Bachelor of Science - Biology (Co-operative) Program


The Biology Co-operative Education program is available to Biology undergraduate students. This program provides the opportunity for students to learn valuable and practical skills while working in positions that relate to the field of Biology. Students will complete three work terms (two in Spring semesters and one in Fall or Winter semester), during which time they will work full time as a paid employee at a local, regional, national or international company or organization doing work in Biological Sciences.


Admission Criteria

1. Admission is limited, competitive, and selective.

2. The primary criteria used in reaching decisions on applications for admission are motivation and overall academic achievement. Students may be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

3. Students must first be admitted to the Biology Major.

4. To be eligible for admission, a student must have completed the second year Biology Core, with an overall average of at least 65%, and an overall average of at least 65% in all Biology courses before the start of the first work term. A student must have an overall average of 65% in all other required courses, and must be registered as a full- time student in the semester in which application is made.

5. The application deadline is October 15 for the following Spring semester work term (normally the third semester in year two).


How to Apply

Applications must include the following documents in the application package:

1. Completed general information form.

2. A letter (one page maximum) to the Academic Staff Member, Co-operative Education, explaining your interest in the program and why you feel you are a good candidate.

3. A current resume.

4. Unofficial copy of your academic transcript.

Completed applications must be emailed to the Science and Humanities and Social Sciences Co-op Office (SN 1060) at coopscihss@mun.ca.

For further information on the Biology Co-operative Education program, please contact the Co-op Office.


Work Term Descriptions

The following Work Terms are a requirement of the Biology (Co-operative) Program (BCOP) only. Additional information on registration and evaluation of performance during each work term is available here.

199W Work Term I follows the successful completion of Semester 4. Students are expected to learn, develop and practice the high standards of behaviour and performance normally expected in the work environment. Students will observe, apply, analyse and/or evaluate concepts from biology courses in the work place and further their understanding of the principles of biology and how they are applied in a professional setting.
CH: 0
LC: 0
PR: Admission to the Biology Major and successful completion of semester 4

299W Work Term II follows the successful completion of Semester 6. Students are expected to further develop and expand their knowledge and work-related skills and should be able to accept increased responsibility and challenge. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to deal with increasingly complex work-related concepts and problems. Students will continue to observe, apply, analyse and/or evaluate concepts from biology courses in the workplace and continue to further their understanding of the principles of biology and how they are applied in a professional setting. Students are required to complete one or more assignments, as outlined in the syllabus.
CH: 0
LC: 0
PR: BIOL 199W

399W Work Term III follows the successful completion of semester 7 or Work Term II. Students will have sufficient academic grounding and work experience to contribute in a positive manner to the problem-solving and management processes needed and practiced in the work environment. Students should become better acquainted with their discipline of study, should observe and appreciate the attitudes, responsibilities, and ethics normally expected of professionals and should exercise greater independence and responsibility in their assigned work functions.
CH: 0
LC: 0
PR: BIOL 299W