Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Chemistry program at the School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH), Nazarbayev University (NU), is designed to cultivate highly skilled, innovative, and versatile scientists capable of addressing complex scientific, technological, and societal challenges globally and in Kazakhstan. The program equips students with advanced theoretical knowledge, experimental expertise, and interdisciplinary skills, preparing them for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, industry, government, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Structured as a four-year, full-time program totaling 240 ECTS, the curriculum integrates comprehensive coursework, specialized electives, and an intensive research thesis. Students acquire cutting-edge knowledge across Physical, Analytical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research spanning Chemical Engineering, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Biomedical Sciences. Ethics, communication, and innovation training are embedded throughout, fostering the translation of research into sustainable technologies, commercial products, and policy solutions.

The Ph.D. in Chemistry program is delivered through a unified academic curriculum that offers students the flexibility to choose from several specialized study options. One such option is Chemistry with Industrial R&D, which is delivered in accordance with the University-wide Industry PhD modality. This study option is available to students with industrial sponsorship and focuses on applied research conducted primarily at sponsor premises, providing essential logistical flexibilities such as hybrid/online coursework and NDA-compliant alternatives for IP-restricted publications where necessary.

Regardless of the study option chosen, the program remains academically unified. All candidates must fulfill the standard Ph.D. criteria of generating original, fundamental scientific knowledge in chemistry. The academic rigor, Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and examination standards are identical for all students. Candidates may focus their research on one of the following specialized scientific options:

• Chemistry with Nanotechnology – advanced materials, molecular engineering, and nanoscale applications.
• Chemistry with Environmental Science – sustainable chemistry, pollution control, and environmental monitoring.
• Chemistry with Drug Design – medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular modeling for pharmaceutical innovation.
• Chemistry with Industrial R&D – applied research and process innovation in collaboration with industrial partners (Industry PhD Modality).

Students receive structured training on specialized instrumentation and core facilities at NU, developing essential hands-on research skills. By the end of April in the Spring semester of Year 1, students will complete an oral or written comprehensive exam. If a student fails this initial exam, they will be given one and a half months to prepare for a retake. Students must successfully pass the comprehensive qualifying examination (all subjects) before they are permitted to defend the thesis research proposal. Upon passing the comprehensive exam, students will proceed to the proposal defense, which will be conducted towards the end of the Summer term. Failure on the second attempt of the comprehensive examination, or failure on the second attempt of the proposal defense, will result in dismissal from the program in accordance with University regulations. Following approval of their proposal, students conduct independent research aimed at generating original contributions to chemistry or related interdisciplinary fields.

The program places strong emphasis on research excellence, adherence to ethical standards, and the development of teamwork and collaborative skills across departments and partner institutions. Graduates emerge as competent, adaptable, and visionary professionals ready to drive innovation and contribute to Kazakhstan’s knowledge-based economy while maintaining global competitiveness and high moral standards.

Deadline for International Applicants: to be announced
Deadline for Local Applicants: to be announced

Program Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Ph.D. in Chemistry program students will be able to:

1. Design, plan, and execute advanced research projects in their area of expertise, resulting in coherent reports, publications, or industry-relevant deliverables, reflecting both academic rigor and practical applications.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of core and elective Chemistry concepts, integrating experimental, theoretical, computational, and interdisciplinary approaches relevant to both academic and industrial contexts.
3. Critically search, analyze, and synthesize contemporary research literature in their field, including awareness of commercialization potential and application to societal, environmental, and technological challenges.
4. Apply research methodology, experimental design, and modern analytical or computational tools to solve complex chemistry problems, either in laboratory, computational, or industrial settings.
5. Develop and execute research proposals, including project planning, risk assessment, and effective presentation of research seminars, integrating principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and translational research.
6. Communicate complex scientific concepts, research findings, and technological solutions effectively in English, using multiple modalities, with particular emphasis on tertiary education, industry engagement, and public dissemination.

Curriculum

The Ph.D. in Chemistry is a full-time, four-year (240 ECTS) research-intensive program structured according to the Bologna Process. The curriculum consists of three components: Core Courses (30 ECTS), Elective Courses (32 ECTS), and Research (178 ECTS).

During the first year, students' complete core and elective courses to build foundational knowledge and research skills. Students may choose from one of three study options to align their coursework and research focus:

• Chemistry with Nanotechnology
• Chemistry with Environmental Science
• Chemistry with Drug Design

Core courses (30 ECTS)
Students are required to complete two compulsory courses: Research Methods & Ethics and Hot Topics in Chemistry (which includes research orientation and supervisor selection). In addition, they select three out of five departmental core courses (24 ECTS) based on their chosen study option. The available core courses include:

• Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
• Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
• Mechanistic Principles of Organic Reactions
• Modern Inorganic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Spectrochemical Methods of Analysis

Note: NU MSc graduates may waive core courses and substitute with electives upon approval.

