General information
As students proceed through the Biological Science program, they will obtain a background in cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry and developmental biology. Senior level courses such as Bioethics, Neuroscience, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, along with access to modern laboratories, computational tools, sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art facilities will enable advanced research work and skills training in industry best practice and in research.
The Biological Science program offers specializations in Life Sciences , Environmental Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , as well as an unspecialized Biology degree (Complementary Studies ).
Co-operative education and experiential learning
The Faculty of Science offers an optional co-operative education program to students in Applied and Industrial Mathematics, Biological Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and the Management options. Eligible students in the Forensic Science program have the opportunity for academically-related work experience in a fourth year Thesis Project under the supervision of a faculty member or with a forensic professional in an external forensic agency.
As defined by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), co-operative education is a program that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with paid, career-related work experience with participating employers. Co-operative education provides many benefits to students including the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience, to earn competitive salaries that partially offset the cost of their education, to help clarify career objectives, and to develop valuable networking that will enhance opportunities for full-time employment upon graduation. Studies have shown that students in the same academic program who graduate from a co-operative education stream have lower debt loads and are employed faster and with higher starting salaries than those who graduate from the regular stream.
Interested students may apply to the Faculty of Science co-operative education program as early as the Fall of Year 2. Applicants are accepted based on their cumulative grade point average (minimum cGPA of 2.70 (B-) required), their academic standing, and having no record of misconduct. While the Faculty of Science cannot guarantee a co-op placement, assistance, advice and counselling is provided to all students in co-operative education.
Beginning after Year 2 of their academic program, eligible students have the opportunity to integrate their academic studies with up to 20 months of relevant experience. Traditionally, the distribution of academic and co-op work terms have adhered to the pattern outlined below. However, alternative patterns of academic terms and co-op terms may be approved by an advisor, provided the pattern still meets the CAFCE criteria for co-operative education and is acceptable to the employer and the student.
The schedule of study terms and co-op work terms is as follows:
| |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
| Fall semester |
Study Term 1 |
Study Term 3 |
Study Term 5 |
Work Term 4 |
Study Term 7 |
| Winter semester |
Study Term 2 |
Study Term 4 |
Work Term 2 |
Study Term 6 |
Study Term 8 |
| Spring/Summer semester |
|
Work Term 1 |
Work Term 3 |
Work Term 5 |
|
Students will be required to attend mandatory co-op pre-program workshops prior to attending their placement for the first time. Each co-op work term is assessed by a faculty advisor on the basis of the student’s work term report and an employer valuation. Co-op work terms are graded on a pass/fail basis. Please note that four work terms are required in order to satisfy the co-op degree requirements.
Students will have opportunities to undertake research inside or outside the university. Please consult science.uoit.ca for details.
Program details and degree requirements
Students taking Complementary Studies will work with the science academic advisor to customize a Biological Science program to match their interests and career plans. The requirements for the Biological Science – Complementary Studies – Co-operative Education program are outlined here; however, students in Complementary Studies wishing to follow the co-op program should seek academic advising early in their second year.
In addition to the co-op program, a regular four-year program is also available, Biological Science – Complementary Studies
Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program details, course requirements and term offerings may change.
Return to: