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This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

Institute of Biochemistry
(Faculty of Science)
613-520-2478
http://carleton.ca/biochem

Department of Biology
(Faculty of Science)
613-520-2478
http://carleton.ca/biology

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

Program Requirements

Biochemistry and Biotechnology
B.Sc. Honours
(20.0 credits)

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (15.0 credits)
1.  4.0 credits in:4.0
BIOL 1103 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology I
BIOL 1104 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology II
BIOL 2104 [0.5]
Introductory Genetics
BIOL 2301 [0.5]
Biotechnology I
BIOL 2303 [0.5]
Microbiology
BIOL 3104 [0.5]
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 3301 [0.5]
Biotechnology II
BIOL 4301 [0.5]
Current Topics in Biotechnology
2.  0.5 credit from:0.5
BIOL 2001 [0.5]
Animals: Form and Function
BIOL 2002 [0.5]
Plants: Form and Function
3.  0.5 credit from:0.5
BIOL 3201 [0.5]
Cell Biology
BIOL 3205 [0.5]
Plant Biochemistry and Physiology
BIOL 3303 [0.5]
Experimental Microbiology
BIOL 3305 [0.5]
Human and Comparative Physiology
BIOL 4109 [0.5]
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics
4.  0.5 credit from:0.5
BIOL 3102 [0.5]
Mycology
BIOL 3201 [0.5]
Cell Biology
BIOL 3303 [0.5]
Experimental Microbiology
BIOL 4106 [0.5]
Advances in Molecular Biology
BIOL 4109 [0.5]
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics
BIOL 4200 [0.5]
Immunology
BIOL 4201 [0.5]
Advanced Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
BIOL 4300 [0.5]
Applied Microbiology
BIOL 4303 [0.5]
Advances in Microbiology
5.  3.0 credits in:3.0
BIOC 2200 [0.5]
Cellular Biochemistry
BIOC 3101 [0.5]
General Biochemistry I
BIOC 3102 [0.5]
General Biochemistry II
BIOC 3103 [0.5]
Practical Biochemistry I
BIOC 3104 [0.5]
Practical Biochemistry II
BIOC 3202 [0.5]
Biophysical Techniques and Applications
6.  1.0 credit from:1.0
BIOC 4907 [1.0]
Honours Essay and Research Proposal
BIOC 4908 [1.0]
Research Project
7.  1.0 credit from:1.0
BIOL 3008 [0.5]
Bioinformatics
or BIOC 3203 [0.5]
Biochemical Pharmacology
BIOC 4004 [0.5]
Industrial Biochemistry
BIOC 4005 [0.5]
Biochemical Regulation
BIOC 4007 [0.5]
Membrane Biochemistry
BIOC 4008 [0.5]
Computational Systems Biology
BIOC 4009 [0.5]
Biochemistry of Disease
BIOC 4200 [0.5]
Immunology
BIOC 4201 [0.5]
Advanced Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
BIOC 4202 [0.5]
Mutagenesis and DNA Repair
BIOC 4203 [0.5]
Advanced Metabolism
BIOC 4204 [0.5]
Protein Biotechnology
BIOC 4708 [0.5]
Principles of Toxicology
8.  4.0 credits in:4.0
CHEM 1001 [0.5]
General Chemistry I
CHEM 1002 [0.5]
General Chemistry II
CHEM 2103 [0.5]
Physical Chemistry I
or BIOC 2300 [0.5]
Physical Biochemistry
CHEM 2203 [0.5]
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2204 [0.5]
Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 2303 [0.5]
Analytical Chemistry II
CHEM 2501 [0.5]
Introduction to Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 3201 [0.5]
Advanced Organic Chemistry I
9.  0.5 credit from:0.5
BIOC courses listed in, but not used to fulfil, Item 7 above
BIOC 2400 [0.5]
Independent Research I
BIOC 3400 [0.5]
Independent Research II
BIOC 4001 [0.5]
Methods in Biochemistry
BIOC 4901 [0.5]
Selected Topics in Biochemistry
BIOL courses listed in, but not used to fulfil, Item 3 or 4
BIOL 2001 [0.5]
Animals: Form and Function
BIOL 2002 [0.5]
Plants: Form and Function
BIOL 3102 [0.5]
Mycology
BIOL 3202 [0.5]
Principles of Developmental Biology
BIOL 3306 [0.5]
Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 3307 [0.5]
Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 3501 [0.5]
Biomechanics
BIOL 4008 [0.5]
Molecular Plant Development
BIOL 4103 [0.5]
Population Genetics
BIOL 4104 [0.5]
Evolutionary Genetics
BIOL 4206 [0.5]
Human Genetics
BIOL 4207 [0.5]
Advanced Embryology & Developmental Biology
BIOL 4209 [0.5]
Advanced Plant Physiology
BIOL 4304 [0.5]
Forensic Biology
BIOL 4309 [0.5]
Studies in Human Performance
BIOL 4317 [0.5]
Neuroethology: The Neural Basis of Animal Behaviour
BIOL 4318 [0.5]
Adaptations to Extreme Environments
BIOL 4319 [0.5]
Studies in Exercise Physiology
BIOL courses listed in but not used to fulfil Item 4 above
CHEM 3100 [0.5]
Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 3107 [0.5]
Experimental Methods in Nanoscience
CHEM 3202 [0.5]
Advanced Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 3205 [0.5]
Experimental Organic Chemistry
CHEM 3600 [0.5]
Introduction to Nanotechnology
CHEM 3700 [0.5]
Industrial Applications of Chemistry
CHEM 3800 [0.5]
The Chemistry of Environmental Pollutants
CHEM 4201 [0.5]
Macromolecular Nanotechnology
CHEM 4406 [0.5]
Pharmaceutical Drug Design
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (5.0 credits)
10.  1.0 credit from:1.0
PHYS 1007 [0.5]
& PHYS 1008 [0.5]
Elementary University Physics I
Elementary University Physics II
PHYS 1003 [0.5]
& PHYS 1004 [0.5]
Introductory Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Introductory Electromagnetism and Wave Motion
11.  1.5 credits in:1.5
MATH 1007 [0.5]
Elementary Calculus I
MATH 1107 [0.5]
Linear Algebra I
STAT 2507 [0.5]
Introduction to Statistical Modeling I
12.  2.0 credits in Approved Courses Outside the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000)2.0
13.  0.5 credit in free elective.0.5
Total Credits20.0

