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Chemistry

Contact | Courses | Faculty | Overview | Programs: Collaborative, Degree

Faculty Affiliation

Arts and Science

Degree Programs Offered

Chemistry – MSc, PhD

Collaborative Programs

The following collaborative programs are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

1. Biomolecular Structure

  • Chemistry, PhD

2. Environmental Studies

  • Chemistry, MSc, PhD

Overview

Modern facilities are available for research leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The areas of interest cover a wide variety of topics in analytical, biological, environmental, inorganic, organic, materials, polymers, physical, and theoretical chemistry and their related interdisciplinary areas.

Contact and Address

Web: www.chem.utoronto.ca
E-mail: grad@chem.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-3605
Fax: (416) 978-1631

Department of Chemistry
University of Toronto
Room 153, Lash Miller Building
80 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6
Canada

Degree Programs

Chemistry

Master of Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Appropriate four-year University of Toronto bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with an average of at least B+.

Program Requirements

Submission of a thesis, the successful completion of 1.0 graduate full-course equivalent (FCE), and participation in a seminar program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Appropriate University of Toronto master’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, with a minimum B+ average.
  • An exceptional student with an appropriate BSc degree may be admitted directly to the PhD program. Alternatively, transfer to the PhD program may be considered after a one-year MSc residency period.

Program Requirements

  • The main requirement for the PhD program is the execution of an original investigation that is presented in a thesis. Each program requires successful completion of an oral examination in the area of the major field, as well as participation in a seminar program.
  • Students select one of the following as a major field:
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic and Biological Chemistry
  • Experimental Physical Chemistry
  • Theoretical Physical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Materials Chemistry

Combinations within these fields, or with other disciplines, are permitted under the category of an interdisciplinary program. With the exception of Theoretical Physical Chemistry, each program requires a minimum of 1.0 to 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCE) from approved graduate courses offered in the School of Graduate Studies, depending on the student’s academic background. The number of courses required will be determined in consultation with the supervisor and Graduate Studies Committee. Up to 1.0 FCE taken for credit in the master's program may be used to partially fulfil the PhD requirements.

Specific requirements for each field are as follows:

Analytical Chemistry

  • 0.5 FCE in analytical chemistry in each of the areas of spectroscopy and separation science/electrochemistry, plus one other 0.5 FCE to support the research program. Students must also participate in the Analytical Chemistry seminar program.

Environmental Chemistry

  • At least 2.0 FCE to include CHM 1401H, at least one other course in environmental chemistry (ENV 1410H, CHM 1415H, CHM 1425H, CHM 1550H), and 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. Presentation of two seminars (normally in second and fourth years of study) and participation in the Environmental Chemistry seminar and colloquia program. 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. Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Environmental Chemistry, normally completed following course work and before the end of the second year of graduate study.

Inorganic Chemistry

  • 2.0 FCE including one core half-course (either CHM 1261H or CHM 1270H that are offered in alternating years) plus the presentation of one seminar each year starting in their second year (to a total of three) in the Inorganic Chemistry seminar program including one on an original research proposal.

Organic and Biological Chemistry

  • At least 2.0 FCE to include at least two Organic Chemistry graduate half-courses selected from CHM 1040H to CHM 1068H (inclusive). Students may take graduate courses from other chemistry fields or cognate departments. 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 and Science courses may be taken. Courses will be selected in consultation with the supervisor and confirmed by the Graduate Studies Committee field representative. Students must also pass seven cumulative exams and present two seminars as a component of their participation in the Organic Chemistry seminar program (normally in the second and fourth years of study). Upon completion of course work and cumulative exams, students will take an oral exam in the area of Organic and Biological Chemistry.

Experimental Physical Chemistry

  • 2.0 FCE 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. Attendance and participation in the Physical Chemistry seminar program are mandatory.

Theoretical Physical Chemistry

  • 3.0 FCE, including two core half-courses. Specifics are to be determined by the research director and the student. Attendance and participation in the Physical Chemistry seminar program are mandatory.

Polymers and Materials Chemistry

  • 2.0 FCE, to include at least two of the three core courses. A list of other courses considered appropriate to the Polymers and Materials Chemistry research area is available from the department. Presentation of at least two seminars (the first will be an independent research proposal, the second a presentation on research) and participation in the Polymers and Materials Chemistry seminar program. Successful performance in an oral examination in the area of Polymers and Materials Chemistry following the completion of course work.

