How the Co-op works
- You will have 3 paid work terms that alternate with academic semesters.
- You will have the opportunity to work in the Fall, Winter and Summer.
- You will experience a true job search process where you submit applications and compete for jobs.
- You will work full time hours while on a work term, and study full time while in school.
- You will set learning goals and submit a self-evaluation for each of your work terms.
- Your employer will evaluate your performance.
Co-op Fees
Students in the Co-op option are required to pay an administrative fee for each work term. These nonrefundable fees are set by the University. Co-op students are also responsible for tuition and incidental fees related to their study terms and costs related to any Trent courses taken while completing a work term.
Co-op Program Sequence
There are three Conservation Biology Co-op recommended sequence options.
Work Terms
Every effort is made by the department to find suitable work term placements for students. However, the department cannot guarantee a work term opportunity for every student. The placement process is competitive and dependent upon market conditions as well as the academic performance, skills, motivation, maturity, attitude, and potential of a student as well as their Co-op interview process and/or their own job search activities.
Upon securing a Co-op position, students will complete a Job Confirmation Form to be submitted to the Biology Placement Officer. Learning Objectives are completed with your supervisor and due by the end of the second week of the work term.
Students returning from a work term must submit a self-evaluation of the work undertaken and the experience gained. A grade of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) will be assigned based on the evaluation and the employer's assessment. The self-evaluation is due within the first two weeks of the subsequent study term.
Students who are unable to obtain a suitable Co-op placement in an upcoming work term are expected to continue with their academic program on a full-time basis. A missed work term can be made up later in the program. In the event that a Co-op student is unable to complete three work terms, but fulfills the remainder of the degree requirements, the student will be awarded an Honours Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology.