Elective courses (32 ECTS)
Electives deepen expertise in the chosen study option and support research and career development. All electives include advanced assessments such as scientific presentations, literature reviews, and poster sessions. Sample elective courses include:

• Advanced Environmental Chemistry
• Colloid and Surfactant Science
• Design of Functional Materials
• Machine Learning in Cheminformatics
• Materials Chemistry
• Membrane Science and Technology
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Design

Students may also take one technical elective from other departments (e.g., Biology, Physics, Biomedical Sciences) with supervisor approval.

Research courses (178 ECTS)
Research begins early and continues through the first semester of Year 4. Students must pass a comprehensive exam by the end of Year 1 before defending their Ph.D. proposal. The final semester is dedicated to doctoral research and thesis defense, demonstrating an original contribution to the field.

An international mobility period (6–12 months) may be included to gain global research experience. A fifth-year extension is possible with approval and specific conditions.

Sample Schedule for Ph.D. in Chemistry (starting from 2026-2027)

1) Regular Study Option and Chemistry with Industrial R&D

Year 1
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 1* (8 ECTS)
CHEM 700 - Hot Topics in Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (14 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 2* OR Graduate Elective Course 1 (8 ECTS)
CHEM 780 - Research Methods and Ethics (6 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
Comprehensive Exam**

Summer Semester
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense

Year 2
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 2 or 3* OR Graduate Elective Course 1 or 2 (8 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 2 or 3* OR Graduate Elective Course 2 or 3 (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 2 or 3* OR Graduate Elective Course 1 or 2 (8 ECTS)
CHEM 7XX - Graduate Core Course 2 or 3* OR Graduate Elective Course 2 or 3 (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

2) Chemistry with Nanotechnology study option

Year 1
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 711 - Polymer Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 700 - Hot Topics in Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (14 ECTS)
CHEM 752 - Materials Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 780 - Research Methods and Ethics (6 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
Comprehensive Exam**

Summer Semester
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense

Year 2
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 730 - Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (8 ECTS)
CHEM 750 - Modern Inorganic Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 731 - Design of Functional Materials (8 ECTS)
CHEM 733 - Surfactant & Colloid Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

3) Chemistry with Environmental Science study option

Year 1
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 722 - Advanced Environmental Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 700 - Hot Topics in Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (14 ECTS)
CHEM 723 - Membrane Science and Technology (8 ECTS)
CHEM 780 - Research Methods and Ethics (6 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
Comprehensive Exam**

Summer Semester
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense

Year 2
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 720 - Spectrochemical Methods of Analysis (8 ECTS)
CHEM 730 - Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 710 - Mechanistic Principles of Organic Reactions (8 ECTS)
CHEM 733 - Surfactant & Colloid Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

4) Chemistry with Drug Design Science study option

Year 1
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 740 - Advanced Medicinal Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 700 - Hot Topics in Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (14 ECTS)
CHEM 741 - Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 780 - Research Methods and Ethics (6 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
Comprehensive Exam**

Summer Semester
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)
PhD Thesis Proposal Defense

Year 2
Fall Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 720 - Spectrochemical Methods of Analysis (8 ECTS)
CHEM 732 - Machine Learning in Cheminformatics (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

Spring Semester (16 ECTS)
CHEM 710 - Mechanistic Principles of Organic Reactions (8 ECTS)
CHEM 733 - Surfactant & Colloid Chemistry (8 ECTS)
CHEM 798-0 - Thesis Research (Continuous course in research)

From the summer of their second year through the fall semester of their fourth year, students are required to enroll in CHEM 798-0 (Thesis Research). In the spring semester of their fourth year, students who finished defending their PhD Thesis the CHEM 798-0 will be changed to CHEM 800 (Doctoral Thesis).

Legend:
* Course may be waived for NU students and can be replaced by an elective course
** Comprehensive exam covers two core Chemistry courses as well as two elective Chemistry courses selected by both the supervisor and the student. Successful completion of this exam will make them eligible to defend their proposal

Course Descriptions

CHEM 700 Hot Topics in Chemistry
This course introduces the students to specialized modern topics in physical, materials, organic and inorganic chemistry which are at the forefront of this discipline. The course will not only to give students a comprehensive overview of many modern areas in physical, inorganic, organic and materials science, but also to present them with some current challenges and perspectives in these fields.