Interdisciplinary PhD Program

  • 2.0 FCE, including one core half-course from the above fields, and participation in one of the field seminar programs. Acceptance into this program requires a research topic of a truly interdisciplinary nature; a written request must be submitted to the graduate coordinator.

Depending upon the area of research, students may also be required to show an adequate ability to translate scientific text in one or two of the following languages: French, German, and Russian.

A student whose major subject is in another department may consult the Department of Chemistry regarding the selection of a minor in Chemistry.

Course List

Not all courses are offered every year. Please consult the Department each session as to course availability.

Analytical Chemistry

CHM 1102H Bionsensors and Chemical Sensors
CHM 1103H Advanced Topics in Analytical Chemistry
CHM 1104H Separation Science
CHM 1105H Separations, Chromatography, and Microfluidics
CHM 1106H Instrumentation for Chemists
CHM 1108H Mass Spectrometry Fundamentals and Instrumentation
CHM 1150H Advances in Electroanalytical Chemistry and Electrochemical Sensors
CHM 1152H Chemical Sensors
CHM 1157H Applications of Chemometrics
CHM 1190Y Analytical Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2014H Research in Analytical Chemistry
BME 1452H Signal Processing for Bioengineering
CHE 1144H Separation Processes
CHM 1410H Analytical Environmental Chemistry
PHY 1406H Microprocessor Interfacing Techniques

Environmental Chemistry

CHM 1401H Transport and Fate of Chemical Species in the Environment (core course)
CHM 1404H Molecular Analysis of Natural Systems
CHM 1415H Atmospheric Chemistry
CHM 1420H Environmental Chemistry of Soil
CHM 1425H Modelling the Fate of Organic Chemicals in The Environment
CHM 1430H Advanced Topics in Atmospheric Chemistry
CHM 1550H Topics in Environmental Chemistry
CHM 1590Y Environmental Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2534H Research in Environmental Chemistry
ENV 1410H Analytical Environmental Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

CHM 1204H Organometallic Chemistry
CHM 1205H Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
CHM 1206H Solid State Chemistry: Structure-Property Relations
CHM 1209H Structural Methods in Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 1258H Reactions of Coordinated Ligands
CHM 1261H Topics in Inorganic Chemistry I (core course)
CHM 1263H Bio-inorganic Chemistry
CHM 1268H X-Ray Crystallography
CHM 1269H Nanochemistry: A Chemistry Approach to Nanomaterials
CHM 1270H Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry (core course)
CHM 1290Y Inorganic Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2034H Research in Inorganic Chemistry

Organic and Biological Chemistry

CHM 1003H Physical Organic Chemistry II
CHM 1004H Synthetic Organic Chemistry
CHM 1005H Applications of Spectroscopy in Organic Structure Determination
CHM 1006H Bioorganic Chemistry
CHM 1008H Biological Chemistry
CHM 1040H Modern Organic Synthesis
CHM 1045H Modern Physical Organic Chemistry
CHM 1054H Topics in Bioorganic Chemistry
CHM 1055Y Organic Chemistry Proposal Writing
CHM 1060H Advanced Topics in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
CHM 1068H Topics in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
CHM 1090Y Organic Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2044H Research in Organic Chemistry
JRX 1124H Structured-Based Drug Design

Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

CHM 1441H Mathematical Methods
CHM 1442H Current Directions in Experimental Physical Chemistry
CHM 1443H Intermediate Quantum Mechanics
CHM 1444H Statistical Mechanics of Condensed Phases
CHM 1445H Coherent Control of Molecular Processes
CHM 1446H Quantum Computation and Information Theory
CHM 1447H Biophysical Chemistry
CHM 1448H Modelling of Biochemical Systems
CHM 1455H NMR Spectroscopy I: Introduction to Theory and Application
CHM 1456H NMR Spectroscopy II: Advanced Theory and Application
CHM 1458H Topics in Reaction Kinetics I
CHM 1464H Topics in Statistical Mechanics
CHM 1476H Modern Topics in Statistical Mechanics
CHM 1478H Quantum Mechanics for Physical Chemists (core course)
CHM 1479H Thermodynamics (core course)
CHM 1480H Basic Statistical Mechanics (core course)
CHM 1481H Reaction Kinetics and Dynamics (core course)
CHM 1483H Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics
CHM 1485H Molecular Dynamics and Chemical Dynamics in Liquids
CHM 1486H Modern Molecular Spectroscopy
CHM 1487H Modern Topics in Colloid Chemistry
CHM 1488H Advanced Experimental Methods in Physical Sciences
CHM 1490Y Physical Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2024H Research in Physical Chemistry

