Chemistry

Program Overview

Graduate students may conduct research in modern facilities leading to the Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The areas of interest cover a wide variety of topics in analytical, biological, environmental, inorganic, organic, materials, physical, polymers, and theoretical chemistry and their related interdisciplinary areas.

The Department of Chemistry, established in 1859, is one of the leading and recognized institutions in the world. It takes pride in its teaching excellence, advanced research facilities, and its development of distinguished scientists in the past and for the future. Collaborative specializations include Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Studies. Students are guaranteed full, competitive, graduate student funding through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowship support. The department offers substantial top-ups for scholarship holders.

Students benefit from rich collaborations with nearby hospitals, industry, and government laboratories. They use state-of-the-art research labs and equipment and work at the interface of chemistry with biology, medicine, nanotechnology, and the environment.

If you have questions after reading the detailed admission and program information on the Department of Chemistry’s website, please contact chem.grad@utoronto.ca.


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

(Department pays for application fee)  February 1, 2024 (Early deadline), April 30, 2024 (final deadline)

 

MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

05-Dec-2023

 

Minimum admission average MSc:

B+ average in final year of bachelor’s

PhD:

A-minus in Master’s degree

PhD:

A-minus in Master’s degree

PhD:

A- minus in MSc

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? PhD:

Yes

PhD:

Yes

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MSc, PhD:

After

MSc, PhD:

After

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MSc:

No

PhD:

No

PhD:

No

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? MSc, PhD:

Graduate unit

MSc, PhD:

Graduate unit

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MSc, PhD:

IELTS/TOEFL (required if coming from outside of N. America)

MSc, PhD:

IELTS/TOEFL (required if coming from outside of N. America)


Master of Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the department's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with an average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete 1.0 graduate full-course equivalent (FCE) including at least 0.5 graduate half-course equivalent in chemistry.

  • Students must participate in a seminar program. Attendance and presentation of a seminar are mandatory in order to receive the credit.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Submission of a thesis.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto master’s program; or 3) direct entry following completion of an appropriate BSc degree.

PhD students select one of the following fields:

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Environmental Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

  • Organic and Biological Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics

  • Polymers and Materials Chemistry

  • Interdisciplinary, which allows combinations with the other fields, or with other disciplines

Each field requires a minimum of 2.0 to 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses, depending on the field of study and the student's academic background. The number of courses required will be determined in consultation with the supervisor. Students who have completed the master's program may be considered for a course reduction of up to 1.0 FCE in the PhD program. Specific requirements for each field follow.

 

Field: Analytical Chemistry

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses:

    • 0.5 FCE in analytical chemistry in each of the areas of spectroscopy, separation science/electrochemistry, and advanced instrumentation/data analysis.

    • An additional 0.5 FCE to support the research program.

    • The number of courses required will be determined in consultation with the supervisor. Students who have completed the master's program may be considered for a course reduction of up to 1.0 FCE in the PhD program.

  • Presentation of two seminars. Participation in the Analytical Chemistry Seminar (CHM1190Y). Students must complete 25 Analytical Seminar Plus (ASP) points (PDF).

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Successful completion of an oral comprehensive field examination in Analytical Chemistry.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Environmental Chemistry

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses:

    • CHM1401H Transport and Fate of Chemical Species in the Environment (0.5 FCE).

    • At least one other course in Environmental Chemistry.

    • At least one CHM course to be chosen in consultation with the supervisor/supervisory committee and confirmed by the field representative.

    • The fourth course may be an approved course offered in a cognate department.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Presentation of two seminars (normally in Years 2 and 4). Participation in the Environmental Chemistry Seminar and colloquia program (CHM1590Y).

  • A written research proposal, defended orally, on a topic other than the primary research topic delivered prior to the end of Year 2.

  • Successful completion of an oral comprehensive field examination in Environmental Chemistry, normally completed following coursework and before the end of Year 2.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Inorganic Chemistry

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses:

    • One core half course (0.5 FCE): CHM 1270 or CHM1266H.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Participation in the Inorganic Chemistry Seminar (CHM1290Y): the presentation of one seminar each year in Years 2, 3, and 4, including one on an original research proposal.

  • Successful completion of an oral comprehensive field examination in Inorganic Chemistry.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Organic and Biological Chemistry

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses:

    • At least two Organic Chemistry graduate half courses selected from CHM1040H to CHM1068H (inclusive).

    • Students may be required to take courses offered in physical organic, synthetic organic, and biological chemistry. The courses will be selected in consultation with the supervisor and confirmed by the Graduate Studies Committee field representative.

  • Students must pass six cumulative exams in order for students to qualify to give the oral comprehensive field exam and advance to PhD candidacy. They are generally written on the first Friday of the month from October through May (inclusive).

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Participation in the Organic Chemistry Seminar (CHM1090Y): present two seminars, normally in Years 2 and 4.

  • Upon completion of coursework and cumulative exams, students will take an oral comprehensive field exam in Organic and Biological Chemistry.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Students may select an Experimental Physical Chemistry path requiring:

    • 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) consisting of a combination of two core half courses and two other half courses. The principle is that breadth of background preparation should be the major objective in course selection.

  • Or students may select a Theoretical Physical Chemistry path requiring:

    • 3.0 FCEs, including two core half courses. Specifics are to be determined by the research director and the student.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Presentation of two seminars, normally in Years 2 and 4. Participation in the Physical Chemistry Seminar (CHM1490Y).

  • Successful completion of an oral comprehensive field examination in Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Polymers and Materials Chemistry

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from approved graduate courses:

    • At least one of the three core courses (CHM1206H, CHM1301H, CHM1302H).

    • A list of other courses considered appropriate to the Polymers and Materials Chemistry research area is available from the department.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Presentation of at least three seminars (a literature talk in Year 1 and presentations on the original research in Years 2 and 4). Participation in the Polymers and Materials Chemistry Seminar (CHM1390Y).

  • Upon the completion of coursework, successful performance in an oral comprehensive field examination in Polymers and Materials Chemistry.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

Field: Interdisciplinary

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Chemistry's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+.

  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program may be considered during Year 1 of the master's program.

  • Acceptance into this field requires a research topic of a truly interdisciplinary nature; a written request must be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including one core half course from the above fields.

  • In Year 1, students must complete the modules in CHM3000H Graduate Professional Development for Research and Teaching in Chemistry (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of additional professional development training spread evenly over the categories: Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Research and Teaching Skills. Consult with the Graduate Office for a list of eligible activities.

  • Presentation of at least two seminars (normally in Years 2 and 4). Participation in the seminar program of an existing field of Chemistry.

  • Upon completion of coursework, successful completion of an oral comprehensive field examination in the fields of Chemistry deemed appropriate.

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

Andrew H. Proppe
Andrew H. Proppe
Alumnus, PhD (Chemistry), 2019, GG Gold Medal Recipient
Full Profile