Environmental Chemistry
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Prospective Students

The study of environmental chemical processes is becoming increasingly important as environmental issues, such as climate change or the expansion of the Alberta Oil Sands, are becoming more substantial. A thorough understanding of environmental chemistry is essential in tackling these highly complex issues. Well-trained professionals and academics with a background in environmental science will be in high demand in the coming decades as a result of growing demands on our planet and its resources.

The subdiscipline of environmental chemistry takes concepts used in other subdisciplines (i.e. organic, physical, and analytical chemistry) and applies them to the study of environmental systems. Although not an easy undertaking, it yields real-world and highly relevant results. It often involves field work or sample collection in exciting locations - see our blog section for recent work undertaken by our graduate students.

Our dedicated environmental chemistry faculty and extensive research facilities provide a unique setting to carry out world-class research. Despite being part of a large university, there is a strong sense of community and plenty of intra-departmental events. Both MSc and PhD programs are offered through the Department of Chemistry. The stipends are competitive and guaranteed for enrolled students. More information regarding graduate studies can be found on the Department of Chemistry website.


Program Requirements: MSc in Environmental Chemistry

Courses: At least two half-courses to include the following:
  • CHM1401H
  • One half-course equivalent in chemistry, to be selected by the student and supervisor. One graduate half-course can be taken outside the department that complements the research project. Please see the course list for a list of available courses.
  • Seminars:
  • Enrolment in the Environmental Chemistry seminar program (CHM1590Y) every year. Presentation of a seminar usually in the second year of program registration. Students who anticipate to complete in one year must give their seminar in their first year.
  • Research
  • Enrolment in the Environmental Research course (CHM2533H) every term, starting in the second term of program registration. Students receive a grade from the supervisor for work undertaken in the laboratory toward completion of the thesis.

  • Program Requirements: PhD in Environmental Chemistry

    Courses: At least four half-courses to include the following:
  • CHM1401H
  • At least one other half-course in Environmental Chemistry (EES/ENV1105H, CHM1404H, CHM/IES1410H, CHM1415H, CHM1420H, CHM1430H, CHM1425H, CHM1550H)
  • At least one CHM course to be chosen in consultation with the supervisor/supervisory committee and confirmed by the field representative.
  • One other half-course that may be an approved course offered in a cognate department.
  • Formal permission from the Associate Chair is required if a student needs to take a course other than the core course to complete his or her course requirements within the sub-discipline. Please see the course list for a list of available courses.

    Seminars:
  • Presentation of two seminars (usually in the second and final years of study) and participation in the Environmental Chemistry seminar and colloquia program (CHM1590Y). The first seminar is on the research proposal* and the second is a culmination of a student's research presented just prior to the final defense.
  • Research
  • Enrolment in the Environmental Research course (CHM2533H) every term, starting in the second term of program registration. Students receive a grade from the supervisor for work undertaken in the laboratory toward completion of the thesis.
  • *A written research proposal, defended orally, on a topic other than the primary research topic delivered prior to the end of the second year of graduate study.
  • Comprehensive Field Examination
  • Successful completion of an oral examination in the area of Environmental Chemistry, usually completed following course work and during the third year of study.

  • Collaborative Programs

    The School of the Environment at the University of Toronto offers an Environmental Studies Collaborative Program that is available to both MSc and PhD students. Details can be found here.


    Awards and Fellowships

    Please see the list of external awards and internal awards on the Chemistry Department webpage. Graduate fellowship opportunities exist with the Centre for Global Change Science and Centre for Planetary Sciences as well.