Biology and Biotechnology
B.Sc. Honours
(20.0 credits)

A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (13 credits)
1.  6.5 credits in:6.5
BIOL 1103 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology I
BIOL 1104 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology II
BIOL 1105 [0.5]
Biological Methods, Analysis and Interpretation
BIOL 2001 [0.5]
Animals: Form and Function
BIOL 2002 [0.5]
Plants: Form and Function
BIOL 2104 [0.5]
Introductory Genetics
BIOL 2200 [0.5]
Cellular Biochemistry
BIOL 2301 [0.5]
Biotechnology I
BIOL 2303 [0.5]
Microbiology
BIOL 3104 [0.5]
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 3201 [0.5]
Cell Biology
BIOL 3301 [0.5]
Biotechnology II
BIOL 4301 [0.5]
Current Topics in Biotechnology
2.  1.5 credit in:1.5
BUSI 2800 [0.5]
Entrepreneurship
BIOC 3101 [0.5]
General Biochemistry I
BIOC 3102 [0.5]
General Biochemistry II
3.  4.0 credits from:4.0
BIOC 2300 [0.5]
Physical Biochemistry
or CHEM 2103 [0.5]
Physical Chemistry I
BIOC 3008 [0.5]
Bioinformatics
BIOC 3103 [0.5]
Practical Biochemistry I
BIOC 3104 [0.5]
Practical Biochemistry II
BIOC 3202 [0.5]
Biophysical Techniques and Applications
BIOL 3004 [0.5]
Insect Diversity
BIOL 3102 [0.5]
Mycology
BIOL 3205 [0.5]
Plant Biochemistry and Physiology
BIOL 3303 [0.5]
Experimental Microbiology
BIOL 3305 [0.5]
Human and Comparative Physiology
BIOL 3501 [0.5]
Biomechanics
BIOL 3901 [0.5]
Research Proposal
CHEM 3700 [0.5]
Industrial Applications of Chemistry
CHEM 3800 [0.5]
The Chemistry of Environmental Pollutants
FOOD 3005 [0.5]
Food Microbiology
BIOC 4001 [0.5]
Methods in Biochemistry
BIOC 4004 [0.5]
Industrial Biochemistry
BIOC 4005 [0.5]
Biochemical Regulation
BIOC 4007 [0.5]
Membrane Biochemistry
BIOC 4008 [0.5]
Computational Systems Biology
BIOC 4009 [0.5]
Biochemistry of Disease
BIOC 4203 [0.5]
Advanced Metabolism
BIOC 4204 [0.5]
Protein Biotechnology
BIOC 4708 [0.5]
Principles of Toxicology
BIOL 4106 [0.5]
Advances in Molecular Biology
BIOL 4109 [0.5]
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics
BIOL 4200 [0.5]
Immunology
BIOL 4201 [0.5]
Advanced Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
BIOL 4202 [0.5]
Mutagenesis and DNA Repair
BIOL 4206 [0.5]
Human Genetics
BIOL 4304 [0.5]
Forensic Biology
BIOL 4901 [0.5]
Directed Special Studies
TSES 4001 [0.5]
Technology and Society: Risk
TSES 4002 [0.5]
Technology and Society: Forecasting
4.  1.0 credit in:1.0
BIOL 4905 [1.0]
Honours Workshop
or BIOL 4907 [1.0]
Honours Essay and Research Proposal
or BIOL 4908 [1.0]
Honours Research Thesis
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (7.0 credits)
5.  2.0 credits in:2.0
CHEM 1001 [0.5]
& CHEM 1002 [0.5]
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
CHEM 2203 [0.5]
& CHEM 2204 [0.5]
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II (See Note, below)
6.  0.5 credit in:0.5
MATH 1007 [0.5]
Elementary Calculus I
7.  1.5 credits from:1.5
COMP 1005 [0.5]
Introduction to Computer Science I
COMP 1006 [0.5]
Introduction to Computer Science II
MATH 1107 [0.5]
Linear Algebra I
PHYS 1007 [0.5]
Elementary University Physics I
or PHYS 1003 [0.5]
Introductory Mechanics and Thermodynamics
PHYS 1008 [0.5]
Elementary University Physics II
or PHYS 1004 [0.5]
Introductory Electromagnetism and Wave Motion
STAT 2507 [0.5]
Introduction to Statistical Modeling I
8.  2.0 credits in Approved Courses Outside the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000)2.0
9.  1.0 credit in free electives.1.0
Total Credits20.0

