Biochemistry and Microbiology Co-op
Charley (biochemistry and microbiology) worked for the BC Cancer Agency.
Put your learning in motion.
Through co-op, you'll alternate your academic terms with co-op terms working for biochemistry or microbiology employers. You’ll gain relevant, paid work experience, build competencies, and learn how to succeed after graduation. Wondering what co-op's like? Check out our student stories!
On a co-op work term, you could:
- monitor industrial fermentation processes
- test clinical, environmental, food and water samples for microbial or contamination hazards
- conduct original research using modern biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, genomics and proteomics technology
Contact: 250-721-8813, rpoulson@uvic.ca
Location: Petch Building, room 191 (map)
Unit: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
- 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
- Résumé and cover letter tips
- Sample job descriptions
- Co‑op student stories
- Co‑op forms
How to apply
Co-op requirements
To apply to the Biochemistry and Microbiology Co-op/Internship Program, you must:
- have (and maintain) a minimum B average
- be enrolled full-time at UVic
- be majoring in biochemistry or microbiology
- be prepared to travel across Canada for work terms
When to apply
You should apply to co-op by September 30 of your second year of study, although third-year entry is also possible. If you’re a graduate student, contact us to see if co-op will fit your academic schedule.
Graduating with co-op or internship designation
If you successfully complete the requirements of the Biochemistry and Microbiology Co-op/Intermship Program, you'll earn a co-op or internship designation on your degree when you graduate. Undergraduate students must complete four work terms to graduate with a co-op designation and 12 or 16 months of consecutive work terms to graduate with an internship deisgnation. 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
Want to join Biochemistry and Microbiology Co-op? You can pick up an application package in Petch 191 or submit the following material online:
- A completed application form
- Lab instructor assessments
- References who can comment on you as a student or employee
- Transcripts
- College and other university transcripts: Order these from each institution.
- UVic transcript: We can access this, so don’t worry about submitting it.
We'll hold each part of your application package until it's 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 start applying for jobs in January.
Career: 
