Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences (B.Sc.(Env.)) is a unique interdisciplinary program designed to integrate social and physical sciences to provide students with an in depth understanding of the biophysical environment and its overlapping systems. One of five majors under this program title, Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to model change in environmental processes and build upon this knowledge to tackle environmental challenges faced today. The Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science major provides students a strong foundation in the physical sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics and geography, alongside the social and technological sciences, with offerings in economics, policy, programming, and spatial analysis.
University of Guelph Advantage
To become proficient environmental scientists, students follow a unique curriculum tailored to their specific major. After completing a common first year that acts as a base foundation in general sciences, students then branch out into one of the five majors. Students do not begin their first work term until they have completed at least 1.5 years of study and grasped the core concepts and skills needed to succeed in their work terms. Throughout their academic career, Environmental Science Students will have the opportunity to build expertise in both scientific and social aspects of environmental problem solving. A wide range of course offerings allow for students to specialize within their majors, with countless opportunities for hands-on experiential learning. Environmental Science Students work in environmentally relevant positions in both the government and private sectors and may conduct research in a variety of disciplines.
Our co-op process responds to your needs. Employers are able to post, interview and hire throughout the semester, and our students are available for 4, 8, or 12 month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph students easy! Our students’ experience, drive and passion make it worthwhile.
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Highly transferrable management and decision-making skills that can be used to apply scientific knowledge to environmental problems and evaluate appropriate environmental policies.
Communication
Excellent oral and written communication skills, honed through report development and presentation.
Spatial Analysis
Students gain a unique understanding of environmental processes through hands-on learning in remote sensing and spatial analysis.
Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science Course Sequencing
Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Discovering Biodiversity
- General Chemistry I
- Introduction to Environmental Sciences
- Elements of Calculus I
Winter
- Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- General Chemistry II
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Introduction to Environmental Economics, Law and Policy
- Introduction to the Biophysical Environment
Fall
- Programming
- Geomorphology
- The Earth From Space
- Analysis in Geography
- 1 electives or restricted electives
Winter
- Climate and Biophysical Environment
- Environment and Resources
- Mapping and GIS
- 2 electives or restricted electives
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Fluvial Processes
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- 3 electives/restricted electives
Winter
- Remote Sensing of the Environment
- Environmental Hydrology
- 3 electives/restricted electives
Fall
Work Term Two
Winter
Work Term Three
Summer
Work Term Four
Fall
- Project in Environmental Sciences
- 4 electives/restricted electives
Winter
- Project in Environmental Sciences
- Applied Geomatics
- 2 electives/restricted electives
Restricted Electives
Students are required to take 5.00 restricted elective credits in Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science. Of these, at least 1.00 credits must be at the 4000-level. Please see the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of courses.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.