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Laurier’s Faculty of Science offers programs that are contemporary and competitive, designed to attract the highest quality students and to provide them with a stimulating education and thorough preparation for employment or further studies. Small class sizes in the science programs provide an opportunity for interaction between students and faculty and for practical laboratory learning. The faculty is a centre for research in the natural, physical and social sciences.
Science co-op is available to honours students in the following majors:
*Available as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
** Available as Bachelor of Arts.
Scroll down for information about co-op programs for students in Computer Science, Data Science, and Water Science and Environmental Health at the Waterloo campus.
Student Testimonial
“For my first work term, I received a grant to found Northern Girl Fitness and publish a health and fitness journal to help others set and track their health goals.In my second work term, the Menich Award funded my job promoting physical activity at Parkwood Mennonite Home, where I launched a walking campaign for which I was recognized by Senior Care Canada.”
Heather Tunks, Kinesiology, Class of 2017
Year |
Fall (September-December) |
Winter (January - April) |
Spring (May-August) |
Year 1 |
Study Term |
Study Term |
Summer Vacation |
Year 2 |
Study Term |
Study Term |
Work Term 1 |
Year 3 |
Study Term |
Study Term |
Work Term 2 |
Year 4 |
Study Term |
Study Term |
Industry |
First Work Term |
Second Work Term |
||
Highest Salary |
Lowest Salary |
Highest Salary |
Lowest Salary |
|
Academic |
$640 |
minimum wage |
$765 |
minimum wage |
Federal |
$757 |
$757 |
$868 |
$757 |
Municipal |
$710 |
minimum wage |
$800 |
minimum wage |
Non-Profit |
$750 |
minimum wage |
$800 |
minimum wage |
Private |
$1,000 |
minimum wage |
$956 |
minimum wage |
Provincial |
$939 |
$939 |
- |
- |
Overall Average |
$671 |
Computer Science students gain strong algorithm analysis and design skills in procedural, object-oriented and low-level languages. Sample courses include applied cryptology, digital electronics, computer graphics, parallel programming and Windows application programming.
Students pursuing an Honours BA or a BSc in Computer Science may apply to co-op at the end of first year. Students admitted into Computer Science co-op since September 2018 accumulate 12 months of experience by completing three four-month work terms. The first work term is in the fall term following 3A, the second is in the spring following 3B, and the final is in the winter, following 4A.
Year | Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) | Spring (May - August) |
1 | 1A academic term | 1B academic term | Vacation |
2 | 2A academic term | 2B academic term | 3A academic term |
3 | Work term 1 | 3B academic term | Work term 2 |
4 | 4A academic term | Work term 3 | 4B academic term |
Academic Credit
Undergraduate co-op students in Computer Science receive academic credit for participating in co-op. To obtain the co-op designation on your transcript you need to pass the co-op fundamentals course, receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each work term report and receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each performance evaluation.
Laurier’s Data Science program teaches students to extract insights from complex data. Participants study algorithm design, discrete mathematics, machine learning, statistical learning and data analytics, and may concentrate in big data or financial risk analysis.
Data Science co-op students complete three work terms of four months each, in approved employment related to their discipline or career goals. The first work term is in the fall term of third year, following 3A, the second is in the spring following 3B, and the final is in the winter, following 4A.
Year |
Fall (September to December) |
Winter (January to April) |
Spring (May to August) |
1 |
1A academic term |
1B academic term |
Vacation |
2 |
2A academic term |
2B academic term |
3A academic term |
3 |
Work term 1 |
3B academic term |
Work term 2 |
4 |
4A academic term |
Work term 3 |
4B academic term |
Academic Credit
Undergraduate co-op students in Data Science receive academic credit for participating in co-op. To obtain the co-op designation on your transcript you need to pass the co-op fundamentals course, receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each work term report and receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each performance evaluation.
Honours Computer Science students in the Professional Experience Program may have completed courses in software engineering, machine learning, system programming, digital system design, and algorithm design and analysis before their extended work term begins after third year. Students pursue work in areas such as programming, networking technology, quality assurance, technical support or information technology consulting. Most participants begin a 16-month term in May; some begin a 12-month term in September.
What Students Say
“Automating processes and rebuilding a website for Manulife enhanced my technical skills, and gaining some experience with machine learning helped confirm that field as a career goal.”
TEJASVI PAL, PEP, CLASS OF 2020
Academic Competencies
Computer Science
The aim of the Computer Science program is to develop strong algorithm analysis and design skills in procedural, object-oriented and low level languages. In addition to these essential concepts, students gain necessary experience in group work, project administration, and time management.
By the end of the third year all Computer Science students will have developed competence in the following areas and tools:
Year | Fall (September-December) | Winter (January-April) | Spring (May-August) |
1 | Study Term | Study Term | Vacation |
2 | Study Term | Study Term | Vacation |
3 | Study Term | Study Term | Work Term |
4 | Work Term |
Work Term |
Work Term |
5 | Study Term | Study Term |
Water Science and Environmental Health
If you are a first-year student in Water Science and Environmental Health, contact lauriercoop@wlu.ca if you have any questions after reviewing the information on our site.
Water Science and Environmental Health is an interdisciplinary program jointly operated by the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Geography and Environmental Studies.
Students completing a Water Science and Environmental Health degree learn about hydrology, limnology, biogeochemistry, toxicology, biology, water governance and policy.
Participants complete two eight-month work terms. Their first begins in January after 3A, and their second begins in May after 4A.
Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) | Spring (May - August) | |
Year 1 | 1A academic term | 1B academic term | Summer Vacation |
Year 2 | 2A academic term | 2B academic term | Summer Vacation |
Year 3 | 3A academic term | Work Term 1 | Work Term 2 |
Year 4 | 3B academic term | 4A academic term | Work Term 3 |
Year 5 | Work Term 4 | 4B academic term |
Academic Credit
Undergraduate co-op students in Water Science and Environmental Health receive academic credit for participating in co-op. To obtain the co-op designation on your transcript you need to pass the co-op fundamentals course, receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each work term report and receive a rating of at least satisfactory on each performance evaluation.
Contact Us:
Waterloo Campus
E:
coopadmissions@wlu.ca
T:
519.884.0710 x4484
F:
519.884.8829
Office Location: 192 King Street North
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Brantford Campus
E:
coopadmissions@wlu.ca
T:
519.756.8228 x5844
Office Location: One Market - OM206