a research proposal, a written

examination and an oral examination.

a) Research proposal: The student must prepare a formal written proposal for his/her Ph.D. research.

i) The proposal must:

(1) Specify the hypotheses and objectives of the proposed research; (2) Review the most pertinent literature; (3) Outline a detailed research plan and research schedule; and (4) Indicate progress made in the accomplishment of the proposed research.

ii) If research results have already been obtained, a summary of these may be appended to the proposal. iii) The proposal should be prepared in advance of the written examination and should be submitted at least one week in advance of the oral examination (i.e., at the same time as the written examination answer is submitted). iv) Assessment of the research proposal will focus on the clarity and completeness of the document, the feasibility of the proposed research plan and the potential of the proposed research to lead to original contributions to knowledge.

b) Written examination: Two weeks in advance of the oral examination, the student will be given two examination questions and will be given one week in which to prepare a written answer to one of these two questions.

i) The questions will be set by the student’s Ph.D. supervisor in consultation with

members of the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee and will require the approval of the chair of the student’s Ph.D. comprehensive examination committee (i.e., normally the department Comprehensive Examination Supervisor).

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ii) The questions will be related to plant science, but will require use of information and literature from disciplines other than the principal discipline(s) to be used in the student’s proposed research.

iii) The questions will be designed to test the student’s ability to seek, retrieve and

synthesize information from the recent scientific literature, and to use that information in a critical and/or creative way. For example, a question may require the student to propose a solution to a problem, to design an experiment or research program, or to discuss a scientifically controversial issue.

iv) In choosing between the two questions, the student should consider which question

will permit him/her to best demonstrate the abilities to be assessed. v) The content of the student’s written answer must not overlap with the content of the

student’s research proposal. vi) In preparing the answer to the selected question, the student may freely consult books,

journals and electronic sources of information but may not discuss the content of the examination with anyone else, in person or via electronic means.

vii) The student’s answer should not exceed 15 typed pages (double-spaced in a 11- or 12-

point font, excluding references).

c) Oral examination: An oral examination is held, normally during the second week following the completion of the written examination.

i) Members of the examining committee question the student in order to assess:

(1) The student’s ability to defend his/her research proposal and written examination answer;

(2) The student’s ability to reason; (3) The student’s breadth and depth of scientific knowledge. It is normally expected that the student’s will be able to demonstrate:

(a) A broad general knowledge (i.e., at least introductory undergraduate level) in plant science and related disciplines, and (b) More advanced knowledge in disciplinary areas related to the student’s proposed research, and familiarity with recent scientific advances in those areas.

ii) Students may be questioned on appropriate topics discussed in the Research Horizons seminar series. The oral examination normally lasts about three hours.

7) Following the oral examination, the examining committee will assess the student’s proposed research,

scientific knowledge and research abilities and assign one of two marks based on the student’s overall performance in all three components of the comprehensive examination: PASS (unconditional pass on

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all parts of the examination, no further requirements; some recommendations may be made) or FAIL (student has failed all or part of the examination).

a) If the initial mark assigned is PASS, then a grade of “P” will be submitted for the course

PLNT 701. b) If the initial mark assigned is FAIL, then, according to University regulations, the student

must be allowed one repeat of the comprehensive examination (in whole or in part).

i) A student who fails the examination will be advised of the specific deficiencies relating to the failure as well as which parts of the examination must be repeated.

ii) A student who has received an initial mark of FAIL and who wishes to repeat the comprehensive examination must notify the Department Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination Supervisor in writing within 21 days.

iii) The examination committee may assign readings and/or additional coursework in

specified area(s) to help the student prepare for re-examination. Any additional coursework must be passed at the graduate level.

iv) The nature and number of readings and/or coursework, and the format of the re-

examination will be determined on an individual basis.

v) If a second examination is required, it must be held within 6 months of the first, unless this is precluded by the availability of additional required courses. In this case, the examination must be held within 12 months. In the interim, a mark of "HH" (continuing) will be entered into the student's record.

vi) In so far as possible, the second examination committee should have the same

membership as the first examination committee. vii) An initial failure in the comprehensive examination is considered "Unsatisfactory

Progress" in the Ph.D. and may result in termination of stipends paid by research supervisors.

8) In the event of a second failure, a grade of "F" will be reported, and the student will be required to

withdraw from the Ph.D. program. There will be no other opportunities to repeat the comprehensive examination. The results of comprehensive examinations will be formally confirmed in writing to the student.

9) Failure to pass the Ph.D. comprehensive examination shall not be sufficient cause for a student's

admission to the M.Sc. program. Students wishing to complete an M.Sc. degree must make a formal application for admission to the M.Sc. program.

10) Supervisors who wish to request exceptions to any aspect of these guidelines for a particular student

should do so in writing to the Department Graduate Program Director, as early as possible (preferably prior to the student’s admission to the Ph.D. program).

