Cooperative education is “hands-on” education, extending the learning process beyond the classroom into the workplace by alternating academic terms with paid study-related co-op terms.

Here’s how our program works: Co-op students apply in their second year and enter the program in their third year, where they alternate academic terms with work terms, and graduate with 12-16 months of work experience in the real world, a network of valuable contacts and the skills to successfully transition into graduate studies or a career. Often co-op students find permanent employment with a former co-op employer or a supervisor for their graduate studies.

Requirements

• Complete Science 2C00: Skills for Career Success in Science in Year 2
• Ensure you have met all academic requirements for your co-op program of interest. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for requirements.
• Attain at least a 5.0 GPA. Note: Co-op admission requirements are typically much higher.
• If unsure if you meet academic course requirements please meet with the Program Advisor for the academic program you wish to apply to.

• Actuarial & Financial Mathematics
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Biochemistry (Biomedical Research Specialization)
• Biology & Pharmacology
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Kinesiology
• Life Sciences
• Medical and Biological Physics
• Molecular Biology & Genetics
• Physics

Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for program requirements.

Experiential Education

Looking to gain some applied work experience? Experiential Education or EE courses may be right for you. EE provides you with the opportunity to gain real-world, academically relevant experience in a community, research or professional setting. Combining both academic and applied learning allows you to develop skills and experience further to transfer to your future career paths.

For students in the Faculty of Science, there are a number of department-specific opportunities.

The Science Careers & Experience Centre offers three routes to gain relevant experience: Applied Placements, Research Practicums, and Undergraduate Internships. Note that the following courses are only for students whose own department does not offer experiential opportunities.

For information on individual courses, application procedures, deadlines and eligibility, please visit our Experiential Education website.