Graduate research fields

• Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering
• Green Reaction Engineering
• Interfacial Phenomena, Colloids and Porous Media
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science and Engineering
• Process Systems Engineering
• Separation Processes

Program information

Admit term(s)

• Fall
• Winter
• Spring

Delivery mode

• On-campus

Length of program

The minimum period of registration for the PhD degree is four terms. Degree requirements must be satisfied within four calendar years following the date of admission into the PhD program, unless extensions are approved by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, Engineering. Requests for extension must be supported by a written departmental recommendation along with a realistic timetable for the completion of the degree and evidence of adequate progress in research. Extensions are not granted automatically and will be refused in the case of inadequate progress. University of Waterloo regulations stipulate that approval of an extension past three extended terms is at the discretion of the Associate Provost, Graduate Studies.

A minimum of two terms of full-time residence is expected from students who wish to proceed on a part-time basis. Full-time residency means that a student is present on campus for at least three days a week, or a sufficient period of time per week to satisfy the supervisor. The most appropriate time for this residence period will be established in consultation with the supervisor(s) and the Associate Chair Graduate Studies.

Program type – Doctoral and Research

Registration option(s) - Full-time and Part-time

Study option(s)

• Thesis

Degree requirements

Thesis option:

• Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
• Courses
  • Students with a MASc degree must complete CHE 600 Engineering and Research Methods, Ethics, Practice, and Law (0.25 credit weight) and 3 graduate courses (0.50 unit weight per course) as follows:
    • 3 graduate level elective courses (a minimum of 2 CHE)
    • If CHE 601 Theory and Application of Transport Phenomena and CHE 602 Chemical Reactor Analysis or course equivalents were not taken during MASc studies, electives are reduced and these courses are substituted
  • 3 must be 600 or 700 level graduate courses.
  • No more than 1 may be taught by supervisor(s).
  • No more than 1 may be a reading course.
  • Students without a MASc degree must complete CHE 600 Engineering and Research Methods, Ethics, Practice, and Law (0.25 credit weight) and 7 graduate courses (0.50 unit weight per course) as follows:
    • CHE 601 Theory and Application of Transport Phenomena
    • CHE 602 Chemical Reactor Analysis
    • 5 graduate level elective courses of which 2 must be CHE courses
  • 5 must be 600 or 700 level graduate courses.
  • No more than 2 may be 500 level courses.
  • No more than 2 may be taught by supervisor(s).
  • No more than 1 may be a reading course.
  • Students must achieve a:
    • Minimum cumulative average of 70%.
    • Minimum grade of 65% in each individual course.
  • Each student is responsible for monitoring their own academic records and must immediately notify their Graduate Coordinator of any inadequate grade or average.
• Link(s) to courses
  • Chemical Engineering (CHE) courses
  • Graduate course search
• Seminar Attendance
• PhD Comprehensive Examination
• PhD Thesis