Please note:
To view the Summer 2026 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/summer.html.
Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to a degree in analytical, materials, chemical, biology, organic, inorganic, nuclear, physical, and theoretical chemistry, but also encourages studies at the interface of two or more sub-disciplines. In the PhD program students must complete a body of original research, write and defend a thesis, and satisfy the coursework requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the 51社区黑料Calendar.
Program Requirements
This program consists of graduate courses, a candidacy examination, and a thesis.
Entry with an MSc
Students must complete a minimum of 27 units, including
six units of graduate courses in CHEM* (not including CHEM 801 and CHEM 802)
and
Chemistry graduate student seminar course that includes weekly lectures by invited speakers. The grading is satisfactory/unsatisfactory and is required for all new graduate students in the chemistry graduate program. CHEM 803 must be taken twice within the first year of graduate studies.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hogan Yu |
Sep 9 鈥� Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30鈥�5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and a candidacy examination**
Each student will submit a written report on his/her research, make an oral presentation and answer questions at the examination. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: For students in the PhD program.
and a thesis
Entry with a BSc or equivalent (including students who transfer from the MSc to the PhD)
Students must complete a minimum of 33 units, including
12 units of graduate courses in CHEM* (not including CHEM 802)
and
Chemistry graduate student seminar course that includes weekly lectures by invited speakers. The grading is satisfactory/unsatisfactory and is required for all new graduate students in the chemistry graduate program. CHEM 803 must be taken twice within the first year of graduate studies.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hogan Yu |
Sep 9 鈥� Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30鈥�5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and a candidacy examination**
Each student will submit a written report on his/her research, make an oral presentation and answer questions at the examination. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: For students in the PhD program.
and a thesis
* Courses outside of CHEM must be taken in consultation with the graduate program chair.
** Students must complete CHEM 808 prior to the end of the fourth program term, or the second term after transfer from the MSc program.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four to five years with the possibility of one year extension. Failure to successfully defend a PhD thesis within the prescribed years will be considered unsatisfactory progress (see Graduate General Regulation 1.8.2)
Other Information
Transfer from MSc to PhD Program
A transfer from the Department of Chemistry MSc program to PhD program, without the submission of an MSc thesis, must satisfy the chemistry PhD program requirements and University requirements. Evidence of research potential will be judged by the graduate program committee. See the Graduate General Regulations 1.3.7b for further information.
Supervisory Committee
Department regulations require that the supervisory committee be formed and the first meeting occur before the end of the second term when the student makes an oral presentation of the research proposal. In subsequent years, the supervisor committee will meet yearly to provide guidance and feedback.
Thesis
A major part of this program is original research of internationally recognized quality. A thesis describing the research is submitted and defended. See Graduate General Regulation 1.10 for more information.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.