Ecology 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, Ecology looks at organism interactions and provides a systems-based viewpoint to tackling environmental issues. The Ecology major provides students with a strong foundation in the physical sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics and biodiversity, alongside social sciences, with offerings in economics, law and policy.
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, Ecology students will have the opportunity to build expertise in scientific, economic, political, legislative and philosophical aspects of environmental problem solving. A wide range of course offerings allows for students to specialize within their majors, with countless opportunities for hands-on experiential learning. Ecology 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- or 8-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.
Systems Based Way of Thinking
Broad viewpoint of natural systems, used to facilitate connections of scientific concepts and address the interconnected nature of ecosystems.
Ecology Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Work | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Academic | Off |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Ecology 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
- Ecology
- One of:
- Physics for Life Sciences
- Fundamentals of Physics
- One of:
- Economic Growth and Environmental Quality
- Survey of Natural Resource Economics
- 2 electives/restricted electives
Winter
Work Term One
Summer
Work Term Two
Fall
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- 4 electives/restricted electives
Winter
- Evolution
- Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Biostatistics for Integrative Biology
- 2 electives/restricted electives
Summer
Work Term Three
Fall
Work Term Four
Winter
- Populations, Communities and Ecosystems
- Conservation Biology
- 3 electives/restricted electives
Fall
- Laboratory and Field Work in Ecology
- Project in Environmental Sciences
- 3 electives/restricted electives
Winter
- Project in Environmental Sciences
- 4 electives/restricted electives
Restricted Electives
Students are required to take 6.50 restricted elective credits in Ecology. 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.