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5.2.4. Research program The time required to complete a Ph.D. research program will vary, depending on the project, but at least three years is normally required. 5.2.5. Thesis 1) The presentation of a thesis is a requirement of all PhD candidates. 2) The thesis should be prepared according to the guidelines prepared by the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/programs/thesis/guidelines/), a copy of which is available from Carolyn Bowes in room R2-024. 3) Make sure that all necessary documents (e.g., biohazard documents) are in order. The Thesis Submission Form MUST have the signature of your advisor before you submit your thesis 4) The thesis has first to be reviewed and approved by the chair’s deputy (Dr. Suha Jabaji). Submit your thesis to Ms. Carolyn Bowes and she will arrange so that the chair’s deputy receives it. At times close to registration deadlines, many theses are received and you need to hand in your thesis in good time before the deadline in case there are revisions to be made. 5) Carolyn Bowes will contact you directly once your thesis has been examined.

6) Return the corrected thesis to Carolyn Bowes for approval and final signature by the chairs deputy. Include with your thesis a written document addressing the points that were raised in the earlier draft of your thesis 7) The thesis will be evaluated by one internal examiner, normally a department member who is not on the student's Advisory Committee, and by one external examiner (external to McGill University). (See Appendix 4). The Nomination of Examiner Form MUST have approval and signature of the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Martina Stromvik) before you submit your thesis. 8) Students should refer to the Calendar of Dates http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/programs/dates/ to determine deadlines for submitting their thesis. 9) Once the thesis has been reviewed by the internal and external reviewer, the PhD defence will be scheduled. Please see Ms. Carolyn Bowes regarding procedures. General Guidelines for Thesis Submission to Professor S. Jabaji are as follows:

1. Follow the guidelines for M.Sc. and Ph.D. Thesis preparation. Guidelines for thesis submission (hard

copies and e-final submission can be found on the GPSO website)

2. Make sure that all necessary documents (e.g., biohazard documents, Permission letters from editors

indicating that sections of your thesis that is “accepted “or “in press” can be included in the thesis)

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3. The Thesis Submission Form MUST have the signature of your advisor before you submit your thesis

4. The Nomination of Examiner Form MUST have approval and signature of Dr. Martina Stromvik before

you submit your thesis

5. A hard copy of the thesis including documents required in points 2-4 must be given to Carolyn Bowes. Do

not send electronic copies of your thesis. It is your responsibility to print a hard copy.

6. Do not directly submit your thesis to my office. Carolyn Bowes handles this procedure.

7. Your thesis will be examined within a period of 5 working days. The onus is on you, if you want to make

the deadline for thesis submission and save yourself the agony of paying for an extra session, you need to

hand in your thesis at least 2 weeks before the deadline.

8. Carolyn Bowes will contact you directly once your thesis has been examined.

9. Return the corrected thesis to Carolyn Bowes for my approval and final signature. Include with your thesis

a written document addressing the points that were raised in the earlier draft of your thesis

10. If you have to submit during a period in which I am absent, an alternative academic person from Plant Science will resume this responsibility and you will be notified through Carolyn Bowes. 5.2.6. Transfer from Ph.D. to M.Sc. program Students wishing to transfer from the Ph.D. to the M.Sc. program must make a formal application to the Plant Science Graduate Admissions Committee as mentioned earlier, but as appropriate for this transfer. If approved, students will be transferred to the appropriate year of M.Sc. studies, with no loss of residency time. However, these students must then complete all coursework and the 45 credits required for the M.Sc. degree. 5.3. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS: General instructions for graduate student advisory committees:

1) First committee meeting (to be held within the first semester): a. The proposal should be given to members of the committee one week in advance. b. Students should bring “Department of Plant Science Committee Report MSc or PhD Form 1” to

the meeting which can be obtained from Carolyn Bowes or the Department of Plant Science web site (Appendix 5).

c. Students are normally required to give a brief (10-15 minute) presentation. d. The Committee Report should be filled out as well as an outline of objectives that should be met

before the next committee meeting (approx. 6 months). These objectives must be approved by the committee and the student. If the student challenges the objectives, then s/he must provide a written statement explaining the reasons.

2) Second and subsequent committee meetings (approx. every 6 months thereafter) a. For the next meeting, and every meeting thereafter, the progress achieved toward the recorded

objectives will be evaluated. b. Prior to the meeting, the student should record their accomplishments and progress using

“Department of Plant Science Committee Report Form 2” which can be obtained from Carolyn Bowes or the Department of Plant Science web site (Appendix 5).

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c. Steps 1a to d should be followed as outlined above, as well, a copy of the previous committee meeting report should be brought to the committee meeting.

