Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Co-op)

at University of Guelph Canada

The Bachelor of Arts - History program discover the past and create the future. Study a range of thematic courses, including Food History, War and Society, Gender and Sexuality and Rural History. Enjoy small seminars in the first year, access to special archives and courses with community partners such as the Guelph Black Heritage Society, and the Guelph Civic Museum. Graduates are flexible, intelligent, polished communicators, researchers and problem solvers who follow their passions in business, law, education, civil service, journalism, and the arts.

Students interested in problems requiring the application of knowledge from both the biological sciences and engineering will find a challenge as a Biological Engineer. This field of engineering is the application of principles, methods and concepts of biology to systems and tools, ranging in scale from molecular to ecosystem level. This field combines engineering principles with life sciences to design creative solutions for biological systems, with applications ranging from pharmaceutical and food manufacturing, bioconversions to reduce waste, and production of sustainable, bio-based materials. For example, a Biological Engineer concentrating on biotechnology might design and manage bioreactors to improve their productivity. A Biological Engineering graduate can pursue a career in a number of exciting fields, including food safety, bio-instrumentation, diagnostics and sensorics in bio-systems, biomechanics and ergonomics.

Biomedical Engineering is a field of engineering that deals with health and medicine. (e.g.: electronic and mechanical devices used on biological materials, animals and humans, medical implants and instruments, ergonomics, bioinstrumentation, imaging and pharmacology). Graduates in Biomedical engineering are able to apply mathematical, scientific and engineering principles to a wide variety of fields and find employment across the private and public sectors of the health care industry. The program provides students with a common base of knowledge essential to engineering, and then allows them to select from a menu of electives to attain a degree of specialization in one of three areas, or to choose electives which broaden their general knowledge base. Elective concentrations are available in the areas of biomechanics; biosignal processing; and pharmaceuticals. The program is built around the concept of interdisciplinary application of engineering principles to health related problems.

Explore the powerful inner workings of the human mind, how it works and how it affects behaviour. Analyze the emotions and motivations of individuals and groups. You'll gain a broad understanding of psychological theory and methodology including courses in research methodology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and behavioural neuroscience. Learn what makes us human and how the principles of psychology can be used to improve life.

This program is designed for students wishing to concentrate on Geography. It introduces the basic concepts in human, physical and environmental geography and requires everyone to master the important computer, cartographic, writing, GIS, and statistical skills required of a professional geographer. Within this program, it is possible to include a balanced mix of Geography courses or to specialize in techniques, human, physical or environmental topics. Careful selection of electives from complementary programs can enhance specializations within this program.

Students in the Department of Geography can participate in the student led Geography Society. Which organizes special events throughout the year, including trips, parties, and career nights. The Geography Society has its own room in the Hutt Building, which provides a place for members to meet, to study, and to plan events.

Program Highlights
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.

Study in both the arts and the sciences - at the same time! In BAS, you don't have to choose! You will pick one minor in the arts and one in the sciences, and study courses that consider current and historical issues, integrating the two discplines.  Then you can go on to make a real difference as a veterinarian, archaeologist, doctor, communication and PR professional, lawyer or teacher! You choose your career path.

Sample Minor Combinations and Future Career Choices:

• Chemistry + Art history   
• Computing + Psychology
• Ecology + International Development Studies
• Biochemistry + Criminal Justice and Public Policy
• Physics + Theatre Studies

Participate in unique courses that investigate how cultural, social and scientific endeavours confront world issues. Critically analyze historical and current case studies to complete volunteer placements at local agencies.

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

Co-Op Options
Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry co-op is a four-and-a-half-year program, which includes four work terms. Below is an example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry major.

*Please note this sequence may change. The current undergraduate calendar will house the most accurate sequence that students must follow. 

Students in this co-op major complete a course, COOP*1100, in the winter semester of first year.  This course helps students prepare for their work term by developing professional attitudes and skills for the workplace. This course also provides students with a toolkit of resume and cover letter writing as well as interview skills, which helps students to apply, interview and secure their work term positions.

Explore how writing across genres and media helps us to understand each other and the world in which we live. Discover your ability to write creatively in workshops led by some of Canada’s most acclaimed writers, including Lawrence Hill and Dionne Brand. Hone your skills in thinking analytically about literature, media and film. Writing clearly and effectively is a skill that opens opportunities.

As an Economist, you may be called on to explain or predict some of the most interesting and puzzling issues of our time, such as the fluctuations in interest rates and oil prices, the value of the dollar or the implications of continental free trade. Studying Economics within the Bachelor of Arts degree integrates pure and applied economics theories with areas of thought, techniques and critical analysis drawn from the arts. A knowledge of economics helps you understand the implications of global trends and changes to the tax system or health insurance plans. As a student in the Economics major, you will be provided with excellent preparation for a
management career in business or government, or the background you need to pursue graduate studies

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.

Biomedical Engineering is a field of engineering that deals with health and medicine. (e.g.: electronic and mechanical devices used on biological materials, animals and humans, medical implants and instruments, ergonomics, bioinstrumentation, imaging and pharmacology). Graduates in Biomedical engineering are able to apply mathematical, scientific and engineering principles to a wide variety of fields and find employment across the private and public sectors of the health care industry. The program provides students with a common base of knowledge essential to engineering, and then allows them to select from a menu of electives to attain a degree of specialization in one of three areas, or to choose electives which broaden their general knowledge base. Elective concentrations are available in the areas of biomechanics; biosignal processing; and pharmaceuticals. The program is built around the concept of interdisciplinary application of engineering principles to health related problems.

Co-op
The Co-op program in Biomedical Engineering is a five year program, including five work terms. Students must complete a Fall, Winter and Summer work term and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined below (also found on the Co-operative Education website: https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/). Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to adjusting this schedule.

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.