Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics (Co-op)

at University of Guelph Canada

Students will study elements of physics including the exotic aspects of the universe, such as black holes and subatomic particles, or be involved in the development of exciting modern devices such as particle accelerators and gamma-ray spectrometers.

With an emphasis on hands-on lab work, the physics major covers the fundamentals of mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics, grounding students in foundational physics while preparing them for more specialized study in upper years. The strong analytical, computational, and lab skills developed during the degree provide the flexibility to pursue a broad range of careers upon graduation.

The major builds upon nationally recognized expertise in teaching and research with many of our faculty members having received both national and international awards. 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 will focus on physics specialty courses with an emphasis on hands-on, laboratory learning. Unique to the University of Guelph, students will also take a Science Communications course where they develop activities to help people understand the concepts of physics.

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Demonstrate mastery in advanced Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Optics, and Quantum Mechanics
• Apply Intermediate level Mathematics techniques to enhance understanding in the aforementioned major subject areas
• Demonstrate advanced laboratory skills in order to practically realize concepts in Electricity & Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Physics, Optics, Nuclear Physics, Spectroscopy, and Electronics and apply these skills in self-directed learning
• Apply modern computational techniques to investigate various physical phenomena and demonstrate proficiency in mathematical software such as Maple, MatLab, and/or Mathematica

Co-Op Options
Physics co-op is a five-year program, which includes five work terms. Below is an example of how the academic and work sequence will look for a Physics 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 fall semester of second 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.

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College, School of Environmental Sciences

The One Health degree offers students the opportunity to explore animal, environmental and human health from both the scientific and socio-cultural perspectives. One Health is an approach to research and problem-solving that brings together different knowledge systems and perspectives in order to find solutions that ensure people, animals, and our environment stay healthy.

Students in the One Health degree are required to complete a One Health core, comprising required courses and restricted electives. Students will also be required to declare one of four areas of emphasis by the end of the first year of their program. As part of the OH core, students will complete a set of preparation courses, in year 1 and 2, for their preferred Area of Emphasis (hereafter referred to as sub-core)

Explore human societies and cultures within contemporary global structures through Anthropology. Courses include Contemporary Native Peoples of Canada; Kinship, Family, and Power; Culture, Rights and Development; and the Anthropology of Health, giving you a critical understanding of issues of multiculturalism and the globalization of our daily experience. You can also choose to continue on in graduate studies in anthropology, law, public health, and social work.

Computers play many roles in our lives. At the School of Computer Science, we recognize that relationship and its variable nature. If you enjoy solving problems, nothing is more exciting than working and studying at the leading edge of computer science.  You will develop skills throughout your degree as you explore different course materials within the field of computer science and across other disciplines. The program provides you with a strong foundation in hardware and theory with a particular focus on applied software development. By the time you graduate you will be a sought-after expert with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that will make you indispensable.

Computer Science
Help explore problems, build innovative computing solutions and contribute to the evolution of technology. This major will provide you with a theoretical foundation in computer science, as well as practical experience in software development and an introduction to hardware. You will explore pressing computer science issues, from large system software development to emerging technologies. This major will focus on programming and the theory of computation, with plenty of flexibility in selecting computer science electives to fit your interests, such as Computational Intelligence, Computer Security, Game Programming and Human Computer Interaction.

Co-op Option
The Co-op program in Computer Science 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.

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. 

The Major in Biodiversity offers a broad education in the diversity and evolution of life while providing a more specialized understanding of biology at the level of the organism. It is the most flexible of the majors offered by the Department of Integrative Biology and as such, it allows students the opportunity to design a customized program around their interests. The major qualifies students for postgraduate work in biodiversity, botany, zoology, and other life sciences and provides a sound science background for students wishing to pursue professional life science degrees or careers in teaching, government service or the private sector.

Biodiversity impacts every aspect of our planet. To maximize a student’s exposure to biodiversity we strongly encourage students to consider an international exchange in their fifth semester. An increase in global awareness of the diverse issues facing biodiversity from different economic, social, environmental and biological landscapes will help students to critically think, analyze and recognize the inherent complexities within the field.

The Real Estate and Housing major in the B.Comm. program is one of only a few undergraduate programs in Canada that specialize in the real estate sector. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of residential and commercial/investment real estate. Topics such as the development, financing, valuation, market analysis and management of real estate are taught in the context of economic, legal, political and social factors affecting this large and growing field of business in Canada and the world.

The purpose of this major is to develop the conceptual, analytical and management skills required for careers in real estate and housing. Students graduate with a degree that can lead to a variety of professional positions in the private or public sectors of the Canadian real estate industry or they can continue on to graduate work in business, planning or the social sciences.

Examine law, justice and judicial processes in Canada and in a global context

Evaluate how justice and legal institutions both shape and are shaped by government and society. Learn how the law and legal processes can either enhance or frustrate the pursuit of justice and the goal of improving life.
The Justice and Legal Studies program (JLS) is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Political Science. As such it benefits from being part of one of the premier law and politics departments in Canada.

This innovative program examines a broad range of justice and legal issues in an interdisciplinary fashion. It helps students build a foundation of understanding of the principles of law and justice. Students then choose an area of emphasis to both leverage faculty strengths and focus their studies.

5 Areas of Emphasis to Choose From
The BA in Justice and Legal Studies is an honours major. Take core courses that introduce you to law, justice and legal institutions. Examine case studies that connect to larger socio-economic and political systems. Then choose one of the following areas of emphasis:

• Canadian Politics and Governance
• Global Relations and Governance
• Gender and Sexuality
• Arts and Humanities
• Business and Management

Biomedical Toxicology is the study of dose-response relationships in systems related to mammals with the understanding that the “Dose makes the poison”.

This interdisciplinary program at the University of Guelph combines studies in biomedical science, chemistry, human health and nutritional sciences, molecular and cellular biology and pathobiology, allowing students to understand mechanisms of toxic action and how to apply toxicological testing to assure the safety of new drugs, pesticides and industrial chemicals before they can be released into the marketplace.

In first year, students study the core sciences of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical science. Second through fourth years are very interdisciplinary and include courses in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, nutrition and toxicology. Students take courses that provide a high-quality laboratory experience ranging from analytical and organic chemistry to molecular biology.

All students graduate with exceptional laboratory experience in analytical instrumental laboratories (with instrumentation used in modern analytical, forensic and pharmaceutical labs) as well as molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories.  

Learning Outcomes
You can expect to learn how to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of target organ toxicity and the processes involved in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of toxicants.
• Apply methods for evaluating the hazards associated with exposure to toxicants.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to measure and quantify the amount of toxic substances in a variety of matrices including drinking water, blood and urine samples.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to analyze and interpret results from a dose/response assay used to measure toxicity.

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.*
*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

Choose between 15 areas of concentration in the three years BA General degree. This flexible, multidisciplinary three-year degree involves a generalized study of a broad range of subjects and allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career plans.

Areas of concentration are:

• Anthropology;
• English;
• French studies;
• Geography;
• History;
• International development studies;
• Mathematics;
• Music;
• Philosophy;
• Political science;
• Psychology;
• Sociology;
• Spanish and Hispanic studies;
• Statistics;
• Theatre studies.

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.