***If a student receives two unsatisfactory evaluations, without sufficient explanations, they may be required to withdraw from the program.*** 6. TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS Instructors of undergraduate courses involving laboratory exercises, and having significant numbers of students, may require assistance in the form of laboratory teaching assistants. This provides an opportunity for graduate students to gain teaching experience . Graduate students are paid at a predetermined rate per hour for preparation of materials, assisting in the laboratory, marking laboratory reports and other course-related duties assigned by the instructor. Stipends paid by the student’s supervisor may be reduced accordingly if the student accepts a TA-ship. In the case of non-Canadian or non-landed immigrant students, only copy of the Student Authorization is necessary to receive remuneration (as of July 26, 1995, a work permit is no longer required). Any graduate student interested in teaching assistantships should discuss with their supervisor and check the postings on the notice board, outside the door of R2-011. The supervisor’s approval is required. 7. PROBLEMS WITH ADVISOR AND/OR ADVISORY COMMITTEE Problems that a student has with his/her advisor or advisory committee should be raised with the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Martina Stromvik). The Graduate Program Director will act as ombudsperson in finding a solution to these problems. In the case of students of the Graduate Program Director, the student will choose another member of the Department to act as ombudsperson. 8. VARIOUS DEPARTMENTAL ASPECTS 8.1. Departmental keys Students do not require a key to enter the building complex. All doors are open during working hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) during the week. On Saturday and Sunday and in the evenings, entry can be made only through the main door of the Macdonald-Stewart Building. Keys will be required for the offices or laboratories that are routinely used by the student. These can be obtained from Carolyn Bowes for a deposit of $5.00 per key. This $5.00 will be returned to you when you return the key. Greenhouse keys are available from Richard Smith at a charge of $15.00 per key. Before a key will be issued, permission must be obtained from the person in charge of the laboratory concerned. When in doubt, consult your supervisor. Students should carry their University identity (ID) card at all times. It is required for entry to the building complex from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. and on weekends and holidays, and for borrowing library books. 8.2. Mailboxes Each Plant Science graduate student is assigned a surname-marked box. These serve to distribute to the student not only mail which may arrive in the department, but also messages, etc. Notices/seminar announcements will be posted daily opposite the conference room (R2-013). 8.3. Photocopying and office supplies

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The departmental photocopy machine, located in R2-017, is normally for academic use only. Postgraduate students having reason to photocopy material associated with their research project may use the machine with permission from their research director who will supply a code to operate the copier. Material for personal use must not be photocopied on the departmental machine (a code for personal use can be obtained from the secretaries). Photocopy service is also available in the Library. Departmental office supplies are not available to students. 9. RESEARCH FACILITIES - DEPARTMENT 9.1. Lods agronomy research centre (the seed farm) The Lods Research Centre is the site of agronomy field research in the Department of Plant Science. The majority of the equipment and supplies necessary to support this research is housed in the buildings at the Centre.

1) Most of the equipment at the Lods Centre is heavily committed to the research program of major users. All equipment requests should go to the chief technician, Jim Straughton, and should be given to him at least one week in advance, if possible. It may not always be possible to obtain equipment exactly when you require it. For the larger equipment, in most cases, an experienced technician will operate the equipment for you. Others will be permitted to use this equipment only if it can be clearly demonstrated that they have adequate experience. As functioning equipment is vital to the pursuit of the research at the Centre, the technicians are quite particular in deciding who uses this equipment.

2) The drying facility of the Lods Centre has many users within the department. Again, requests to use this facility should go to Jim Straughton and be made well in advance. The major users of the facility, such as those working in the forage and corn testing programs, are given priority due to the very large number of samples which have to be dried. Users of this facility must clean up after themselves or they will be denied access.

3) The hours of the technical staff are from 8:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. We prefer that others working at the Centre carry out the majority of their work during these hours so that technical staff can ensure that all machinery is locked away safely and the gate is locked. If you are using trucks or equipment after hours, please obtain a key, which allows access to the complex so that this equipment can be locked away.

4) The Lods Centre is equipped with a burglar alarm. Those working outside of regular hours should ask for the entry code and enter via the workshop or office complex doors.

5) It is the responsibility of students who are carrying out field research at the Lods Centre, to keep their research areas neat and relatively free of weeds. In addition, work areas inside the buildings should be tidied and cleaned after use. Unlabelled bags and boxes left in the buildings will be discarded.

