Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

The program information below was valid for the spring 2017 term (May 1, 2017 - August 31, 2017). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

• Admit term(s) 
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring
• Delivery mode 
  • On-campus
• Program type 
  • Doctoral
  • Research
• Registration option(s) 
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
• Study option(s) 
  • Thesis

• Minimum requirements 
  • A thesis-based Master's degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum 80% standing with demonstrated research capabilities.
  • In order to be admitted to PhD candidacy, applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities. For this reason, should graduates with a Master's degree obtained without producing a research thesis desire to enter the PhD program, they must satisfy the Department that they are able to carry out independent research.
• Application materials 
  • Résumé
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
• References 
  • Number of references:  3
  • Type of references: 

    at least 2 academic.

• English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Thesis option:

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• Candidates must successfully complete at least 3 graduate courses at the 600 or 700 level (0.50 unit weight) with an overall average of 70% (no more than 1 of the courses used for credit towards the PhD degree may be taught by the candidate's supervisor). The actual program is decided by the student and the supervisor(s), subject to the approval of the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.
• Candidates admitted to the PhD program who do not possess a recent and relevant Master's degree or have transferred directly to the PhD program without a Master's degree, are required to complete a minimum of 7 courses, at least 5 of which must be at the 600 or 700 levels (0.50 unit weight).

Link(s) to courses

• Mechanical Engineering (ME) courses

Graduate Safety Milestone

• The Graduate Safety Milestone must be completed by the end of the student's second registered term.

PhD Comprehensive Examination

• The thesis topic is decided by the student and supervisor(s), in consultation with an Advisory Committee. The proposed research program is also examined during the Comprehensive Examination.
• The Comprehensive Examination should be conducted within about one year, but in any case not later than sixteen months, after the student has been admitted to the PhD program. In preparation for this examination candidates will submit a written research proposal of between 2,000 and 4,000 words describing their thesis problem and outlining the proposed method of attack. This proposal must be circulated to the members of the Comprehensive Examination Committee not less than two weeks before the examination. The Comprehensive Examination Committee, on the advice of the candidate's supervisor(s), should examine:
  • The adequacy of the course of study being undertaken.
  • The student's performance during the first year both in the coursework and in the research studies.
  • The proposal for research program as presented by the student.
  • The adequacy of the student's technical background in related areas of knowledge.
• The main decision to be reached is whether the candidate should proceed with the proposed study or change the emphasis in the research work. Advice about taking additional graduate courses may also be given.

PhD Thesis

• This degree is awarded after candidates have satisfied the Examining Committee that their thesis is a substantial original contribution to knowledge and have also demonstrated a high degree of competence in areas of knowledge related to their specialization.
• Regulations governing the submission and examination of the PhD thesis are found in the Minimum Requirements for the PhD Degree section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
• The Examining Committee consists of the supervisor(s) and four other members nominated by the supervisor(s) and is approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee. One of the committee members is appointed from outside the University, another from outside the Department.