Students may earn the PhD degree by satisfying the requirements for the thesis option, through its regular or co-operative stream.
Admission requirements for students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program are as follows:
- an M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in Science (except for the Co-op option where students enter directly from a B.Sc. degree) with at least a minimum overall standing of 75%; *
- three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from academic sources;
- proof of competency in English (if applicable). A score of at least 580 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and 4.0 on the TWE. A score of at least 237 is required on the computer version of the TOEFL. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English);
- GRE score for all applicants who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada or the United States;
Although there is no set deadline for application, it is recomended that students apply at least six months prior to the beginning of their expected term of entry.
*Direct admission to the PhD program is also possible for applicants with an overall 'A' standing. Course requirements are reduced by one course for students admitted directly to the PhD program from a BSc.
Students in the PhD program must successfully complete two additional one-term courses (0.5 unit weights) beyond those required for the Master's degree; pass the PhD Comprehensive Examination; present a 30-minute seminar (PhD Seminar), and submit and defend an acceptable PhD Thesis.
Direct Admission from a BSc
Students who are admitted directly to the PhD from the BSc are required to complete (as their non-thesis requirements) four regular graduate courses, an MSc Seminar and research proposal (in the second term), a PhD Oral Comprehensive Examination (in the fifth term) and a PhD Research Seminar (in the seventh term) and a PhD thesis to complete their degree requirements. Course requirements are one course less than required by students who enter the PhD program from the MSc, or students who transfer directly to the PhD program after one year of MSc study. (SGRC February 6, 2006)
Students registered in the PhD program may proceed to that degree under the co-operative option. Under this option four of the six required one-term courses, including the Master's Seminar, must be completed within the first two academic terms in residence in the Centre. After successful completion of these two terms of coursework, the candidate will spend one year (three terms) working in an industrial or governmental laboratory. Registration in the Co-operative Option commits students to the acceptance of employment either through a regular interview procedure organized by the Department of Co-operative Education and Career Services, or, where their interests are best served, on an assignment that the Centre may determine. On completion of the work year, a student will be required to submit a work report which will be evaluated by the Centre and the Co-operative Education and Career Services Department. Following successful completion of the work year, the student will return to the Centre to continue work on the PhD Thesis and complete the regular PhD requirements.