chemistry phd canada

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Chemistry (PhD)

Program overview.

The PhD in Chemistry allows you to build on your work as an independent researcher in an environment that combines chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. You will work alongside world-renowned faculty members whose expertise in areas such as environmental chemistry, bionanoscience and protein science will propel your research to the next level. The Centre for Research in Molecular Modelling (CERMM), The Centre for NanoScience Research (CeNSR) and The Centre for Biological Applications of Mass Spectrometry (CBAMS) are recognized for their research excellence and highly qualified personnel training. Our faculty and researchers have published in numerous journals, including Nature and Journal of the American Chemical Society, and have received honours from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Canada Research Chairs Program.

Program structure

Degree requirements, degree requirements.

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

Please see the Chemistry Courses page for course descriptions.

Chemistry PhD (90 credits)

Chemistry phd topic courses, admission requirements, admission requirements.

MSc degree in Chemistry with high standing from a recognized university.
Comparable qualifications in biology or biochemistry are also acceptable for applicants wishing to do graduate studies in biochemistry.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines.

February 1 (Canadian resident) January 15 (International)

September 1 (Canadian resident) June 1 (International)

January 15 (Canadian resident) October 1 (International)

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec , we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees.

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

Take the next step toward becoming a leader in a field that occupies a uniquely central place in science. Develop new approaches to everything from sustainable energy to treatment of disease in our innovative doctoral program. Our award-winning department includes 40 faculty members and 100-plus graduate students focused on advancing knowledge and finding solutions to problems in areas such as cleaner energy, health, and chemistry for the quantum-nano world. As you design and conduct your own original research, you will benefit from the support of state-of-the-art laboratories and tools, while your imagination will be fed by the department’s extensive research presentations and talks featuring world-class experts in the field of chemistry.

Completing this program

Core Courses: Students participate in two research seminars focusing on studies of the literature or current research.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Additional Courses: May include electrochemical fundamentals, organometallic, organic, or inorganic chemistry, toxicology, or other topics.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Director of Research, Educator, Government Regulatory Scientist, Industrial Process Chemist, Medical Researcher, Research Scientist, Scientific Advocate (Business, Law, Government Policy), Team/Project Leader.

A PhD in chemistry is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

One to four courses, depending on academic background

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

Co-Supervision is required; supervisors must agree to oversee the student prior to application

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance .

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Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.

Darren Derksen

Belinda Heyne

Farideh Jalilehvand

Pierre Kennepohl

Susana Kimura-Hara

Peter Kusalik

Justin MacCallum

Gabriel Ménard

Hans Osthoff

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system.

Minimum education

MSc required. A four-year honours bachelor degree with a minimum 3.70 GPA will also be considered.

Work samples

Reference letters, test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 (minimum of 6.0 in each section).
Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (70 in some sections – up to the program, 60 in all other).
Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in one or two courses (up to the program), “B+” on all other courses.
Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 191.

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents- apply by July 1
International students - apply by March 1

For admission on January 1:

Canadians and permanent residents- apply by Nov. 1
International students - apply by July 1

For admission on May 1:

Canadians and permanent residents- apply by March 1
International students - apply by Nov. 1

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, department of chemistry.

Science A 229 University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 403.220.6252

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Science's website

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