6) If there are any questions or problems, please bring them to the attention of Dr. Philippe Seguin. 9.2. Horticulture services building The Horticulture Services building is located at the east end of the campus. Facilities for fruit and vegetable storage and grading are housed here. The apple orchard is located near the building, as are the fields where experiments on vegetable and small fruit production are carried out. Research requests on the Horticulture Farm can be made to: Dr. Philippe Seguin, 398-7855. 9.3. Greenhouse and phytorium operations For information concerning greenhouses, see Richard Smith in the Greenhouse. His office is in the old greenhouse. He can also be contacted at: richard.smith@mcgill.ca. Guy Rimmer (R2-026b) is in charge of

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phytorium growth chambers. Reservation forms for greenhouse benches or growth chambers can be obtained from Louise Mineau in R2-024. Completed forms are returned to Louise Mineau. 9.4. Herbarium The McGill University Herbarium is housed in room R1-038 of the Raymond Building. It contains over 120,000 specimens from around the world, with a particularly good collection of eastern Canadian and Arctic plants. Students are welcome to use the Herbarium, but only after special instructions from the Curator, Dr. Marcia Waterway. 9.5. Quarantine facility This controlled environment containment facility, under the supervision of Dr. A. K. Watson, is specifically designed to facilitate work with exotic and indigenous plant pathogens. Access is limited and all precautions are taken to prevent contamination of laboratory workers and the outside environment. 10. RESEARCH FACILITIES - FACULTY 10.1. Applied biotechnology laboratory The Applied Biotechnology Laboratory is a central service laboratory providing DNA sequencing, genotyping (with ABI310 and Roche Light Cycler instruments), molecular imaging with a wide range of wavelength capabilities, bioinformatics and real-time quantitative PCR services. 10.2. Macdonald campus library Tours of the Library may be arranged at any time throughout the year. Graduate students are especially urged to have a guided tour of the Library when they first arrive on campus. For more information or to arrange a tour, please contact the Library, telephone number 398-7879. 11. EMERGENCIES/HEALTH 11.1. Emergencies For all types of emergency situations (fire, medical, criminal acts, hazardous materials spills, major floods, etc.) call 7777. Please see Appendices 8, 9 and 10. 11.2. Anti-tetanus protection All departmental personnel, including graduate students, coming in contact with soil must be protected against tetanus infection. If you have not received an anti-tetanus inoculation within the past 10 years, you must obtain such protection. Inoculations are provided free of charge by the CLSC clinic at 180 Cartier, Pointe Claire. Telephone 697-4110 for an appointment. 11.3. Student Services Please see the Macdonald Student Services website for other useful information including counselling services: http://www.mcgill.ca/macdonald-studentservices/services/ 12. Vacation Policy Graduate students are normally entitled to a vacation leave of university holidays and an additional fifteen (15) working days in the year. Funded students taking additional vacation leave may have their funding reduced accordingly. Graduate students should inform their supervisor well in advance of their vacation plans.

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APPENDIX 1.

Graduate options available with the Plant Science Msc and PhD programs are listed here. Please see the current graduate course calendar for additional information. BioOpt – Option in Bioinformatics (http://www.mcgill.ca/mcb/academic/graduate/) Candidates must complete a course and research program established by their advisory committee. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the candidate's supervisory committee. M.Sc. in Plant Science - Bioinformatics Option/Concentration (48 credits) Required Courses (3 credits)

COMP 616 (3) Bioinformatics Seminar PLNT 690 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science PLNT 691 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science Complementary Courses (6 credits) 6 credits to be chosen from the following courses: BINF 621 (3) Bioinformatics: Molecular Biology BMDE 652 (3) Bioinformatics: Proteomics COMP 618 (3) Bioinformatics: Functional Genomics PHGY 603 (3) Systems Biology and Biophysics Additional courses at the 500 or 600 level may be required at the discretion of the candidate's advisory committee. Thesis Component – Required (39 credits) PLNT 664 (12) M.Sc. Thesis 1 PLNT 665 (12) M.Sc. Thesis 2 PLNT 666 (15) M.Sc. Thesis 3 Ph.D. in Plant Science - Bioinformatics Option/Concentration Required Courses (3 credits) COMP 616 (3) Bioinformatics Seminar PLNT 690 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science PLNT 691 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science Complementary Courses (6 credits) two courses to be chosen from the following: BINF 621 (3) Bioinformatics: Molecular Biology BMDE 652 (3) Bioinformatics: Proteomics COMP 618 (3) Bioinformatics: Functional Genomics PHGY 603 (3) Systems Biology and Biophysics Additional courses at the 500 or 600 level may be required at the discretion of the candidate's advisory committee. Comprehensive – Required PLNT 701* Doctoral Comprehensive Exam * Must be taken within one year of registering. Thesis – Required

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Env – Environment Option (http://www.mcgill.ca/mse/programs/grad_envr_option/) NEW 2007!!! Candidates must complete a course and research program established by their advisory committee. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the candidate's supervisory committee. M.Sc. in Plant Science Environment Option/Concentration (48 credits) Required Courses (6 credits)

ENVR 610 Foundations of Environmental Policy (3) ENVR 650 Environmental Seminar 1 (1) ENVR 651 Environmental Seminar 2 (1) ENVR 652 Environmental Seminar 3 (1) PLNT 690 Research Horizons in Plant Science (0)

Complementary Courses (3 credits)

