Section 5: Programs in Engineering
5.4 Biosystems Engineering Degree

Cooperative Education Program in Biosystems Engineering
Coordinator: M.G. (Ron) Britton

The cooperative education program is an approach to education in which academic study is complemented and enriched with practical work experience. A student alternates periods of attendance in university with periods of employment in industry or government. The work terms provide the students with practical experience, help to finance their education, and provide guidance for further career specialization.

A student on good academic standing may apply to enter the cooperative program format in Biosystems Engineering after completing 80 credit hours. Acceptance into the program is dependent upon the student's receiving a job placement through the office of cooperative education in Biosystems Engineering. Students may seek employment on their own, but must consult with the coop coordinator before doing so. Once a job placement has been secured through the office, the student is accepted into the program and enrols in the course 034.355 Cooperative Work Study 1 (and subsequently, 034.455 Cooperative Work Study 2) for the specific work term (W1, winter, summer; W2, summer, fall) of employment.

In order to stay in the cooperative program format in Biosystems Engineering, a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 and must obtain a grade of "pass" for each work term report. All rules and regulations of the Faculty of Engineering apply. Students, who do not maintain these standards, may not remain in the cooperative format program and may be transferred back into the traditional program format or required to withdraw completely.

The course and grade requirements for completion of the cooperative program are the same as those for the traditional program. However, in order to satisfy course prerequisite needs, and the timetable, course arrangements of a student in the cooperative program may differ from those of a student in the traditional program.

Each successfully completed work term and its corresponding work term report carries one credit hour. Work term reports are given grades of "Pass" or "Fail." The coop office assigns faculty advisors to mark work term reports. A graduate who successfully complete both work terms and the required work term reports will have the words "Cooperative Education Option" placed on their diploma.

Departmental Program

Biosystems Engineering Design Electives