The course will be delivered by 7 cycles of multidisciplinary lectures from 7 Chemistry faculty members, specific to their research interests, and covering broad topics from:
(i) Applied nanotechnologies,
(ii) Theoretical and computational approaches to design of functional and photoactive materials,
(iii) Modern aspects of applied catalysis,
(iv) Molecular spectroscopy and characterization of nanomaterials,
(v) Advanced methods of surface analysis,
(vi) Materials for sensing, environmental and biomedical applications,
(vii) Multicomponent reactions for synthesis of functional bioactive materials and natural products.

CHEM 710 Mechanistic Principles of Organic Reactions
This course explores relationships between organic chemical structures and their reactivity. Students will learn the key theoretical models developed to rationalize the reactivity of various functional groups and reactive intermediates. A particular emphasis will be given to acquiring the solid knowledge of computational, spectroscopic, kinetic and isotope labelling approaches for the mechanism elucidation. The course will be delivered through the structured independent online learning coupled with interactive problem-solving workshop sessions, where mechanisms of specific reactions such as substitutions, additions to multiple bonds, pericyclic reactions, free radical and photochemical reactions as well as molecular rearrangements will be discussed from various prospects aiming to develop broad principles governing various organic reactions.

CHEM 711 Polymer Chemistry
This is a comprehensive polymer science course which is designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge on high molecular weight polymeric materials of both natural and synthetic origin, their properties, synthesis, functions, as well as applications, in particular in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. This course enables increasing students’ competence and practical knowledge on concepts of polymer chemistry required for better understanding processes and mechanisms at the core of advanced topical research of any Life Science related discipline. The first half of the course will be focusing on fundamental aspects of polymer chemistry, while the second half will be providing closer insights on polymers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

CHEM 720 Spectrochemical Methods of Analysis
General concepts of encoding chemical information as electromagnetic radiation; major instrumental systems for decoding, interpretation, and presentation of the radiation signals; atomic emission, absorption, and fluorescence; ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and microwave absorption; molecular luminescence; scattering methods; mass spectrometry; magnetic resonance; automated spectrometric systems. The course is concurrent with the MSc course CHEM 520 Applied Analytical Chemistry with additional course work for the PhD students.

CHEM 722 Advanced Environmental Chemistry
The course provides an integrated description of the chemical processes and equilibrium systems that determine mobility, transport, turnover and effects of chemical contaminants in air, soil and water. It also provides an introduction to natural chemical processes in the environment. The course is concurrent with the MSc course CHEM 522 Analytical Environmental Chemistry and the BSc course CHEM 471 Environmental Chemistry and will be delivered with additional course work for the PhD students.

CHEM 723 Membrane Science and Technology
This PhD level course will cover all basic principles of membrane science and the corresponding membrane technologies processes. A brief introduction to the historical development of membranes and membrane processes will be given. Membrane structures and the functionalities developed for specific processes will be covered. The transport principles for porous and non-porous membranes (viscous flow, Knudsen diffusion, Fick's law, solution/diffusion) will be discussed in great detail with respect to their driving forces and how this knowledge can be applied to design advanced membrane materials/structures. A large fraction of the course will be dedicated to materials sciences aspects required for the development of advanced membranes for individual process types. General analytical techniques to evaluate membranes will be introduced for gas permeation, gas sensors, and water purification membranes, followed by a series of lab demonstrations, thus, the course prepares students for independent research.

CHEM 731 Design of Functional Materials
The course provides a graduate level overview of modern atomistic computer simulations used to model, understand and predict properties of technologically important materials. The emphasis is on practical use of techniques, algorithms and programs to bridge theory and applications, from the discovery of materials to their use in real-world technologies. Several laboratories give students direct experience with simulation methods as well as practical knowledge on how to use computational modeling and how to present and interpret results of simulations. Bridges from atomic to complex systems demonstrate potential of different theories to applications relevant to multiple major industries in the future, including nanotechnology and energy. The course is concurrent with the MSc course CHEM 511 Theoretical Chemistry and the BSc course CHEM 431 Computational Chemistry and will be delivered with an additional course work for the PhD students.

CHEM 732 Machine Learning in Cheminformatics
This PhD-level course focuses on applying machine learning techniques to solve complex problems in cheminformatics, particularly in molecular modeling, drug discovery, and chemical property prediction. Key topics include deep learning, support vector machines, and reinforcement learning for molecular simulations, virtual screening, and chemical structure-property relationships. Students will gain hands-on experience in developing and optimizing machine learning models to analyze large chemical datasets, integrate computational chemistry tools, and improve prediction accuracy. The course prepares students for independent research and application of machine learning in both academic and industrial contexts. The course is concurrent with the MSc course CHEM 512 Cheminformatics and the BSc course CHEM 432 Introduction to Cheminformatics and will be delivered with additional course work for the PhD students.

