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 which integrates the sciences and social sciences and builds skills in communication, management, and decision-making. Students within the program learn and practice a well-rounded approach to addressing environmental problems. In this program, students gain the skills and expertise needed to solve the complex environmental problems that the government, industry, the private sector, and society are currently addressing.
University of Guelph Advantage
To become competent environmental scientists, students follow a unique curriculum. Their common first year provides a firm foundation in science before students branch out into their chosen area of expertise or major.
As they complete their first year, students select a major to focus their studies. Students do not begin their first work term until they have completed 1.5 years of study and have mastered the core competencies needed to be successful in their work terms. During their academic career, students build academic expertise examining the scientific, economic, political, legislative and philosophical aspects of environmental problem solving. Environmental Sciences students work in environmentally related positions in the government and private sectors. They may conduct research in a variety of disciplines; perform environmental assessments or land evaluations; or contribute to large environmental projects.
Student Strengths
Comprehensive Understanding
Broad-based knowledge and understanding in the sciences combined with in-depth knowledge and understanding in a particular scientific area.
Critical Thinking
Management and decision-making skills for the application of scientific knowledge to environmental problems, and the evaluation of appropriate environmental policies.
Communication
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. 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
- One of:
- Plant Anatomy
- Vertebrate Structure and Function
- 3 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 6.00 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.