B.Sc. Regulations

The regulations presented in this section apply to all Bachelor of Science programs. In addition to the requirements presented here, students must satisfy the University regulations common to all undergraduate students including the process of Academic Continuation Evaluation (see the Academic Regulations of the University section of this Calendar).

Breadth Requirement for the B.Sc.

Students in a Bachelor of Science program must present the following credits at graduation:

  1. 2.0 credits in Science Continuation courses not in the major discipline; students completing a double major are considered to have completed this requirement providing they have 2.0 credits in Science Continuation courses in each of the two majors;
  2. 2.0 credits in courses outside of the faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000)

In most cases, the requirements for individual B.Sc. programs, as stated in this Calendar, contain these requirements, explicitly or implicitly.

Students admitted to B.Sc. programs by transfer from another institution must present at graduation (whether taken at Carleton or elsewhere):

  1. 2.0 credits in courses outside of the faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000) if the student received fewer than 10.0 transfer credits; or,
  2. 1.0 credit in courses outside of the faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000) if the student received 10.0 or more transfer credits.

Declared and Undeclared Students

Degree students are considered "Undeclared" if they have been admitted to a degree, but have not yet selected and been accepted into a program within that degree. The status "Undeclared" is available only in the B.A. and B.Sc. degrees. Undeclared students must apply to enter a program upon or before completing 3.5 credits.

Change of Program within the B.Sc. Degree

To transfer to a program within the B.Sc. degree, applicants must normally be Eligible to Continue (EC) in the new program, by meeting the CGPA thresholds described in Section 3.1.10 of the Academic Regulations of the University. 

Applications to declare or change programs within the B.Sc. degree must be made online through Carleton Central by completing a Change of Program Elements (COPE) application form within the published deadlines. Acceptance into a program, or into a program element or option, is subject to any enrolment limitations, and/or specific program, program element or option requirements as published in the relevant Calendar entry.

Minors, Concentrations, and Specializations

Students may add a Minor, Concentration, or Specialization by completing a Change of Program Elements (COPE) application form online through Carleton Central. Acceptance into a Minor, Concentration, or Specialization normally requires that the student be Eligible to Continue (EC) and is meeting the minimum CGPAs described in Section 3.1.9 of the Academic Regulations of the University, as well as being subject to any specific requirements of the intended Minor, Concentration, or Specialization as published in the relevant Calendar entry.

