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Program Overview

Chemistry and Biology graduate students working in the lab on a powerful microscope with their professor.

Thank you for your interest in our graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biology. We offer Master’s and PhD programs in Molecular Science. We are also affiliated with Toronto Metropolitan's interdisciplinary Environmental Applied Science and Management graduate program.

Molecular Science Program

In this graduate program, you’ll explore phenomena controlled by processes occurring at the molecular level — whether it be actual molecules such as proteins or synthetic polymers, or macro-processes such as biofilm formation or medical imaging with acoustics.

Whether you’re interested in traditional chemical or biological sciences, the program provides training for rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and environmental sectors. Working under faculty experts in chemistry or biology, you’ll gain expertise in a chosen subspecialty, but also have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

Research Areas

Our research is broadly grouped into the following areas:

  • Biomedical and Biomolecular Interactions
  • Cells, Genes, Molecules
  • Materials and Food Chemistry
  • Pathogens and Infection
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Water, Energy and Environmental Change

To find a potential supervisor, learn more about our research.  

MSc Program

Our Master’s program is a thesis-based program leading to a MSc in Molecular Science.

Program Length: 2 years

Residency Requirement*: Minimum 1 year of continuous registration as a full-time student.

Time Limit for Completion**: 3 years

Degree Requirements: Three elective courses, two Master’s seminars, and thesis

Fields: For elective courses, students choose from one of two fields:

Field I: Materials, Surfaces and Interfaces
Field II: Molecular BioScience

* An extension may be granted with the approval of the Program Director and the student’s supervisor(s).
** An extension (from initial registration) may be granted with approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

PhD Program

Our doctoral program leads to a PhD in Molecular Science.

Program Length: 4 years

Residency Requirement*: Minimum 2 years of continuous registration as a full-time student

Time Limit for Completion**: 6 years

Degree Requirements: Three elective courses, PhD seminar, candidacy exam, dissertation and defence

Fields: For elective courses, students choose from one of two fields:

Field I: Materials, Surfaces and Interfaces
Field II: Molecular BioScience

* An extension may be granted with the approval of the Program Director and the student’s supervisor(s).
** An extension (from initial registration) may be granted with approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

MASc & PhD Environmental Applied Science and Management Program

Some of our department professors are also affiliated with the Environmental Applied Science and Management an interdisciplinary program at Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. This interdisciplinary program offers unique opportunities for hands-on research and collaboration with experienced faculty from a full range of disciplines including science, the social sciences, engineering, business, architecture, planning and public health.

Centred on environmental sustainability, this program is an attractive choice for those looking to make a positive impact on the environment through applied science and management.

Successful completion leads to a PhD or MASc degree. Find out more about the Environmental Applied Science Management program.