ENVR 519 Global Environmental Politics (3) ENVR 544 Environmental Measurement and Modeling (3) ENVR 580 Topics in Environment 3 (3) ENVR 611 Economy of Nature (3) ENVR 620 Environment and Health of Species (3) ENVR 622 Sustainable Landscapes (3) ENVR 630 Civilization and Environment 1 (3) ENVR 680 Topics in Environment 4 (3) or other course at the 500-level or higher recommended by advisory committee and approved by Environment Option Committee

Thesis Component – Required (39 credits)

PLNT 664 M.Sc. Thesis 1 (12) PLNT 665 M.Sc. Thesis 2 (12) PLNT 666 M.Sc. Thesis 3 (15)

Ph.D in Plant Science Environment Option/Concentration Required Courses (6 credits)

PLNT 690 Research Horizons in Plant Science (0) PLNT 701 Doctoral Comprehensive (0) ENVR 610 Foundations of Environmental Policy (3) ENVR 650 Environmental Seminar 1 (1) ENVR 651 Environmental Seminar 2 (1) ENVR 652 Environmental Seminar 3 (1)

Complementary Courses (3 credits)

ENVR 519 Global Environmental Politics (3) ENVR 544 Environmental Measurement and Modelling (3) ENVR 580 Topics in Environment 3 (3) ENVR 611 Economy of Nature (3) ENVR 620 Environment and Health of Species (3) ENVR 622 Sustainable Landscapes (3) ENVR 630 Civilization and Environment 1 (3) ENVR 680 Topics in Environment 4 (3)

Thesis - Required Neo – Neotropical Option (http://www.mcgill.ca/neo/)

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Candidates must complete a course and research program established by their advisory committee. When in residence in Montreal attendance at the invitational seminar (PLNT 690) is required. Candidates must also participate in the STRI seminar series when in residence in Panama, and in the MSE-Panama Symposium Presentation in Montreal. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the candidate's supervisory committee. M.Sc. in Plant Science (Thesis) - Neotropical Environment Option/Concentration (48 credits) Required Courses (6 credits) BIOL 640 (3) Tropical Biology and Conservation ENVR 610 (3) Foundations of Environmental Policy PLNT 690 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science Complementary Courses (3 credits) 3 credits, one of the following courses: AGRI 550 (3) Sustained Tropical Agriculture BIOL 553 (3) Neotropical Environments BIOL 641 (3) Issues in Tropical Biology ENVR 611 (3) The Economy of Nature ENVR 612 (3) Tropical Environmental Issues ENVR 680 (3) Topics in Environment 4 POLI 644 (3) Tropical Environmental Politics SOCI 565 (3) Social Change in Panama Thesis Component – Required (39 credits) PLNT 664 (12) M.Sc. Thesis 1 PLNT 665 (12) M.Sc. Thesis 2 PLNT 666 (15) M.Sc. Thesis 3 Ph.D. in Plant Science - Neotropical Environment Option/Concentration

Required Courses (6 credits)

BIOL 640 (3) Tropical Biology and Conservation ENVR 610 (3) Foundations of Environmental Policy PLNT 690 (0) Research Horizons in Plant Science Complementary Courses (3 credits) 3 credits, one of the following courses: AGRI 550 (3) Sustained Tropical Agriculture BIOL 553 (3) Neotropical Environments BIOL 641 (3) Issues in Tropical Biology ENVR 611 (3) The Economy of Nature ENVR 612 (3) Tropical Environmental Issues ENVR 680 (3) Topics in Environment 4 POLI 644 (3) Tropical Environmental Politics SOCI 565 (3) Social Change in Panama Comprehensive – Required PLNT 701* Doctoral Comprehensive Exam * Must be taken by the student within one year of registering. Thesis – Required

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APPENDIX 2.

Department of Plant Science Laboratory Safety Procedures I, __________________________________ (print your name), have received and read the Laboratory Safety Manual (http://www.mcgill.ca/ehs/laboratory/labsafety/). I have carefully read all sections that are relevant to the research I will perform during my graduate studies. I understand the contents of the Manual and will use the appropriate procedures in my research work. _________________________________ (Signature) __________________________ (Date)

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APPENDIX 3.

Department of Plant Science McGill University Policy on Research Ethics I, __________________________________ (print your name), have read the McGill University policy on research ethics (http://www.mcgill.ca/researchoffice/policies/sponsored/policies/regulations/ & http://www.mcgill.ca/researchoffice/policies/sponsored/policies/training/). I have carefully read and understand all sections that are relevant to the research I will perform during my graduate studies. _________________________________ (Signature) __________________________ (Date)

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APPENDIX 4. COMMITTEES COMPOSITION REQUIREMENTS

M.Sc. Advisory Committee Ph.D. Advisory Committee Ph.D. Comprehensive

Committee Ph.D. Defense Committee

The student research supervisor At least one member of the departmental tenure track staff Note: Could also include an additional member, but the number of members should not exceed 3.

