Program Name

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Chemical Engineering (Ph.D. Chemical Engineering)

About the Department

The Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, was established in 1973 with the launch of its Bachelor of Engineering program. In 1991, the Master’s program was introduced to produce highly competent chemical engineers with strong foundations in chemical engineering and process technology, particularly serving key southern industries such as natural rubber, palm oil, minerals, and petrochemicals. Over the years, the department has developed strong capabilities in teaching and research, supported by qualified personnel, modern facilities, research funding, and international collaborations. In 2002, the Ph.D. program was established to cultivate advanced researchers and academics capable of innovation, independent research, and leadership in chemical engineering. The department has fostered collaborations with leading international institutions, including the University of Melbourne (Australia), Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan), and the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (China), and regularly hosts visiting professors to enhance students’ academic and research experience at an international level.

Vision

To be an internationally recognized doctoral program developing innovative leaders and researchers who create impactful, real-world solutions in biotechnology, energy, food, environmental technologies, and sustainable process design.

Mission

To advance cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary innovation, fostering creativity, deep expertise, and academic leadership, while promoting research with practical impact, global recognition, ethical integrity, and lifelong learning.

Program Educational Objective

Graduates of the program are expected to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to systematically analyze and evaluate complex engineering problems by integrating fundamental principles and advanced chemical engineering knowledge for sound and accurate decision-making.
2. Utilize information technology effectively for self-directed learning and reliable information retrieval, with critical evaluation of data credibility.
3. Apply appropriate digital technologies for efficient data analysis to support decision-making and solve specialized chemical engineering problems.
4. Independently initiate, design, plan, and conduct research in accordance with recognized research standards.
5. Demonstrate creativity in generating new knowledge or innovations in chemical engineering to address problems and support sustainable development and management.
6. Communicate effectively through reading, writing, and academic presentations in both formal and informal contexts with clarity and precision.
7. Demonstrate honesty and accountability in their work, uphold ethical principles and academic integrity, and collaborate effectively with others.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• PLO1 Propose and justify solutions to complex industrial problems based on advanced chemical engineering principles and theories.
• PLO2 Utilize information technology to retrieve and critically evaluate reliable information for self-directed learning.
• PLO3 Apply appropriate digital technologies to analyze data and solve complex chemical engineering problems.
• PLO4 Independently initiate, design, and conduct research in accordance with recognized research standards.
• PLO5 Create new knowledge or innovative solutions in chemical engineering to support sustainable development.
• PLO6 Communicate and present academic work effectively with clarity, precision, and scholarly rigor.
• PLO7 Demonstrate ethical responsibility and adhere to academic integrity and professional codes of conduct.

Catalog Description

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Study Plans

Thesis advisor specialization

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Thesis topics

Research area

1. Clean air, Health & Sustainable Emission Control
2. Circular Bioeconomy & Waste Valorization
3. Advanced Catalysts, Materials & Sustainable Products
4. Digital & Sustainable Process Systems Engineering

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Student Admissions

Plan 1.1 (Master’s Degree Entry)

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering;
• Meet the English proficiency requirements set by the Graduate School;
• Have a minimum Master’s GPA of 3.50, or possess other qualifications at the discretion of the Program Administrative Committee.

Plan 1.2 (Bachelor’s Degree Entry – Direct Ph.D.)

Applicants must:

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering with outstanding academic performance;
2. Meet the English proficiency requirements set by the Graduate School;
3. Have a minimum GPA of 3.50 and rank within the top 35% of their class (with official certification from their institution);
4. Other qualifications may be considered at the discretion of the Program Administrative Committee.

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Graduation Criteria

Plans 1.1 and 1.2

1. Pass the Qualifying Examination and successfully defend the dissertation in an open oral examination demonstrating originality and advanced research competence.
2. Publish dissertation-related work as either:
   • at least two international journal publications, or
   • one international publication and one innovation output with practical impact.
3. Innovation outputs must be evaluated by external experts.
4. Meet the University’s English proficiency requirements and all other regulations.

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