PCDR
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Biomedical Toxicology Co-op Student Information

About The Program

Biomedical Toxicology concentrates on the effects and mechanisms of action of toxic substances from a variety of perspectives. At Guelph, you will experience a multi-disciplinary approach to toxicology; drawing on the physical, biological, and social sciences. You will study issues such as the risk of cancer from exposure to environmental agents, including both natural and synthetic chemicals, as well as the metabolism of carcinogenic and other toxic substances, and the effects of these substances on DNA. The effects of both natural and synthetic chemicals and their movement, distribution and breakdown in the environment will also be studied.

Why Co-op?

As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.

Course Sequencing

YEAR
 

FALL

 

WINTER

 

SUMMER

ONEAcademicAcademicOff
TWOAcademicWorkWork
THREEAcademicAcademicWork
FOURWorkAcademicOff
FIVEAcademicAcademic 

Acquired Knowledge & Skills

 Knowledge

A sound grounding in organic, analytical, and biochemistry. Exposure to the theories of toxic action: uptake and metabolism, risk assessment, and pesticides in the environment. 

 Application

Practical laboratory experience in chemical and biological wet-bench techniques, instrumentation and sampling. Functional aptitude in trace analysis, statistical analysis, contaminant dose response and comparative.

Sample Jobs

Research Technician

This exciting opportunity will allow you to participate in a collaborative academic research project directed towards the combined use of oncolytic viruses and immunotherapeutics to treat cancer. You will be involved in experiments designed to better understand and ultimately improve these complementary therapeutic approaches.

Data Chemical Analyst

This federal government co-op position will focus on atmospheric chemistry data analysis. Duties may include compilation and statistical analysis, in an office setting, of atmospheric concentration data and/or data quality indicators from networks and/or special studies that monitor atmospheric concentrations of toxic substances. You may also prepare figures, tables, and summaries for inclusion in reports and/or papers.

Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Intern

In this scientific office position, you will compile important regulatory submissions for new drugs, natural health products, and cosmetics to Health Canada for approval of new products. You will also perform ingredient reviews, research scientific articles and conduct presentations on new science and regulations to the team.

Additional Sample Jobs: Chemical Laboratory Technician, Government Policy Analyst, Regulatory Program Evaluator, Biohazard Researcher, Private Sector Consulting Assistant, and more

Sample Employers*

  • University of Guelph
  • Focal Point Research
  • Dainty Foods
  • Health Canada

*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.

Salary Information

Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.