Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

at University of Guelph Canada

Position yourself as an expert in interesting and puzzling issues of our time, like fluctuations in interest rates and oil prices, or the implications of continental free trade. Integrate pure and applied economic theories with modes of thought, techniques and critical analysis drawn from the arts. 

Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a fascinating interdisciplinary area of growth. Located at the interface of chemistry and biology, this discipline brings opportunities to combine the powers of chemistry with exciting developments in biology.

This major combines the University of Guelph’s strength in the biological sciences whilst maintaining a strong chemistry-oriented understanding of the molecular basis for biological structure and function. At the University of Guelph, Learning Centres are staffed by teaching assistants to support students in addition to classes sizes in modern, well-equipped laboratories. U of G is well known for the breadth of its biological science programs, and students can avail themselves of the opportunity to take biology courses in a number of areas as part of the Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Program. All students graduate with exceptional laboratory experience in analytical instrumental laboratories and exploring molecular structures with the undergraduate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.

Students take an integrated MATH and PHYS course in first year along with the chemistry and biology taken by other science students. Second through fourth year, students take courses that focus on organic synthesis and analytical tools of relevance to both chemistry and biology. The major provides an option in third year to select hands-on training in pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacology and applied toxicology biopharmaceuticals through Seneca College.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Gather, critically assess, and utilize primary scientific literature to research a topic
• Evaluate the limitations of and troubleshoot experimental approaches.
• Demonstrate advanced, contemporary and relevant knowledge in chemistry
• Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental, health implications of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
• Work safely and effectively in the laboratory to generate reproducible and reliable results
• Conduct research effectively and reliably with relevant computational tools and modern chemical instrumentation

For the benefit of hybrid learning, physics and chemistry are combined in this major, which includes classes in such areas as materials science and the quantum mechanical basis of molecular structure. Working in the laboratory with state-of the- art equipment, you will acquire the skills and knowledge of a variety of techniques, including x-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Develop your aptitude for mathematics by considering its application to economic problems. Mathematics is an invaluable element of economic analysis to open up large areas of inquiry. These areas include problems involving consumer behaviour, the interactions among producers as they compete for market share, macroeconomic outcomes such as inflation and unemployment, and international trade and competitiveness. Courses in mathematics, statistics, economics and econometrics will sharpen your analytical skills for a career in industry, government or graduate work, and will provide a solid understanding of social policy issues and government actions.

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, including an inclass preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Criminal Justice and Public Policy is offered as a minor in the honours program and as a major in the honours program. It is designed to provide students seeking a career in the criminal justice system, or planning to pursue an advanced degree with a knowledge base that will enable them to pursue their career objectives. The program offers a unique blend of sociological courses dealing with the criminal justice system as well as courses in Political Science dealing with public policy formation and implementation. It also provides students with the conceptual and methodological tools needed for further study.

Microbiology is the study of organisms invisible to the naked eye. This major explores the diversity of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi. Applications of microbiology range from antibiotic development and resistance, to the relevance of the gut micro-flora in diseases, and finally yeast production for beverage and food development.

The variety of courses offered in the program cover a broad range of topics such as medical microbiology, infectious diseases, immunology, and antimicrobials, as well as environmental and food microbiology. Undergraduate laboratories will provide you with many practical skills in working with a variety of microbes and analyzing microbial processes at both the cellular and molecular levels. In your upper years, you will also have the opportunity to access some of the University of Guelph’s outstanding research labs and facilities through coursework or independant research projects.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Integrate the different levels of biological organization, from molecules to cells to organisms.
• Describe the metabolic and cellular diversity of microbes, and explain the critical roles of microbes in health, disease and the biosphere.
• Describe the use of microorganisms in industry, biotechnology and as model organisms for scientific discovery.
• Design and implement experimental procedures using relevant techniques to isolate, characterize and culture microbiological samples.

The Marine and Freshwater Biology major capitalizes on Guelph’s recognized excellence in aquatic research and provides a broad perspective on aquatic environments based on the physical as well as the biological sciences. In this major, students will build upon core courses in ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology of aquatic biota as they study freshwater and marine environments and work with aquatic organisms experimentally in the field and in the lab. They will have the opportunity to perform independent research projects under a variety of field and laboratory conditions to enhance their learning experience. The major prepares students for post-graduate work in the aquatic sciences, and provides a sound scientific background for students wishing to pursue careers in academia, government service, private sector (e.g., NGOs, fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, consulting), conservation, education and research.

