PhD Program Requirements

 

The main requirement for the degree is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis. Other requirements include participation in a field seminar program and research as well as successful completion of the departmental comprehensive oral examination and the required graduate courses. Doctoral students select a sub-discipline:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic and Biological Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics
  • Polymers and Materials Chemistry
  • Interdisciplinary (which allows combination with the other sub-disciplines)

 

With the exception of Theoretical Physical Chemistry, each field requires a minimum of 2 to 4 half-course equivalents from approved graduate courses offered in the School of Graduate Studies, depending on the student's academic background. The selection of courses will be determined in consultation with the supervisor.

Students who completed their Master's program from another department or university may request a course reduction for up to two half-courses to reduce their course requirements. These courses must be equivalent to courses offered by our Department.

Students may also take a course outside the University through the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student program

Each field requires a presentation of at least 2 to 3 seminars and participation in the appropriate seminar program. Students must meet this requirement in order to graduate and attendance is mandatory. Students are also strongly encouraged to attend seminars offered outside of the series (eg. colloquia, visiting scholars, etc.).  View upcoming presentations. 

In addition to seeking advice from the research advisor and seminar convenor, here are online resources for oral presentation guidelines and skills:

Students receive a grade from the supervisor for work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis. The grade reflects the degree of progress and quality of performance with regard to the stage of the program of the student. Students who fail a research course will be contacted immediately and may be instructed to meet with their supervisory committee members to discuss issues affecting their research. This indicates performance at a level that warrants dismissal. Two failed grades in sequence will initiate dismissal procedures. View the Policy on Assignment of Research Grades.

  • 4 years for students with a MSc degree
  • 5 years for direct-entry to the PhD program with a BSc degree, or including first year in the MSc program for PhD-transfers

The following collaborative programs are available to doctoral students:

Courses

Four half-courses to include the following:

  • One half-course each in (a) Spectroscopy, (b) Separation Science or Electrochemistry, and (c) Advanced Instrumentation or Data Analysis. 

 

One half-course in Spectroscopy:

·    CHM1107H
·    CHM1406H
·    CHM1450H
·    CHM1455H
·    CHM1482H
·    CHM1486H
·    IES1410H
·    CHM1479H
·    CHM1056H

One half-course in Separation Science or Electrochemistry:
 
·    CHM1102H
·    CHM1104H
·    CHM1105H
·    CHM1150H
·    CHM1152H 
·    CHE1144H

One half-course in Advanced Instrumentation or Data Analysis:

·    CHM1103H 
·    CHM1106H
·    CHM1157H
·    CHM1488H
·    PHY1406H
·    BME1452H
·    CHM1104H

 

  • One other half-course to support the research program. Students may take the graduate course from other chemistry fields or cognate departments.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of two seminars (usually in the second and fourth years of study) and participation in the Analytical Chemistry seminar program (CHM1190Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR). View upcoming presentations.
  • Accumulation of 25 Analytical Seminar Plus (ASP) points.  Students who started the program prior to 2020/2021 must complete 30 ASP points.
Research
  • Enrolment in the Analytical Chemistry Research course every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisorfor work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Analytical Chemistry, usually upon completion of course work. 
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills. Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
Courses

At least four half-courses to include the following:

  • CHM1401H
  • At least one other half-course in Environmental Chemistry (EES/ENV1105H, CHM1404H, CHM/IES1410H, CHM1415H, CHM1420H, CHM1430H,CHM1425H, CHM1550H)
  • At least one CHM course to be chosen in consultation with the supervisor/supervisory committee and confirmed by the field representative.
  • One other half-course that may be an approved course offered in a cognate department.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • A formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of two seminars (usually in the second and fourth years of study) and participation in the Environmental Chemistry seminar and colloquia program (CHM1590Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR). View upcoming presentations.
Research
  • Enrolment in the Environmental Research course (CHM2533H) every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisorfor work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
  • A written research proposal, defended orally, on a topic other than the primary research topic delivered prior to the end of the second year of graduate study.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Environmental Chemistry, usually completed following course work and before the end of the second year of study.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills.  Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
Courses
  • Four half-courses to include one or both of the core half-courses (CHM1270H and/or CHM1266H).
  • Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of one seminar each year starting in their second year (to a total of three) in the Inorganic Chemistry seminar program (CHM1290Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR), including one on an original research proposal. View upcoming presentations
Research
  • Enrolment in the Inorganic Research course every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisorfor work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Inorganic Chemistry, usually taken 6 months after the completion of course work.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills. Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
Courses
  • Four half-courses to include at least two Organic/Biological Chemistry half-courses selected from CHM1040H to CHM1068H (inclusive): CHM1040H, CHM1045H, CHM1051H, CHM1054H, CHM1055H, CHM1056H, CHM1057H, CHM1059H, CHM1060H, CHM1061H, CHM1068H.
  • Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments.
  • Upon admission to the program all students are expected to be at the level of the fourth-year undergraduate courses offered in physical organic, synthetic organic, and biological chemistry, and if necessary the cross-listed Arts & Science courses may be taken.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of two seminars (usually in the second and fourth years of study) as a component of participation in the Organic/Biological Chemistry seminar program (CHM1090Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR). View upcoming presentations
  • Ph.D students who have obtained a Master's Degree from another university have the option to do their seminars in the first and third years of their program.
  • Confidential Evaluation Form is available for students who wish to receive feedback on their seminar presentation.
Cumulative Examinations
  • Students must pass six cumulative examinations.
  • The cumulative examinations are generally written on the first Friday of the month, October through May, inclusive. Further notification will be forwarded by the Graduate Office.
Research
  • Enrolment in the Organic Research course every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisor for work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Organic and Biological Chemistry, usually upon completion of course work and the cumulative examinations.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills. Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
Courses
  • Experimental Stream: Four half-courses consisting of a combination of two core and two other courses.
  • Theory Stream: Six half-courses to include two core half-courses. The specific courses are selected by the student and supervisor.
  • Core courses are CHM1478H, CHM1479H, CHM1480H, CHM1481H, CHM1482H and CHM1488H.
  • Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or wish to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of two seminars (usually in the second and fourth years of study) and participation in the Physical Chemistry seminar program (CHM1490Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR). View upcoming presentations.
Research
  • Enrolment in the Physical Research course every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisorfor work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, usually undertaken following the completion of course work.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills. Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
Courses
  • Four half-courses to include at least one of the three core half-courses (CHM1206H, CHM1301H, CHM1302H).
  • Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments.
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences).  You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories.  However, it will not count towards your degree requirements.   Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
  • To apply for a core-course exemption (if applicable) or to take a graduate course offered at another Ontario university, see the Courses section.
Seminars
  • Presentation of at least three seminars (a literature talk in the first year and presentations on original research in the second and fourth years of study) and participation in the Polymers and Materials Chemistry seminar program (CHM1390Y; compulsory attendance; CR/NCR). View upcoming presentations.
Research
  • Enrolment in Polymers and Materials Research course (CHM2303H) every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisorfor work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Polymers and Materials Chemistry, usually completed following the course work.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills. Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.
  • Admission to this field requires a research topic of a truly interdisciplinary nature, such as but not limited to bioanalytical, biophysics, bioinorganic, nanoscience or nanotechnology.
  • A written request for admission must be submitted to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies along with a letter of support from your research supervisor.
  • The written request must justify the need to transfer and list the courses that will be taken to complete the doctoral program. It should also explain how the requirements in the current field of research are restricting the progress of your research.
Courses
  • Four half-courses to include at least one core half-course from an existing field of Chemistry.
  • Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments. 
  • Acceptable graduate lecture courses fall under divisions 3 (physical sciences) and 4 (life sciences). You are welcome to take courses outside of these categories. However, it will not count towards your degree requirements. Courses that deal with public policy related to science and health are generally acceptable as elective courses. 
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline.
Seminars
  • Presentation of at least two seminars (usually in the second and fourth years of study) and participation in the seminar program (compulsory attendance; CR/NCR) of an existing field of Chemistry. View upcoming presentations.
  • Students will need to choose the appropriate seminar and research courses and must remain in the same seminar and research courses for the rest of the program.
Research
  • Enrolment in the research course of an existing field of Chemistry every term, starting in the second term of program registration.
  • Students receive a grade from the supervisor for work undertaken in the laboratory towards completion of the thesis.
Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the fields of Chemistry deemed appropriate, usually completed following the course work.
Professional Development
  • Applicable to students who start the program in 2020/2021.
  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; CR/NCR).
  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories:  Communcation, Personal Effectiveness and Research and Teaching Skills.  Refer to the list of eligible professional development opportunities. Consult with the Graduate Office, if applicable.