Experience Guide

First Year

• Take required Biology courses and explore other programs of interest.
• Learn about co-op – apply at the end of your first year.
• Investigate the learning supports offered through the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Labs.
• Attend departmental seminars to hear about current research from faculty members and invited speakers.
• Check out classroom info screens and department notice boards for important information and events in the department.
• Live in the Faculty of Science Residence Learning Community to enhance your academic and social success.
• Earn the Writing Certificate.

Middle Years

• Choose to specialize in one of the Biology concentrations.
• Explore courses in related areas of study and begin thinking about a minor or an option to complement your degree.
• Apply for the Ontario University Program in Field Biology to complete fieldwork courses in Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Africa or the Caribbean.
• Look for summer research opportunities and apply for a FOSSA Research Scholarship and/or NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to get funding.
• Consider applying to complete a fourth-year thesis as a part of the Research specialization.
• Consider taking Science Entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab.
• Continue to attend departmental seminars to engage with faculty and visiting speakers.

Final Year

• Complete a fourth-year thesis if you are interested in the Research specialization.
• Learn about Research and Instructional Assistantship opportunities in Biology.
• Apply for a FOSSA grant to attend a conference or purchase lab supplies for your research.
• Thinking of pursuing graduate school?
  • Talk to your professors and visit the Career Centre.
  • Sign up for a scholarship proposal writing workshop or book a writing consultation for help with your funding proposals.

Be Involved: Explore Work, Volunteer and Leadership Experience

First Year

• Attend O-Week events.
• Join student clubs such as the Laurier Biology Association, Faculty of Science Student Association (FOSSA) or a special interest club. Or create your own!
• Participate in events and skills-based workshops with your residence or off-campus LOCUS community.
• Explore your interests by volunteering on campus with Accessible Learning's Note-taking Program, Laurier International, Wellness Education, the Sustainability Office and more.
• Join intramural or club sports, participate in recreational activities and attend varsity games.
• Engage in the First-Year Leadership Program including Campus Councils, House Council and the Leadership Certificate.

Middle Years

• Volunteer in a faculty member’s lab.
• Volunteer to be an O-Week Icebreaker and welcome incoming first years.
• Seek student-representative positions in the Biology Department such as the Faculty of Science Divisional Council.
• Connect with local organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities.
• Learn to write articles, draw illustrations or take photographs with Laurier’s weekly newspaper, The Cord.
• Participate in campus sustainability projects (e.g., Zero Waste Week, workshops, Northdale Community Garden).
• Participate in Sandbox workshops and attend the Entrepreneur Speaker series.

Final Year

• Apply for an executive/coordinator position with a student club or committee.
• Attend the Ontario Biology Day undergraduate research conference or participate in poster conferences.
• Look into the StartUp Lab program for the opportunity to launch an innovative new venture.
• Participate in provincial, national or international scientific conferences as part of a faculty member-led research team.
• Apply for funding for a sustainable initiative on campus through the Sustainable Hawk Fund.
• Share your Laurier experience with prospective students at open house events.

Be Engaged: Broaden Your Perspective

First Year

• Get involved with the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Visit Laurier International to learn about international options available to you.
• Complete the Intercultural Certificate with Laurier International.
• Engage in training on consent, bystander intervention and disclosure provided through Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention Support.

Middle Years

• Consider enrolling in a language course.
• Gather for Soup Tuesday at the Indigenous Student Centre.
• Become a Global Engagement Student Ambassador.
• Study abroad for an academic term.
• Complete the Diversity Certificate.

Final Year

• Participate in Indigenous Education Week.
• Earn your Certificate in Accessibility with Accessible Learning.
• Consider the Alternative Reading Week trip with Habitat for Humanity.

Your graduate degree at Laurier will take you in many different directions and prepare you to be a leader in both your field and community. Your Laurier experience includes many opportunities to engage both in and outside the classroom.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies provides academic leadership, administrative support and program advice to all graduate students. There are also scholarships and financial awards, fellowships and other teaching and research assistantship positions that you can access during your time at Laurier.

Graduate students gain knowledge about professional skill development through Laurier’s ASPIRE program. This program provides a framework for you to design an extracurricular learning plan for navigating your professional journey and entry to the workplace. There are also teaching certificates, career development workshops and other skill development opportunities.

The Graduate Students’ Association provides many services and supports with a focus on wellness. They provide various opportunities to be involved and contribute to the Laurier community.

The Laurier graduate school experience is more than research and scholarship – it’s about becoming an engaged citizen and applying your advanced knowledge to real-world problems.