Co-op Options
Biomedical Toxicology co-op is a five-year program, which includes four work terms. Below is an example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a Biomedical Toxicology major.*

To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements.

Students in the Geography program study human interactions with the environment across geographic scales, from local to global, and master the important computer, cartographic, writing, GIS, and statistical skills required of a professional geographer. Within the program of studies, students take courses in the physical and social sciences and are able to pursue a particular line of interest, for example in environmental conservation, climate change, environmental justice,
food security, geomorphology, urban-rural change, or watershed management. 

Learning takes place in a variety of settings in the program. In addition to classroom settings, students learn through hands-on research in labs and in the field. Labs are part of numerous courses, from first year to fourth year, and allow students to design and conduct experiments, and solve problems using state-of-the-art computing and analytical tools. Field research is also an important component of geographic research. Research, writing, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized throughout the program.

WHY CO-OP?
As a co-op student, you will gain firsthand work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills that are essential for pursuing a career in geography. You will also get paid while earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including a co-op preparatory course, a personal connection with Co-op Coordinators to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Create your own curriculum and explore Physical Science. Focus on chemistry, computing and information science, mathematics, physics or statistics. Build the necessary background for further studies in a specific area of your choice or continue in the major of Physical Science. Choose a minor in subjects like biotechnology, geographic information systems, psychology or business to meet your career goals or pursue professional schools.

The Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (BIESP) is an interdisciplinary science degree that focuses on the development of leaders in areas of environmental science, land-use and policy development who are grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This science degree emphasizes the respectful and consensual braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to address complex environmental issues and challenges. It focuses on the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through practices based on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and the practice of Indigenous land ethics grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, traditions and aspirations. By explicitly recognizing the inherent validity and value of Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, this interdisciplinary program offers a critical, yet constructive, view of environmental science, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, methodologies, priorities and values and oriented towards concrete action. In addition to their studies of natural and applied science, students will examine the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and the legal, political and economic context of environmental science and practice.  

Experiential learning is incorporated into each year of study through opportunities to interact and work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations supporting cross-cultural learning and practice. In the final year, students will conduct a group project that focuses on a current environmental issue and provides the opportunity to obtain realistic experiences within the interdisciplinary context of practicing environmental science with Indigenous communities. The BIESP is also offered as a co-op option. 

Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BIESP degree will have demonstrated they can:

• Build awareness of Indigenous cultural frameworks of environmental science including the role of traditional knowledge keepers, right relations, multi-generational environmental stewardship, and inclusion of non-human beings. 
• Consider the implications of historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in influencing governance, practices, policies, interactions and decision making in environmental science and practice. 
• Apply a critical and decolonial lens to the existing approach to environmental science and practice in Canada through the exploration of Indigenous principles, aspirations and practices while cognizant of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonization, land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma. 
• Apply the evolving legal frameworks of Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental science, which include Indigenous People’s inherent, treaty and constitutionally-protected rights, historic and contemporary lands, the minimal standard of free, prior, and informed consent, duty to consult and Indigenous-led practices of protection and restoration of special places and community well-being, to environmental stewardship.  
• Bridge and braid Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to propose and evaluate answers and solutions to environmental questions.  
• Formulate relevant and testable research questions, develop and implement an effective method of inquiry and perform appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses for use in evidence-based environmental planning, policy development and implementation across different knowledge systems from Indigenous and Western research paradigms and methodologies.  
• Utilize techniques and skills including mapping and GIS, data classification, spatial analysis, map design, Indigenous research methodologies and environmental risk assessment practices to analyze environmental management issues across different knowledge systems. 
• Demonstrate project management skills (leadership, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time and task management, and budgeting) to effectively work within a team to complete multifaceted projects related to environmental management, research, and community engagement. 
• Communicate ideas, arguments and analyses to Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences accurately and effectively, recognizing the role of language, personal values, strengths and limitations, and respecting diverse perspectives.  
• Demonstrate moral maturity and intercultural competency by considering diverse perspectives on environmental issues and Indigenous world views when acting as a professional and community member in decision making processes related to topics of land use, conservation, sustainability and environmental remediation and restoration. 
• Critically reflect on their personal values, academic and professional goals and determine how they can continue to respectfully engage and sustain relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to address environmental challenges utilizing both Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems and ethical protocols. 
• Appreciate and support the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities to promote respect, protect and sustain Indigenous knowledge and practice in Indigenous communities.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice is a five-year program including four work terms. Students must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/). 
Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice Academic and Co-op Work Term Schedule