The student research supervisor At least two members of the departmental tenure track staff Note: Could also include an additional member, but the number of members should not exceed 4.

M.Sc Thesis Review Ph.D. Thesis Review

Thesis Supervisor Co-supervisor (if applicable) Internal Examiner: A member of the Department not on the supervisory committee. External Examiners: 3 names must be submitted, preferably within the University. Thesis Office will select one. Note: The internal examiner can be a co-author on manuscripts only if his/her contribution to the work is not part of the thesis.

Thesis Supervisor Co-supervisor (if applicable) Internal Examiner: A member of the Department not on the supervisory committee. External Examiners: 3 names (external to the University) must be submitted. Thesis Office will select one. Note: The internal examiner can be a co-author on manuscripts only if his/her contribution to the work is not part of the thesis.

The Department Ph.D. comprehensive examination supervisor. The student research supervisor A member of the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in the Department of Plant Science A person who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in the Department of Plant Science who is not a member of the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee A person who holds a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in a McGill University department other than Plant Science and who is not a member of the student’s advisory committee One other person who holds a Ph.D. and is able to contribute to the examination of the student. He/she may or may not be a member of the student’s advisory committee. He/she does not have to be a McGill faculty member. Note: If the Department of Plant Science Comprehensive Examination Supervisor is the Ph.D. supervisor of the student, another senior faculty member will chair the committee.

The pro-dean The Department chair or his designated representative. Thesis supervisor The internal examiner An external member who should not have been involved in supervision of candidate Another tenured or tenure-track member of the Department Note1: The committee should not include more than 2 people who have been actively involved in supervision of the candidate. Note2: The committee should comprise no less than 5 and no more than 7 members. If the committee has 7 members, at least 2 should be from outside the Department and not have been involved in supervision of the candidate. Note3: The external reviewer of the thesis should not be a recent collaborator of either the student and his/her supervisor.

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APPENDIX 5. Department of Plant Science

M.Sc. COMMITTEE REPORT Form 1

Date:

Student Name:

Degree and year:

Thesis title:

Program Courses

Marks obtained

Year taken

M.Sc. I PLNT 664

M.Sc. II PLNT 665

M.Sc. III PLNT 666

Research Horizons PLNT 690 (Year 1)

Research Horizons PLNT 691 (Year 2)

Required Courses:

1.

2.

Required Seminars/Courses: (NEO, ENV., BIOINF. options)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Additional Courses:

1.

2.

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Evaluation of Research progress:

Explanation of the above ratings and steps to be taken for improvement, if required (use page 4, if necessary):

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Comprehension

Research plan

Research skills

Motivation

Research accomplishments

Overall evaluation

Committee members (please print name): Signature:

(Thesis director)

(Student)

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Department of Plant Science GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Student Name:

Date:

Applicable Time Period: From: To:

Objectives and Timelines (approx. 6 mos):

Signing this document acknowledges that the objectives and timelines described above are acceptable and reasonable. Failure to meet objectives on any two progress reports may be cited as grounds for requiring the student to withdraw from the program.

Committee members (please print name): Signature:

(Thesis director)

(Student)

If the student does not agree with the objectives and timeline, then the form should not be signed by the student and a detailed explanation attached.

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Department of Plant Science

Ph. D. COMMITTEE REPORT Form 1

Date:

Student Name:

Degree and year:

Thesis title:

Funding - Amount and Source: Student ID:

Program Courses

Marks obtained

Year taken

Comprehensive Examination PLNT 701

Research Horizons PLNT 690 (Year 1)

Research Horizons PLNT 691 (Year2)

Required Seminars/Courses: (NEO, ENV., BIOINF. options)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Additional Courses:

1.

2.

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Evaluation of Research progress:

Explanation of the above ratings and steps to be taken for improvement, if required (use page 4, if necessary):

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Comprehension

Research plan

Research skills

Motivation

Research accomplishments

Overall evaluation

Committee members (please print name): Signature:

(Thesis director)

(Student)

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Department of Plant Science GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Student Name:

Date:

Applicable Time Period: From: To:

Objectives and Timelines (approx. 6 mos):

Signing this document acknowledges that the objectives and timelines described above are acceptable and reasonable. Failure to meet objectives on any two progress reports may be cited as grounds for requiring the student to withdraw from the program.

Committee members (please print name): Signature:

(Thesis director)

(Student)

If the student does not agree with the objectives and timeline, then the form should not be signed by the student and a detailed explanation attached.