Experimental Science Requirement

Students in a B.Sc. degree program must present at graduation at least two full credits of Experimental Science chosen from two different departments or institutes from the list below:

Approved Experimental Science Courses
Biochemistry
BIOC 2200 [0.5]
Cellular Biochemistry
BIOC 4001 [0.5]
Methods in Biochemistry
BIOC 4201 [0.5]
Advanced Cell Culture and Tissue Engineering
Biology
BIOL 1103 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology I
BIOL 1104 [0.5]
Foundations of Biology II
BIOL 2001 [0.5]
Animals: Form and Function
BIOL 2002 [0.5]
Plants: Form and Function
BIOL 2104 [0.5]
Introductory Genetics
BIOL 2200 [0.5]
Cellular Biochemistry
BIOL 2600 [0.5]
Ecology
Chemistry
CHEM 1001 [0.5]
General Chemistry I
CHEM 1002 [0.5]
General Chemistry II
CHEM 1005 [0.5]
Elementary Chemistry I
CHEM 1006 [0.5]
Elementary Chemistry II
CHEM 2103 [0.5]
Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 2203 [0.5]
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2204 [0.5]
Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 2302 [0.5]
Analytical Chemistry I
CHEM 2303 [0.5]
Analytical Chemistry II
CHEM 2800 [0.5]
Foundations for Environmental Chemistry
Earth Sciences
ERTH 1006 [0.5]
Exploring Planet Earth
ERTH 1009 [0.5]
The Earth System Through Time
ERTH 2102 [0.5]
Mineralogy to Petrology
ERTH 2404 [0.5]
Engineering Geoscience
ERTH 2802 [0.5]
Field Geology I
ERTH 3111 [0.5]
Vertebrate Evolution: Mammals, Reptiles, and Birds
ERTH 3112 [0.5]
Vertebrate Evolution: Fish and Amphibians
ERTH 3204 [0.5]
Mineral Deposits
ERTH 3205 [0.5]
Physical Hydrogeology
ERTH 3806 [0.5]
Structural Geology
Food Sciences
FOOD 3001 [0.5]
Food Chemistry
FOOD 3002 [0.5]
Food Analysis
FOOD 3005 [0.5]
Food Microbiology
Geography
GEOG 1010 [0.5]
Global Environmental Systems
GEOG 3108 [0.5]
Soil Properties
Neuroscience
NEUR 3206 [0.5]
Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
NEUR 3207 [0.5]
Systems Neuroscience
NEUR 4600 [0.5]
Advanced Lab in Neuroanatomy
Physics
PHYS 1001 [0.5]
Foundations of Physics I
PHYS 1002 [0.5]
Foundations of Physics II
PHYS 1003 [0.5]
Introductory Mechanics and Thermodynamics
PHYS 1004 [0.5]
Introductory Electromagnetism and Wave Motion
PHYS 1007 [0.5]
Elementary University Physics I
PHYS 1008 [0.5]
Elementary University Physics II
PHYS 2202 [0.5]
Wave Motion and Optics
PHYS 2604 [0.5]
Modern Physics I
PHYS 3007 [0.5]
Third Year Physics Laboratory: Selected Experiments and Seminars
PHYS 3606 [0.5]
Modern Physics II
PHYS 3608 [0.5]
Modern Applied Physics