Polymers and Materials Chemistry

CHM 1301H Organic and Inorganic Polymer Synthesis (core course)
CHM 1302H Physical Chemistry of Polymers (core course)
CHM 1303H Solids as Advanced Polymer Materials
CHM 1310H Polymer Chemistry
CHM 1390Y Polymer and Materials Chemistry Seminar (Credit/No Credit)
CHM 2304H Research in Polymer and Materials Chemistry

All graduate courses for degree credit must be approved by the Department. Subject to departmental permission, degree students in Chemistry may take a limited number of graduate courses based on fourth-year Faculty of Arts and Science courses in Chemistry or a cognate discipline. Approvals of such fourth-year courses will be considered on an individual basis. Third-year Arts and Science courses, or their essential equivalents, will not receive degree credit.

Graduate Faculty

Full Members

Abbatt, Jonathan - BSc, PhD
Allen, Christine - BSc, PhD, PhD
Batey, Robert Alexander - BA, PhD
Bender, Timothy - PhD
Brumer, Paul - BSc, PhD
Chin, Jik - MS, PhD
Dhirani, Al-Amin - MSc, PhD
Donaldson, D. James - PhD (Associate Chair, Graduate Studies)
Dong, Vy - BCH, MC, DCHEM
Fekl, Ulrich - MSc, PhD
Fraser, Simon John - BA, PhD
Georges, Michael - BS, PhD
Goh, M Cynthia - PhD
Gunning, Patrick - BS, PhD
Jockusch, Rebecca - BA, PhD
Kanelis, Voula - PhD
Kapral, Raymond - BSc, PhD
Kay, Lewis - PhD
Kelley, Shana - BA, PhD
Kerman, Kagan - BScPhm, MSc, SCD
Kluger, Ronald - AB, AM, PhD
Krull, Ulrich - BSc, MSc, PhD
Kumacheva, Eugenia - MSc, PhD
Lautens, Mark - BSc, PhD
Mabury, Scott - BS, PhD
Macdonald, Peter - BS, MS, PhD
McMillen, David - BSc, MS, PhD
Miller, R J Dwayne - BSc, PhD
Morris, Robert - BSc, PhD (Interim Chair & Interim Graduate Chair)
Murphy, Jennifer - BCH, DCHEM
Nitz, Mark - BSc, PhD
Ozin, Geoffrey - BSc, PhD
Polanyi, John - MSc, PhD, DSc
Powell, John - BSc, PhD
Prosser, Scott - BSc, MSc, DPhil
Schofield, Jeremy - PhD, PhD
Scholes, Greg - MSc, PhD
Segal, Dvira - BSc, DSc
Shin, Jumi - AB, DPhil
Shoichet, Molly - PhD
Simpson, Andre - BSc, PhD
Simpson, Myrna - BS, DPhil
Song, Datong - BSc, PhD
Stephan, Douglas - BSc, PhD
Taylor, Mark - BSc, DSc
Thompson, Michael - BSc, PhD, DSc
Walker, Gilbert - BCH, PhD
Wania, Frank - MPH, PhD
Wheeler, Aaron - BS, PhD
Whittington, Stuart - BA, MA, PhD
Winnik, Mitchell - BA, PhD
Woolley, G Andrew - PhD
Yudin, Andrei - MSc, MSc, PhD
Zamble, Deborah - BSc, PhD

Members Emeriti

Bersohn, Malcolm - BSc, MS, PhD
Brook, Adrian - BA, PhD
Harrison, Alexander - MSc, PhD
Jones, J Bryan - BSc, PhD, DPhil
Kresge, Alexander - BA, PhD
McClelland, Robert - BSc, PhD
McLean, Stewart - BSc, PhD
Menzinger, Michael - MS, PhD
Poe, Anthony - DIC, BA, BSc, MA, MA, PhD
Tidwell, Thomas - BS, AM, PhD

Associate Members

Baranov, Vladimir - PhD
Reiner, Eric - BSc, MSc, PhD
Tanner, Scott - BSc, PhD


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