Program Overview

PhD in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences

Overview

The PhD in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences is a research-intensive program that brings together researchers from the Faculty of Science at the University of Prince Edward Island to tackle the chemistry, physics, and biology of molecules big and small. This program involves graduate-level courses, a dissertation, candidacy examination, and final oral defense, while developing unique connections to the business aspects of the growing field.

Course Structure

• Students will be required to take three graduate-level courses in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences, three graduate-level courses in business, and one capstone course that integrates science and business components.
  • Each student must complete a minimum of three courses within the first 18 months of the degree, which may be a combination of the science and business requirements but must include at least one MMS and one business course.
  • In addition, students should have started their capstone project, although completion of this project is not a requirement for this period.
• Following this initial stage of research and coursework, each student will take a candidacy exam adjudicated by a Candidacy Examination Committee, and upon its successful completion will become a PhD candidate.
• Completion of the remaining required courses, further development of the research project, and preparation of a thesis within a maximum of seven years will culminate in the defence of this body of work in a public forum, adjudicated by the student's supervisory committee and an external examiner who will be an expert in the student's field of research.
• If a student, for any reason, withdraws from the PhD program they may elect to enter the MSc program at UPEI if no such degree has been previously obtained.
• Graduate students are required to register for MMS 8010—PhD thesis throughout their degree program.
• Additional required constellation-based courses include MMS 8020—Molecules, Macromolecules and the Business of Science and MMS 8030—Directed Studies in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences.
• Students are also required to take 2 additional MMS electives at the graduate level.
• Business requirements include BUS 6030—Marketing Management, BUS 7010—Biotechnology Management and Development, and BUS 7020—Commercialization of Biotechnology and Innovations.

Research Areas

Research projects span a wide range of molecular and macromolecular sciences (MMS)--from synthetic and analytical work on biodegradable polymers, marine natural products, supramolecular systems, and intercalation chemistry to theoretical studies on molecules, materials, and movement to applied research in imaging, drug delivery, and batteries.

Admissions Criteria

The purpose of this PhD degree program is to provide a doctoral level research experience for candidates, ensuring that they develop critical thinking, creativity, and subject mastery through their program. A secondary objective is to provide a value-added degree containing a significant business component to the studies. This degree will offer graduate education at the PhD level that meets the needs of the global scientific business, industry, research, and academic environments in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences.

Application Deadline

• Application deadline: for Fall intake July 1; for Winter intake November 1; for Summer intake March 1.
• Securing a supervisor prior to applying to this program is an admission requirement.

Fees and Funding

Tuition

• PhD in the Faculty of Science - $15,449 per 3-year program
• For a complete breakdown, visit the Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

• UPEI supports students and their educational goals by administering millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to undergraduate and graduate students every year.
• Depending on the faculty or program and year of study, students may be eligible for available awards.
• Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.