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Department of Plant Science M.Sc./Ph.D COMMITTEE REPORT Form 2

~ to be completed by the student ~

Student Name:

Date:

Applicable Time Period: From: To:

Progress towards research objectives (including publications and presentations):

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Other Activities and Accomplishments

(including funding, prizes/ awards, committee service, research assistantships, teaching etc.):

Student signature: Date:

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APPENDIX 6 RESEARCH HORIZONS SEMINAR EVALUATION FORMS:

THESIS PROPOSAL AND FINAL GRADUATE SEMINAR

McGill University - Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Plant Science - Graduate Seminar – Thesis Proposal

Speaker: _____________________________________ Evaluator: □ Staff □ Student (Please rate the speaker for each criterion)

Abstract Was the format and presentation appropriate? Was a comprehensive summary of the subject matter provided? Was referencing adequate? Introduction Were goals clearly described? Did the introduction capture the audience attention? Did the introduction present main points? Was the speaker knowledgeable on the subject? Was the information summarized appropriately? Objectives and Hypotheses Were the hypotheses clearly presented? Did this section follow logically from the introduction? Materials and Methods Were the methods and controls explained clearly and in adequate detail? Was the experimental approach appropriate to address the hypotheses? Presentation and Analysis of Data If data was presented:

• were appropriate controls included and discussed? • were the results adequately presented? • was data analysis appropriate?

Was the significance of results addressed in the context of the introductory material presented?

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Excellent Top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

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Summary Were the main points summarized and a concluding statement provided? Overall presentation Were the major concepts presented in a logical order? Was each concept well developed and interesting? Was the presentation well structured? Were internal summaries used adequately? Presentation Style and Visuals Language: was the vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation acceptable? Voice: was it clear, audible, and well modulated? Stance: was the speaker confident; had good eye contact, and empathy with the audience? Rate: did the speaker speak at a good pace and meet the time limit? Composition: were the layout and design, colors, and visibility of visual aids appropriate?

Questions: was the speaker able to directly answer questions; with confidence?

Overall Score: Very good = 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 = Inadequate

PASS FAIL (DS 2002; JB 2004)

Comments:

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Excellent top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

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McGill University - Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Plant Science – Final Graduate Seminar

Speaker: _____________________________________ Evaluator: □ Staff □ Student .(Please rate the speaker for each criterion)

Introduction Were goals clearly described? Did the introduction capture attention? Did the introduction present main points? Was the speaker knowledgeable on the subject? Was the information summarized appropriately? Objectives and Hypotheses Were the hypotheses clearly presented? Did this section follow logically from the introduction? Materials and Methods Were the methods explained clearly and in adequate detail? Was the experimental approach appropriate? Presentation and Analyses of Data Was data analysis appropriate? Were appropriate controls included and discussed? Were the results adequately presented? Conclusions and Summary Were the conclusions adequately substantiated by the results? Was the significance of findings addressed in the context of the

introductory material presented? Did the speaker make effective use of deductive reasoning leading from

results to conclusions? Were the hypotheses discussed? Were reasonable proposals for future experiments made? Presentation Style and Visuals Language: were the vocabulary, grammar, pronounciation acceptable? Voice: was it clear, audible, and well modulated? Stance: was the speaker confident; had good eye contact, and empathy

with audience? Rate: did the speaker speak at a good pace and meet the time limit? Composition: were the layout and design, colors, and visibility of visual aids appropriate? Overall Score: Very good = 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 = Inadequate

PASS FAIL .

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good Top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

Very good top 10%

Good top 25%

Adequate top 50%

Below average

Inadequate

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APPENDIX 7

Citing literature in a scientific project; paper or presentation Finding resources: The resources that you will use to research your project are dependent on the type of assignment given. The McGill Libraries offers support and resources (see http://www.mcgill.ca/library/). Citing literature: Information or ideas which are not your own must be given credit in your research paper or presentation. If you quote “word-for-word”, quotation marks must be placed around the direct copy of information from either a paper or electronic source and the reference must be cited. However, most of the information in your research paper will be a critical analysis of published ideas or research. This information must be paraphrased and the responsible author or authors must be cited. In a scientific paper, there are many ways to cite material. In general, the following format is used: In the body of the text:

To date, few transcription factors involved in the regulation of plant secondary metabolic pathways have been isolated and characterized (Grotwold et al., 2000; van der Fits and Memelink, 2001).

In brackets after the relevant information, the last name of the author and publication year are written (see example above) and the full reference is provided in the “literature cited” section. If more than 2 authors contributed to the work, then just the first author is listed followed by et al., an abbreviation of the latin et alli which means “and others”. The full references are listed in the “literature cited” section in alphabetical order.

Gortewold, E, Sainz, MB, Tagliana, L, Herdendez, JM, Bowen, B and Chandler, VL (2000) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 13579. van der Fits, L and Memelink, J (2001) Plant J 25: 43.