Course Categories for B.Sc. Programs

Science Geography Courses
GEOG 1010 [0.5]
Global Environmental Systems
GEOG 2006 [0.5]
Introduction to Quantitative Research
GEOG 2013 [0.5]
Weather and Water
GEOG 2014 [0.5]
The Earth's Surface
GEOG 3003 [0.5]
Quantitative Geography
GEOG 3010 [0.5]
Field Methods in Physical Geography
GEOG 3102 [0.5]
Geomorphology
GEOG 3103 [0.5]
Watershed Hydrology
GEOG 3104 [0.5]
Principles of Biogeography
GEOG 3105 [0.5]
Climate and Atmospheric Change
GEOG 3106 [0.5]
Aquatic Science and Management
GEOG 3108 [0.5]
Soil Properties
GEOG 4000 [0.5]
Field Studies
GEOG 4005 [0.5]
Directed Studies in Geography
GEOG 4013 [0.5]
Cold Region Hydrology
GEOG 4017 [0.5]
Global Biogeochemical Cycles
GEOG 4101 [0.5]
Two Million Years of Environmental Change
GEOG 4103 [0.5]
Water Resources Engineering
GEOG 4104 [0.5]
Microclimatology
GEOG 4108 [0.5]
Permafrost
Science Psychology Courses
PSYC 2001 [0.5]
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
PSYC 2002 [0.5]
Introduction to Statistics in Psychology
PSYC 2700 [0.5]
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 3000 [1.0]
Design and Analysis in Psychological Research
PSYC 3506 [0.5]
Cognitive Development
PSYC 3700 [1.0]
Cognition (Honours Seminar)
PSYC 3702 [0.5]
Perception
PSYC 2307 [0.5]
Human Neuropsychology I
PSYC 3307 [0.5]
Human Neuropsychology II
Science Continuation Courses
A course at the 2000 level or above may be used as a Science Continuation credit in a B.Sc. program if it is not in the student's major discipline, and is chosen from the following:
BIOC (Biochemistry)
BIOL (Biology) Biochemistry students may use BIOL 2005 only as a free elective.
CHEM (Chemistry)
COMP (Computer Science) A maximum of two half-credits at the 1000-level in COMP, excluding COMP 1001 may be used as Science Continuation credits.
ERTH (Earth Sciences), except ERTH 2415 which may be used only as a free elective for any B.Sc. program. Students in Earth Sciences programs may use ERTH 2401, ERTH 2402, and ERTH 2403 only as free electives.
Engineering. Students wishing to register in Engineering courses must obtain the permission of the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
ENSC (Environmental Science)
FOOD (Food Science and Nutrition)
GEOM (Geomatics)
HLTH (Health Sciences)
ISAP (Interdisciplinary Science Practice)
MATH (Mathematics)
NEUR (Neuroscience)
PHYS (Physics), except PHYS 2903
Science Geography Courses (see list above)
Science Psychology Courses (see list above)
STAT (Statistics)
TSES (Technology, Society, Environment) except TSES 2305. Biology students may use these courses only as free electives. Integrated Science and Environmental Science students may include these courses in their programs but may not count them as part of the Science Sequence.
Science Faculty Electives
Science Faculty Electives are courses at the 1000-4000 level chosen from:
BIOC (Biochemistry)
BIOL (Biology) Biology & Biochemistry students may use BIOL 1010 and BIOL 2005 only as free electives
CHEM (Chemistry) except CHEM 1003, CHEM 1004 and CHEM 1007
COMP (Computer Science) except COMP 1001
ERTH (Earth Sciences) except ERTH 1010, ERTH 1011 and ERTH 2415. Earth Sciences students may use ERTH 2401, ERTH 2402, and ERTH 2403 only as free electives.
Engineering
FOOD (Food Science and Nutrition)
GEOM (Geomatics)
HLTH (Health Science)
ISAP (Interdisciplinary Science Practice)
MATH (Mathematics)
NEUR (Neuroscience)
PHYS (Physics) except PHYS 1901, PHYS 1902, PHYS 1905, PHYS 2903
Science Geography (see list above)
Science Psychology (see list above)
STAT (Statistics)
TSES (Technology, Society, Environment) Biology students may use these courses only as free electives.
Advanced Science Faculty Electives
Advanced Science Faculty Electives are courses at the 2000-4000 level chosen from the Science Faculty Electives list above.
Approved Courses Outside the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Design (may include NSCI 1000)
All courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Public Affairs, and the Sprott School of Business are approved as Arts or Social Sciences courses EXCEPT FOR: All Science Geography courses (see list above), all Geomatics (GEOM) courses, all Science Psychology courses (see list above). NSCI 1000 may be used as an Approved Course Outside the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Design.
Free Electives
Any course is allowable as a Free Elective providing it is not prohibited (see below). Students are expected to comply with prerequisite requirements and enrolment restrictions for all courses as published in this Calendar.
Courses Allowable Only as Free Electives in any B.Sc. Program
BIOL 4810 [0.5]
Education Research in Biology
CHEM 1003 [0.5]
The Chemistry of Food, Health and Drugs
CHEM 1004 [0.5]
Drugs and the Human Body
CHEM 1007 [0.5]
Chemistry of Art and Artifacts
ERTH 1010 [0.5]
Our Dynamic Planet Earth
ERTH 1011 [0.5]
Evolution of the Earth
ERTH 2415 [0.5]
Natural Disasters
ISCI 1001 [0.5]
Introduction to the Environment
ISCI 2000 [0.5]
Natural Laws
ISCI 2002 [0.5]
Human Impacts on the Environment
MATH 0107 [0.5]
Algebra and Geometry
PHYS 1901 [0.5]
Planetary Astronomy
PHYS 1902 [0.5]
From our Star to the Cosmos
PHYS 1905 [0.5]
Physics Behind Everyday Life
PHYS 2903 [0.5]
Physics Towards the Future
Prohibited Courses
The following courses are not acceptable for credit in any B.Sc. program:
COMP 1001 [0.5]
Introduction to Computational Thinking for Arts and Social Science Students
MATH 0005 [0.5]
Precalculus: Functions and Graphs
MATH 0006 [0.5]
Precalculus: Trigonometric Functions and Complex Numbers
MATH 1009 [0.5]
Mathematics for Business
MATH 1119 [0.5]
Linear Algebra: with Applications to Business
MATH 1401 [0.5]
Elementary Mathematics for Economics I
MATH 1402 [0.5]
Elementary Mathematics for Economics II

