Chemistry

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Cédric Lambin, PhD candidate in Chemistry

“The best advice that I will give to someone who wants to apply to Western is to ask questions, to try to talk with the potential supervisor, the students, and just to ask them about the everyday life at work and outside of work.”

Supervisor: Dr. François Lagugné-Labarthet

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
I completed it at the University of Paris Cité.

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
The main reason was my supervisor and his expertise. I was already attracted to the field of study but through our different discussions, I confirmed that I wanted to pursue my study under his supervision.

Describe your research.
I am working on two-dimensional material, or more precisely on transition metal dichalcogenides. It is a material composed of a metal (tungsten, molybdenum, etc) and chalcogens (sulfur, selenide, etc). I synthesized them using gas processes and characterized them with advanced optical techniques to understand how we can impart new properties to these semi-conducting nanomaterials. They are interesting because they have a strong potential for future electronic and photonic chips.

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
My supervisor, who is always available for a quick chat, and the wealth of knowledge you can acquire by talking with your peers and the different researchers around the department.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Darlene DiValentin (dhagen@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Chemistry

Western University
Chemistry Building Rm 116
London, Ontario N6A 5B7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 81543
f. 519-661-3022

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study that lead to the Master of Science (MSc) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. All programs are research-based.

Taking a modern view of the chemical sciences, the four main research themes reflect Western’s open-minded and multidisciplinary approach to research. Research is broadly characterized into the themes of: Chemical Biology and Biomaterials; Synthesis, Catalysis and Molecular Materials; Materials: Design, Function and Characterization; and Theory and Computation.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms, from MSc entry
  • 15 Terms, from BSc direct entry

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • A thesis-based MSc degree in chemistry, or a related discipline, from a recognized university, college, or institute with an overall academic standing of at least B+ (75%).
  • Excellent letters of recommendation.
  • Especially for applicants from related disciplines, provide a clear statement on your academic qualifications and how past training and experiences have positioned you for success in graduate teaching and research for the proposed area of study within chemistry.
  • For applicants who have not yet been conferred the MSc degree, all program requirements must be completed prior to the start of the PhD studies.

Outstanding applicants possessing a four-year Bachelor of Science in chemistry, or a related discipline, from a recognized university, college, or institute with high academic standing and demonstrated research potential can apply for direct entry to the PhD program.

Additional Requirements

  • Previous degrees must have a research component.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score for chemistry is 90, with no individual score below 20 for the internet based version; 230 for the standard electronic version; or 570 for the paper and pencil version, although some programs require a higher minimum score.[Western's TOEFL ID is 0984]. TOEFL Study Guide: http://www.discoverbusiness.us/education/online-mba/resources/toefl/
  • The International English Language Testing Service(IELTS)of the British Council. The minimum acceptable score for Chemistry is 7 in each category out of 9. The IELTS is offered in 6 test centres in the US and 3 in Canada.
  • The Duolingo English Test is available online (takes 1 hour) and is offered at a reasonable cost. The minimum acceptable score for admission to the Chemistry program is 120. Western University and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies receives scores from Duolingo directly. When completing the Duolingo English Test, please select “Western University-Graduate Studies” from the Institution list to ensure your results are available.
  • The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 70 in each section. The CAEL Assessment is offered in several countries throughout the world as well as Canada.
  • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components. Official proof of graduation required.
  • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the program.
Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency.

Other formal evidence of graduate level proficiency in English (as determined by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) may be considered in lieu of these test scores.

Application Deadline

Domestic Applicants:

  • December 1 - Winter Term
  • April 15 - Summer Term
  • July 1 - Fall Term

International Applicants:

  • April 30 - Fall Term
  • May 1 - Winter Term
  • December 1 - Summer Term

Applications are accepted year round; however, you should try to meet the deadlines above in order to be accepted for the term you are applying to. International students are welcome to apply to the Fall term only.

International applicants: Acceptance notification begins in April.
Domestic applicants: Acceptance notifications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Fields of Research

  • Inorganic
  • Organic
  • Physical/Analytical