Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry - Catalytic Processes

The control of chemical and biochemical processes is often derived from the use of catalysts, species that act to selectively increase the rate of chemical reactions. Without catalysts and enzymes, a wide range of important industrial chemical processes and biological transformations would be unfeasible. The action of catalysts may also serve to dramatically decrease the energy needed to perform certain chemical reactions, as well as to selectively breakdown environmental contaminants - thus playing an important role in developing sustainable approaches to social, economic, and industrial development. Many research groups at UBC are involved in understanding current catalytic systems, developing better approaches to existing catalytic processes, and even exploring completely new chemical transformations enabled by catalysis.

UBC Chemistry strongly encourages all international applicants to apply for direct entry into our PhD program, as the number of admissions offered to international MSc applicants is very limited.Applicants who meet the academic requirements (see below) and demonstrate advanced research ability, may apply for direct admission to the PhD program. Students entering directly from a bachelor's degree must, within the first 24 months of study, complete 12 credits with a first class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.For direct entry to the PhD program, an overall average of B plus (from all courses taken in their Bachelor’s degree) is required for all applicants.For entry to the PhD program by students with an MScFor applicants who hold a credential/degree from a Canadian or USA post-secondary institution, a B+ average in senior undergraduate level courses is required, along with a successfully defended Master thesis.For applicants who hold an international credential/degree, an overall average of B plus (from all courses taken in their Bachelor’s degree) is required, along with a successfully defended Master thesis.The minimum overall TOEFL score for graduate admission to the Department of Chemistry is 92 on the internet-based test with minimum component scores of 23, 22, 23 and 22 for reading, writing, listening and speaking, respectively. For