Chemical Engineering, Ph.D

Requirements

The general Regulations for Degree Doctor of Philosophy appear earlier in the Calendar. The minimum course program for this degree is at least six half courses, at least four of which should be at the 700-level, beyond the baccalaureate degree or three half courses, at least two of which should be at the 700-level, beyond the M.A.Sc. degree. A candidate is also required to take the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination which is designed to test the breadth of knowledge and the ability to synthesize and integrate ideas from within and peripheral to the candidate’s research area. The Comprehensive Examination will normally take place between 6 and 18 months after the candidate initially registers in the Ph.D. program. A supervisory committee monitors the progress of a Ph.D. candidate and determines when he/she is ready to write the thesis. The student is required to defend the thesis at a Final Oral Examination.

Seminar Participation

The Department of Chemical Engineering arranges a series of seminars; graduate students are required to attend and participate in these seminars. Ph.D. students must present one seminar on their research work before they graduate.

Industrial Ph.D. Option

The general Regulations for the degree Doctor of Philosophy appear earlier in the Calendar. This program option offers the candidate the potential to conduct all or a portion of their research at their company or research institute of employment. To be enrolled under the option, the candidate must be a full-time student in the degree program, have previously completed a Masters of Applied Science or its equivalence, and be employed by a company or research institute outside of McMaster continuously till degree completion. A candidate is required to complete the normal course requirements of their enrolled department as well as any milestones, but is exempt from seminar requirements. As a doctoral candidate they must take the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination that is designed to test the breadth of knowledge and the ability to synthesize and integrate ideas from within and peripheral to the candidate’s research area. The Comprehensive Examination will normally take place between 6 and 18 months after the candidate initially registers in the Ph.D. program. A supervisory committee monitors the progress of a Ph.D. candidate and determines when he/she is ready to write the thesis. The student is required to defend the thesis at a Final Oral Examination.