Co-operative Education

For more information about how to apply for the Co-op program and how the Co-op program works please visit the Co-op website.

All students participating in the Co-op program are governed by the Undergraduate Co-operative Education Policy.

Undergraduate Co-operative Education Policy

Admission Requirements

Students can apply to Co-op in one of two ways: directly from high school, or after beginning a degree program at Carleton.

If a student applies to a degree program with a Co-op option from high school, their university grades will be reviewed two terms to one year prior to their first work term to ensure they meet the academic requirements after their first or second year of study. The time at which the evaluation takes place depends on the program of study. Students will automatically receive an admission decision via their Carleton email account.

Students who did not request Co-op at the time they applied to Carleton can request Co-op after they begin their university studies. To view application instructions and deadlines, please visit carleton.ca/co-op.

To be admitted to Co-op, a student must successfully complete 5.0 or more credits that count towards their degree, meet the minimum CGPA requirement(s) for the student's Co-op option, and fulfil any specified course prerequisites. To see the unique admission and continuation requirements for each Co-op option, please refer to the specific degree programs listed in the Undergraduate Calendar. 

Participation Requirements

COOP 1000

Once a student has been given admission or continuation confirmation to the co-op option s/he must complete and pass COOP 1000 (a mandatory online 0.0 credit course). Students will have access to this course a minimum of two terms prior to their first work term and will be notified when to register.

Communication with the Co-op Office

Students must maintain contact with the co-op office during their job search and while on a work term. All email communication will be conducted via the students' Carleton email account.

Employment

Although every effort is made to ensure a sufficient number of job postings for all students enrolled in the co-op option of their degree program, no guarantee of employment can be made. Carleton's co-op program operates a competitive job search process and is dependent upon current market conditions. Academic performance, skills, motivation, maturity, attitude and potential will determine whether a student is offered a job. It is the student's responsibility to actively conduct a  job search in addition to participation in the job search process operated by the co-op office. Once a student accepts a co-op job offer (verbally or written), his/her job search will end and access to co-op jobs will be removed for that term. Students that do not successfully obtain a co-op work term are expected to continue with their academic studies. The summer term is the exception to this rule. Students should also note that hiring priority is given to Canadian citizens for co-op positions in the Federal Government of Canada.

Registering in Co-op Courses

Students will be registered in a Co-op Work Term course while at work. The number of Co-op Work Term courses that a student is registered in is dependent upon the number of four-month work terms that a student accepts.

While on a co-op work term students may take a maximum of 0.5 credit throughout each four-month co-op work term. Courses must be scheduled outside of regular working hours.

Students must be registered as full-time before they begin their co-op job search (2.0 credits). All co-op work terms must be completed before the beginning of the final academic term. Students may not finish their degree on a co-op work term.

Work Term Assessment and Evaluation

To obtain a Satisfactory grade for the co-op work term students must have:

  1. A satisfactory work term evaluation by the co-op employer;
  2. A satisfactory grade on the work term report.

Students must submit a work term report at the completion of each four-month work term. Reports are due on the 16th of April, August, and December and students are notified of due dates through their Carleton email account.

Workplace performance will be assessed by the workplace supervisor. Should a student receive an unsatisfactory rating from their co-op employer, an investigation by the co-op program manager will be undertaken. An unsatisfactory employer evaluation does not preclude a student from achieving an overall satisfactory rating for the work term.

Graduation with the Co-op Designation

In order to graduate with the co-op designation, students must satisfy all requirements for their degree program in addition to the requirements according to each co-op program (i.e. successful completion of three or four work terms).

Note: Participation in the co-op option will add up to one additional year for a student to complete their degree program.

Voluntary Withdrawal from the Co-op Option

Students may withdraw from the co-op option of their degree program during a study term ONLY. Students at work may not withdraw from the work term or the co-op option until s/he has completed the requirements of the work term.

