Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Planetary Sciences

I. Program Duration 

The normal study period of Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Planetary Sciences program is 3 years. The maximum study period is 6 years. 

II. Study Mode and Medium

Lectures in Chinese or English

III. Academic Field 

Earth and Planetary Sciences/Planetary Sciences

IV. Major

Students perform research in the following fields (but not limited to) with data from planetary exploration:

1）Planetary geology research (geomorphology and structure) based on geological methods; 

2）Planetary geology research (chemical composition and evolution) based on geochemistry and remote sensing methods;

3）Planetary atmosphere and space environment based on physics and atmospheric science;

4）Research and observation on asteroids and comets based on astronomical methods.

V. Course Structure

 Table 1: Core courses (3 Credits) 

 Table 2: Major courses* (9 Credits)

* The University has the ultimate right to decide which course or whether the course will be opened for all Major subjects. 

Table 3: Dissertation (18 Credits)

Table 4: Others (1 Credit)

VI. Teaching Requirements 

1. Students are required to complete one core courses from Table 1, three major courses from Table 2, and academic activities (ten times of attendance) from Table 4 during the first two semesters to gain 13 credits.

2. Students can only submit his/her dissertation title for confirmation upon the completion of the aforementioned 13 credits under Table 1, 2 and 4. The minimum word count for the dissertation is 100,000. The overall process should follow the dissertation composition flow established by the faculty.

3. After completing required courses, students can start writing the thesis proposal. Students can continue their dissertation research and writing upon completion of thesis proposal defense.

4. After finishing each course, students will be assessed based on regulations established by the instructor and the Faculty.

5. In general, in order to achieve the minimum requirement for applying oral defense for graduation, each student has to publish at least two papers in international English journals of SCI, one of which must be the first author. Students do not meet the above requirement are required to get approval and recommendation from their thesis supervisors and go through an assessment process by the Examination Committee of SSI. Those students have been considered to meet related level of the above requirement by the Examination Committee of SSI are still able to apply for thesis oral defense.

VII. Study Time 

The duration for taking all courses is 12 months and no less than 12 months of dissertation composition, up to 24 months. Classes will generally be scheduled at daytime (9:00-18:00) in weekdays or weekend.

VIII. Graduation Requirements 

Upon approval from the Senate of the University, a Doctoral Degree will be conferred on a student when he or she has:

1. Completed and met the requirements prescribed in the study plan of his or her program within the specific study period, and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above (excluding dissertation)

2. Abided by the regulations of the University

3. Cleared all fees and charges and returned all University’s property and equipment borrowed

Note: All curriculums and study plans are based on the newest announcement of the Boletim Oficial da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau.

Note: In case of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.