Biology Co-op
Meghan (biology) completed co-op work terms with Eco-Care Technologies.
Put your learning in motion.
Biology is the study of life... co-op brings your studies to life. As a co-op student, you’ll alternate your academic terms with co-op terms working for real biology employers. You’ll gain relevant, paid work experience, build competencies and hop on the fast track to career success.
You could work for co-op employers in:
- marine biology
- fisheries and forestry
- resource management
- pest management
- environmental monitoring
- ecology
- wildlife assessment and tracking
- botany
- genetics and microbiology
- medical research
Wondering what it's like to be a biology co-op student? Check out our student stories!
Contact: 250-721-8637, biocoop@uvic.ca
Office: Cunningham 105 (map)
Department: Department of Biology
- How to apply
- The co‑op process
- Fees and funding
- Salaries
- Find a co‑op work term
- WHMIS test
- During your work term
- After your work term
- Sample résumés and cover letters
- Co‑op student stories
- External job sources
- Co‑op forms
How to apply
Application requirements
To apply to Biology Co-op, you must:
- maintain at least a B- average
- have completed your first year of study in the Faculty of Science
When to apply
You can apply between October 1 of your second year and September 1 of your third year. If you’re a graduate student, contact Biology Co-op to see if co-op will fit your academic schedule.
Graduating with co-op designation
If you successfully complete the requirements of the co-op program, you'll earn a co-op distinction on your degree. Undergraduate students must complete four work terms to graduate with co-op designation. Graduate students must complete two to three work terms.
This program exceeds national standards
This UVic Co-op Program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE).
Your application package
- A completed application form
- A cover letter: Your one-page cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you’re applying.
- A recent résumé: Include your latest experiences, including extracurricular activities (volunteering, sports, outdoors, arts, etc.).
- References from people who can comment on your practical and academic abilities.
- Transcripts
- College and other university transcripts: Order these from each institution.
- UVic transcript: We can access these, so don’t worry about submitting them.
- Proof that you have a valid driver’s license: Not required but recommended. Many biology jobs involve driving, and employers can’t accept “N” status if you’re going to be driving corporate vehicles.
Each part of your application package will be held until it is complete.
Co-op acceptance
If you applied before September...
...you’ll hear back by early September. If you’re accepted, you’ll probably do your first work term in January.
In the middle of September, you’ll attend prep sessions to learn how to apply for jobs. At the end of September, you can attend presentations by students who have just finished a work term.
If you applied in September...
...you’ll hear back by mid-October. If you’re accepted, you’ll probably do your first work term in May.
In the middle of November, you’ll attend prep sessions to learn how to apply for jobs. You’ll probably start applying for jobs in January.
Career: 