Students are eligible to continue in their regular academic program provided that they meet the academic standards required for continuation.

Involuntary or Required Withdrawal from the Co-op Option

Students may be required to withdraw from the co-op option of their degree program for one or any of the following reasons:

  1. Failure to achieve a grade of SAT in COOP 1000
  2. Failure to pay all co-op related fees
  3. Failure to actively participate in the job search process
  4. Failure to attend all interviews for positions to which the student has applied
  5. Declining more than one job offer during the job search process
  6. Continuing a job search after accepting a co-op position
  7. Dismissal from a work term by the co-op employer
  8. Leaving a work term without approval by the Co-op manager
  9. Receipt of an unsatisfactory work term evaluation
  10. Submission of an unsatisfactory work term report

Standing and Appeals

The Co-op and Career Services office administers the regulations and procedures that are applicable to all co-op program options. All instances of a student's failure during a work term or other issues directly related to their participation in the co-op option will be reported to the academic department.

Any decision made by the Co-op and Career Services office can be appealed via the normal appeal process within the University.

International Students

All International Students are required to possess a Co-op Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before they can begin working. It is illegal to work in Canada without the proper authorization. Students will be provided with a letter of support to accompany their application. Students must submit their application for their permit before being permitted to view and apply for jobs on the Co-op Services database. Confirmation of a position will not be approved until a student can confirm they have received their permit. Students are advised to discuss the application process and requirements with the International Student Services Office.

 B.Sc. Honours Biotechnology: Co-op Admission and Continuation Requirements

  • Maintain full-time status in each study term (2.0 credits);
  • Be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work)
  • Have successfully completed COOP 1000 [0.0]

Co-operative Education - Bachelor of Science

The following programs in the Bachelor of Science Honours offer a co-operative education option:

Applied Physics, Biochemistry (including computational), Bioinformatics, Biology (including computational), Biotechnology, Chemistry (including computational), Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Geomatics, Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Mental Health, Physical Geography and Physics.

Students in all streams of the Bachelor of Science must successfully complete three (3) work terms to obtain the co-op designation.

Co-op Admission and Continuation Requirements for Students in the Bachelor of Science

For admission to and continuation in the co-op option, all students must:

  • Maintain full-time status in each study term (2.0 credits);
  • Be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work)
  • Have successfully completed COOP 1000

Program-Specific Admission and Continuation Requirements:

Applied Physics, Biochemistry (including computational), Bioinformatics, Biology (including computational), Biotechnology, Chemistry (including computational), Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Mental Health and Physics:

  1. Completion of 5.0 or more credits at Carleton University;
  2. Registered as a full-time student in the Bachelor of Science Honours degree program;
  3. Obtained and maintained a major CGPA of 8.0 or higher and an overall CGPA of 6.50 or higher

Food Science and Nutrition

  1. Registered as a full-time student in the Bachelor of Science Honours in Food Science and Nutrition;
  2. Obtained and maintained a major CGPA of 9.0 or higher and an overall CGPA of 7.5 or higher in the first three years of academic study
  3. Have obtained third-year standing;
  4. Successfully completed, by the start date of the first work term, at least 2.0 credits from the following list of courses:  FOOD 3001, FOOD 3002, FOOD 3003, FOOD 3004, and FOOD 3005

Geomatics and Physical Geography:

  1. Registered in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Programs in Physical Geography or Geomatics;
  2. Obtained and maintained an overall minimum CGPA of 9.5 and a major CGPA of 9.5;
  3. Have obtained third-year standing;
  4. Successfully completed, by the start-date of the first work term:
    1. the required second-year methods courses in their program (GEOG/ENST 2005, GEOG/ENST 2006)
    2. the required field course in their program (ENST 3900/GEOG 3000/GEOG 3010/GEOG 3030)
  5. Be registered as a full-time student.

Co-op Work Term Courses

Physics, Applied Physics, Biology and Physics, Chemistry and Physics, Mathematics and Physics
PHYS 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term Report
Biochemistry and Computational Biochemistry
BIOC 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biotechnology, Computational Biology, Biology and Physics
BIOL 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term Report
Chemistry, Chemistry and Physics, Computational Chemistry
CHEM 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Earth Sciences
ERTH 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Food Science
FOOD 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Environmental Science
ENSC 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Geomatics
GEOM 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Neuroscience and Neuroscience Mental Health
NEUR 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term
Physical Geography
GEOG 3999 [0.0]
Co-operative Work Term