CHEM 733 Colloid and Surfactant Science
This is a comprehensive materials science course which is designed to increase the student’s competence and practical knowledge required to work in formulation science and technology projects. The fundamental background given by the course allows better understanding the basic principles which underpin the successful formulation of a range of consumer and industrial products. The course contains two parts, related to fundamental properties of (i) surfactants and (ii) colloids.

CHEM 740 Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of medicinal chemistry, focusing on the drug discovery and development process. Topics include structure-activity relationships, pharmacokinetics, and modern computational approaches such as molecular docking and QSAR. The course also explores synthetic methodologies, drug design strategies, and the role of enzymes and receptors in therapeutic development. Students will learn to utilize specialized software, analyze recent advancements, and address ethical considerations in medicinal chemistry research. At the end of the course, students will prepare a detailed research proposal and review paper in Medicinal Chemistry.

CHEM 741 Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry
This doctoral-level course offers a comprehensive and critical examination of therapeutic agents directed against infectious and neoplastic diseases. It encompasses advanced analysis of mechanisms of action, molecular resistance pathways, and structure–activity relationships of major antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer drug classes, as well as their delivery routes and strategies. Strong emphasis is placed on rational drug design principles, state-of-the-art computational and AI-driven methodologies, drug delivery system design and evaluation of landmark case studies. The course is designed to train students to synthesize current knowledge, critically assess cutting-edge literature, and formulate original strategies for the discovery and development of next-generation therapeutics.

CHEM 750 Modern Inorganic Chemistry
This course is concurrent with CHEM 530 – Inorganic Structures and Reaction Mechanisms and is designed to prepare students for further research in Inorganic Chemistry and, more generally, employment is physical or materials sciences fields. The course includes advanced concepts in structure, bonding, and chemical/physical properties of inorganic compounds, understanding of which is central to the study of all areas of chemistry. In addition, the course covers the synthesis, structure, bonding, reactivity, and applications of coordination compounds. The primary emphasis will be on the fundamental reaction types, mechanisms of such reactions, methods for studying them and their relevance to important processes in industrial catalysis and synthetic chemistry.

CHEM 752 Materials Chemistry
Our technology-driven world is fueled by advances in materials chemistry with examples of application in areas such as microelectronics, sensors, catalysis, and energy technology. This course provides an overview of materials chemistry with a particular emphasis on the correlation between materials structure and their properties. In the framework of the course, we will discuss how different classes of materials are produced, why they exhibit some specific properties, and how these properties are applied in industry and manufacturing. In particular, the course covers synthesis and detailed discussion on how molecular structure and crystallinity of materials can be related to electronic, optical, magnetic, mechanical, and other useful physicochemical properties of materials.

CHEM 753 Organometallic Catalysis
This course is concurrent with CHEM 451 – Applied Homogeneous Catalysis and CHEM 532 – Organometallic Chemistry and aims to teach students the concepts in modern organometallic chemistry with an emphasis on applications of organometallic compounds in synthetic chemistry and important catalytic transformations, relevant to petroleum and chemical industries, including the synthesis of commodity and specialty chemicals. The course covers synthesis and bonding in organometallic complexes, fundamental reactions and their mechanisms, thermodynamic and kinetic considerations of complex formation, stability and reactivity, and applications of organometallic compounds to synthetic chemistry and catalysis. The later includes in-depth analysis of mechanisms of catalytic reactions, methods for catalyst separation and challenges in applying organometallic catalytic systems in industrial setting.

CHEM 780 Research Methods and Ethics
This course is designed to help students develop scientific writing skills. It provides an understanding of scientific methods and ethics, as well as practical aspects of statistics, experimental design, research methodology, laboratory safety, and bibliographic databases; in particular, the use of Reaxys, SciFinder Scholar, and other scientific databases, as well as specialized chemistry software such as ChemDraw and others. At the end of the course, students will be required to write a research paper in their chosen field.

CHEM 789 Thesis Research
This course is designed to monitor progress and develop understandings, skills, and outlooks to conduct original, independent research at the Ph.D. level. The student will develop (with the advisor’s guidance) a research plan at the beginning of the semester that will state a research problem/question/hypothesis, its background, outline a research strategy and experimental approach, method of data collection, interpretation and validation, and method of communication of the project results to others. The research plan is used as the basis for assessment of the student’s research progress.

CHEM 800 Doctoral Thesis
This course is designed to facilitate before the end of the prescribed program period or approved degree deferral period the writing and submission of the doctoral thesis for review by the thesis examiners. The thesis must be completed according to the Format and Style Guidelines of the Chemistry Department.

For more inquiries regarding the Ph.D. in Chemistry Program, please contact Dr. Ahmed Elkamhawy, the Ph.D. program director.
In the case of general inquiries, contact Prof. Vesselin Paunov, the department chair.