Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering - Nanotechnology

A chemical engineering degree from the University of Waterloo provides an excellent starting point to launch a variety of rewarding careers. Chemical engineers are at the forefront of technology, and their role in modern society is becoming increasingly important. Chemical engineers design, implement and supervise industrial processes where matter undergoes change, including in the pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, food or plastics industries, among others. We also play a major role in the emerging field of nanotechnology, with applications in the development of new materials and devices. We develop new processes to prevent pollutants from being released into our environment or to remove them after they are already there. We decrease energy use by increasing the efficiency in fossil fuel refining plants or by experimenting with new forms of energy generation and storage. Increasingly chemical engineers are also involved in the control, manipulation and production of biological systems, which have many important applications in the area of health care and food production. The professors in Waterloo's Department of Chemical Engineering are leaders in their fields. They will expose you to the latest developments and help you obtain a solid basis in the engineering fundamentals.Conduct chemical engineering research at the nanoscale. In this collaborative program, you will work on research with a Chemical Engineering faculty member and gain perspective from other disciplines.

At the time of admission, each student must have an approved PhD supervisor who has agreed in writing to supervise their academic program or co-supervisors, at least one of whom is an approved PhD supervisor. The Faculty of Engineering maintains a list of individually approved research supervisors, known as Approved Doctoral Dissertation Supervisors (ADDS). Additions to and deletions from this list are made by the Engineering Graduate Studies Sub-Committee upon the recommendation of the Chemical Engineering Department's Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

Applicants must demonstrate excellence of background preparation and academic achievement in prior degrees and, usually, possess a relevant, thesis-based master's degree. In the Faculty of Engineering, a minimum 80% standing in an applicant's appropriate master's program is the usual requirement. A master's degree obtained without a full research thesis is normally an inadequate qualification for admission to the PhD program.