Work-Study Patterns

Applied Physics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computational Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Computational Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Neuroscience and Mental Health, Physics
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
TermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPattern
FallSFallSFallSFall*W/SFallS
WinterSWinterSWinterSWinter*W/SWinterS
Summer**O/WSummer*WSummerO/WSummerO/W
Food Science and Nutrition
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
TermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPattern
Fall FallSFallSFallW/SFallS
Winter WinterSWinterSWinterW/SWinterS
Summer Summer SummerO/WSummerO/W
Physical Geography, Geomatics
Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5
TermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPatternTermPattern
FallSFallSFallSFallS/WFallO
WinterSWinterSWinterSWinterS/WWinterS
Summer Summer SummerWSummerS/W

Legend
S
: Study
W: Work
O: Optional
* indicates recommended work study pattern
** student finds own employer for this work-term.

Admissions Information

Admission Requirements are for the 2022-23 year only, and are based on the Ontario High School System. Holding the minimum admission requirements only establishes eligibility for consideration. The cut-off averages for admission may be considerably higher than the minimum. See also the General Admission and Procedures section of this Calendar. An overall average of at least 70% is normally required to be considered for admission. Some programs may also require specific course prerequisites and prerequisite averages and/or supplementary admission portfolios. Higher averages are required for admission to programs for which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available. The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program by program basis. Consult admissions.carleton.ca for further details.

Note: Courses listed as recommended are not mandatory for admission. Students who do not follow the recommendations will not be disadvantaged in the admission process.

Admissions Information

Admission requirements are based on the Ontario High School System. Prospective students can view the admission requirements through the Admissions website at admissions.carleton.ca. The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program-by-program basis. Holding the minimum admission requirements only establishes eligibility for consideration; higher averages are required for admission to programs for which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available. All programs have limited enrolment and admission is not guaranteed. Some programs may also require specific course prerequisites and prerequisite averages and/or supplementary admission portfolios. Consult admissions.carleton.ca for further details.

Note: If a course is listed as recommended, it is not mandatory for admission. Students who do not follow the recommendations will not be disadvantaged in the admission process.

Degrees

  • B.Sc. (Honours)
  • B.Sc. (Major)
  • B.Sc. 

Admission Requirements

B. Sc. Honours 

First Year

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. For most programs including Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Combined Honours in Biology and Physics, Chemistry and Physics, Computational Biochemistry, Food Science, Nanoscience, Neuroscience and Biology, Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Psychology, the six 4U or M courses must include Advanced Functions, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, or Physics. (Calculus and Vectors is strongly recommended).

Specific Honours Admission Requirements
For the Honours programs in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geomatics, Interdisciplinary Science and Practice, and Physical Geography, Calculus and Vectors may be substituted for Advanced Functions.

For the Honours programs in Physics and Applied Physics, and for double Honours in Mathematics and Physics, Calculus and Vectors is required in addition to Advanced Functions and one of 4U Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Earth and Space Sciences. For all programs in Physics, 4U Physics is strongly recommended.

For Honours in Psychology, a 4U course in English is recommended.

For Honours in Environmental Science, a 4U course in Biology and Chemistry is recommended.

Advanced Standing

Applications for admission beyond first year will be assessed on their merits. Applicants must normally be Eligible to Continue in their year level, in addition to meeting the CGPA thresholds described in Section 3.1.9 of the Academic Regulations of the University. Advanced standing will be granted only for those subjects deemed appropriate for the program and stream selected.

B.Sc. Major and B.Sc. 

First Year

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. The six 4U or M courses must include Advanced Functions and two of Calculus and Vectors, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, or Physics (Calculus and Vectors is strongly recommended). For the B.Sc. Major in Physics, 4U Physics is strongly recommended. 

Advanced Standing

Applications for admission beyond first year will be assessed on their merits. Applicants must normally be Eligible to Continue (EC) in their year level. Advanced standing will be granted only for those subjects deemed appropriate for the program and stream selected.

Co-op Option

Direct Admission to the First Year of the Co-op Option
Applicants must:

  1. meet the required overall admission cut-off average and prerequisite course average. These averages may be higher than the stated minimum requirements;
  2. be registered as a full-time student in the Bachelor of Science Honours program;
  3. be eligible to work in Canada (for off-campus work placements).

Note that meeting the above requirements only establishes eligibility for admission to the program. The prevailing job market may limit enrolment in the co-op option.

Note: continuation requirements for students previously admitted to the co-op option and admission requirements for the co-op option after beginning the program are described in the Co-operative Education Regulations section of this Calendar.