Program Overview

Plant Science Co-op Program

The Plant Science Co-op program at the University of Guelph offers students a comprehensive education in the field of plant science, with a strong focus on hands-on experience and collaborative problem-solving.

Program Overview

Students in the Plant Science major learn about the many wonders of plants, exploring the intricacies of plants through the study of their diversity, growth and development, plant-environment interactions, advances in molecular biology, and the various economic uses. The program provides students with the opportunity to study alongside one of the largest concentrations of plant scientists in Canada, gaining hands-on knowledge of plant ecology, systematics, physiology, botany, genetics, agriculture, ethnobotany, and biotechnology.

University of Guelph Advantage

The University of Guelph is an internationally top-ranked university with both Biological Science and Agricultural colleges. The Plant Science program crosses college boundaries to bring the full range of plant science programming to students. Guelph offers access to some of the world's most respected scientists, teachers, and researchers, as well as outstanding research and teaching facilities. Students do not begin their first work term until they have completed 2 years of study and have mastered the core competencies needed to be successful in their work terms. Students are available for up to four work terms (4, 8, or 12 months) and employers can post, interview, and hire throughout the semester.

Student Strengths

The Plant Science Co-op program develops strong problem-solving and collaboration skills in students, as well as in-depth knowledge of ecological interactions of plants and their impact on global, cultural, and societal issues. Students also gain hands-on experience with advanced technology to explore plant ecology, systematics, physiology, botany, genetics, agriculture, ethnobotany, and biotechnology.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills while working alongside one of the largest concentrations of plant sciences in Canada.

Deep Understanding

In-depth knowledge in the role of ecological interactions of plants and their impact on global, cultural and societal issues in a professional working environment.

Practical Experience

Hands-on experience with advanced technology to explore plant ecology, systematics, physiology, botany, genetics, agriculture, ethnobotany and biotechnology.

Plant Science Co-op Work Term Schedule

The co-op work term schedule for the Plant Science program is as follows:

• Year One: Academic (Fall and Winter), Off (Summer)
• Year Two: Academic (Fall and Winter), Work (Summer)
• Year Three: Academic (Fall and Winter), Work (Summer)
• Year Four: Work (Fall and Winter), Off (Summer)
• Year Five: Academic (Fall and Winter),

Plant Science Course Sequencing

The course sequencing for the Plant Science program is as follows:

Year One

• Fall:
  • Discovering Biodiversity
  • General Chemistry I
  • Effective Writing
  • Elements of Calculus I
  • Physics for Life Sciences
• Winter:
  • Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • General Chemistry II
  • Physics for Life Sciences II
  • 1 Liberal Education elective
  • One of:
    • Introduction to Computing
    • Introduction to Programming
    • Elements of Calculus II

Year Two

• Fall:
  • Introduction to Plant Agriculture
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Life Strategies of Plants
  • Introduction to Co-operative Education
  • Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • 1 Liberal Education elective
• Winter:
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Statistics I
  • 3 electives/restricted electives
• Summer:
  • Work Term One

Year Three

• Fall:
  • Plant Functional Ecology
  • 4 electives/restricted electives
• Winter:
  • Plant Anatomy
  • Plant Growth and Development
  • 3 electives/restricted electives
• Summer:
  • Work Term Two

Year Four

• Fall:
  • Work Term Three
• Winter:
  • Work Term Four

Year Five

• Fall:
  • 3–4 electives/restricted electives
  • One of:
    • Research Project I
    • Research in Integrative Biology I
    • Research Project in Molecular and Cellular Biology I
    • Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Winter:
  • Metabolism in the Whole Life of Plants
  • 4 electives/restricted electives

Restricted Electives

Restricted electives include: a minimum of 1.00 credits of Liberal Education and a minimum of 2.00 credits of Core electives and 3.00 credits of Subject Area electives from the following disciplines:

• Applied Plant Science
• Plant Biotechnology and Plant Genetics
• Plant Ecology and Evolution
• Research Methods

See Undergraduate Calendar for list of Core and Subject Area electives.