In a presentation, quotations, figures or ideas from another source are acknowledged in the slide and cited in a “reference” slide at the end of the talk. For further examples on how to cite papers for a scientific presentation, please see: http://www.cquest.utoronto.ca/botany/bio250y/labs/scien_writ/howtoref.pdf http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/bio1/citingandlisting.htm http://www.library.mcgill.ca/refshelf/citguide.htm http://www.library.mcgill.ca/refshelf/writ.htm

continued on next page… Academic Integrity McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the meaning and

35

consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (see http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity for more information). What is plagiarism? Taking credit for another person’s words or ideas without proper citation is plagiarism. Inverting a word or the order of a sentence is still plagiarism. In a scientific paper, ideas and research findings must be paraphrased and the original author(s) acknowledged by citation. For information on plagiarism and how to avoid plagiarism in your work, it is highly recommended that you read http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity/studentguide/

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APPENDIX 8 HANDLING OF PESTICIDES AND OTHER TOXIC COMPOUNDS

General precautions 1. As a general precaution, treat all pesticides as toxic materials. 2. Read the label carefully, including all information attached before handling or applying

pesticides. 3. Never smoke, chew tobacco or eat while handling or applying pesticides. Do not carry such items

in clothes used for spraying. 4. Avoid spilling pesticides on skin or clothing. If an accident occurs, remove contaminated clothing

immediately, and wash contaminated skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash clothing before re-use.

5. Avoid inhaling spray droplets, dust or fumes. 6. Always wash thoroughly with soap and water after applying or handling pesticides. 7. Always wear protective clothing. 8. Avoid contamination of water supplies with pesticides when filling, applying or cleaning

equipment. 9. If symptoms of illness occur during or shortly after handling or applying pesticides, get patient to

hospital immediately. Take a label of the pesticide with you. Storage of pesticides All pesticides should be stored in specified pesticide storage cabinets which are equipped with separate ventilation systems. Store pesticides in their original labelled containers and keep them tightly closed. Laboratory and Radiation Safety Graduate students who use radioactive materials in their research projects are required to take the Radiation Protection course given by the McGill University Environmental Safety Office. It is the responsibility of research supervisor to insure that their students are properly trained in the safe use and handling of radioactive and other hazardous materials specifically required for their research projects. Further information on laboratory safety procedures is available in the McGill Laboratory Safety Manual, available from the Environmental Safety Office, Local 4563. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required by law to be available to those handling hazardous materials. Before handling any dangerous materials ensure that you have read the MSDS. If you are unable to locate the required MSDS, contact Environmental Safety at local 4563. All hazardous waste, ie. chemicals, radioactive materials, pathogenic microorganisms, sharps, etc., should be disposed in accordance with the requirements specified in the McGill Lab. Safety Manual.

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APPENDIX 9. IMPORTANT PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS

Employee (including students who are being paid by McGill) must report an accident

immediately to their supervisor. Employee completes an Accident/Incident/Occupational Disease Report in conjunction with

the supervisor (forms available in Roslyn’s office). If employee needs immediate medical attention, employee is sent to hospital. Before leaving

for the hospital, the employee is advised by the supervisor that s/he has to mention to the physician that this was a work accident and to obtain a CSST medical certificate.

The employee is required to present him/herself to the supervisor after the hospital visit with

his/her medical certificate. Certificate should be given to Roslyn. If there is a spill of a chemical in a lab, an Accident/Incident Report (see Roslyn for form) should be completed immediately and a list of the names of all the people who were in the lab at the time should be included.

APPENDIX 10

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LABORATORY SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibility for the management of laboratory safety and adherence to safe lab practices rests within units and departments. All personnel, including directors, supervisors, employees and students have a duty to fulfill their obligations with respect to maintaining a healthful and safe work environment. 1. Laboratory Directors are responsible to:

1) Ensure that activities conducted within their area of responsibility comply with University policies and relevant legal requirements;

2) Ensure that all personnel and students working within their unit are provided sufficient information, training and supervision to carry out their work safely;

3) Ensure that all lab personnel are equipped with the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and to ensure that such PPE are maintained properly and used correctly;

4) Ensure that safety devices and engineering controls are adequate, appropriate, and in good working order;

5) Ensure that all personnel receive appropriate and adequate information and training to be able to respond to emergency situations;

2. Laboratory personnel are responsible to:

1) Be familiar with the University and departmental safety instructions, whether written or oral, and to comply with these instructions when conducting laboratory work;

2) Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when present in the lab and when conducting work with hazardous materials or operations;

3) Report all accidents, dangerous incidents or suspected occupational illnesses to their immediate supervisor without delay;

4) Refrain from manipulating any hazardous materials prior to undergoing appropriate safety training and receiving safety instructions;

3. Visitors, contractors and non-laboratory personnel are responsible to:

1) Inform the lab director or designate of their intentions to enter the lab

2) Abide by the instructions of the lab director or designate regarding restricted access and the use of personal protective equipment;

Adopted by the University Laboratory Safety Committee, November 18, 2004 WEB – McGill Environmental Health and Safety (EHS): http://www.mcgill.ca/ehs