Slide 1

Arts & Science Co-op
Physical and Life Sciences

Internal Admissions Information
Dallas Boyer, Coordinator
Co-op Programs in Arts and Science


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What is Arts and Science Co-op?
• Co-op education is a unique program based on a
three-way partnership between the University of
Toronto, the student and the employer
• Practical work placements alternate with study terms
• Work placements begin in January, May or
September for 4 or 8 month terms


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2 Teams of Support Staff
Arts and Science Co-op Staff

Co-op Supervisor of Studies

Work Related Support:

Academic Support:

• Work Term Preparation Course
• Work Term Timing and Processes
• Recruitment and Job Search
Support
• Employer / Industry Information

• Program Planning and Decision
Making
• Course Selection Options,
• Conflicts, and Issues
• CGPA hurdles
• Graduation Dilemmas
• Work Term Report Topics and
Evaluation Questions


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Study Options
Physical & Environmental Sciences
Specialist
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Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Biology
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Geosciences
Environmental Physics
Mathematics
Mathematics and Its Applications
Natural Sciences
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Physics and Its Applications

Double Major*
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Astrophysics and Physics
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Environmental Science
– Environmental Geoscience
– Environmental Biology
– Water Science
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Statistics
* Second major must be discussed with and
approved by Supervisor of Studies


Slide 5

Study Options
Biological Sciences and Psychology
Psychology

Biology

NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the
department of psychology are offered as
specialist degree programs only.

NOTE: All co-op programs offered in the
department of biological sciences are
offered as specialist degree programs only

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Neuroscience
Psychology
– Public Opinion and Behaviour
– Cognition and Behaviour
– Behavioural Disorders

Cell and Molecular Biology
Conservation Biology


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Themes Explored in Co-op
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Networking
Career Exploration
Self-Assessment
Research
Communication
Professionalism


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Co-op Work Term Preparation Course
• Fall term only
• Non credit course
• Mandatory before a work term


Slide 8

Co-op Program Overview
Year of
Entry

 Orientation seminar
 12-week work term preparation
course

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Years 2-4
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Recruitment
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Support
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Years 2-4
Work Term
Support

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Orientation seminars
1-on-1 resume critique
Mock interviews
Job and career development
Interview scheduling
Job offers
Mid-term visit and evaluation
Final evaluation
Ongoing consultation and support
Work term reports and presentations
Work term debriefing

All Years
 Annual employer
networking event
 Employer speaker
series
 Skills development
workshops
 1-on-1
consultations and
resume critique
 Job board
 Reference letters
for work or
graduate school


Slide 9

Admissions After 1st Year
• Registration Guide Booklet distributed in late March by
Registrar’s office details deadlines & instructions
• Deadlines are absolute (they can be found on the co-op
website)
• 2 rounds of admissions:
– April to May - results available via ROSI in June, must accept by end of
June
– July to Aug. - results available via ROSI in September – must accept
by mid September


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Rules Regarding Applying
• You must have FEWER than 10 FCEs at the end of
April
• You must have completed at least 4.0 FCEs at U of T
by the end of April
• Specific course requirements for chosen program
must be adhered to – check calendar
• Submit your request via ROSI with the
supplementary application form, references and a
résumé


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How are Applications Evaluated?
• CGPA (varies each year) and varies from program to
program e.g. at least 2.5 but at least 2.75 for
neuroscience
• Check ROSI for details by program
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~registrar/subjectpost.html

• Co-op Supervisors of Study have the final say
regarding acceptances
• Résumé, reference and detailed info on SAF


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Résumé and SAF Information
• We look for:
– Interest (the more specific the better) in the field of XXX Why
interested? What experience has led to this? How does co-op fit in?
– Volunteer experience
– Work experience
– Extra-curricular involvement
– Academic awards
– Highly relevant work-related experience/involvement
– Leadership activities/roles
– Flawless grammar and spelling
– Advanced written communication skills
– Evidence of personal contact/initiative


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How Can You Prepare?
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On-campus involvement
Off-campus involvement
Attend to your academics
Practice applications
Career exploration
Speak with co-op staff and students
Visit our website:
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~askcoop/


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Resources
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Career Centre
Student clubs e.g. CSA
Company and industry info sessions
Writing Centre
International Student Centre Sessions
Career websites


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Some Policies You Should Know About
• Must end degree on a STUDY TERM (NO exceptions)
• Must finish work terms before your 20 credits are
done
• You choose/change your sequence in consultation
with your Co-op Coordinator
• You MUST be enrolled in courses to seek work


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Courses Required Before
Work Terms
This varies by program and must be
checked in the calendar


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Staying in Co-op: Academically
• CGPA is assessed before each work term
• 2.50 needed to seek work and graduate
• 2.30-2.49=probation (job searching
suspended)
• Below 2.3=removal from Co-op


Slide 18

Co-op Success Happens When You…
• Act with integrity, honesty, responsibility and
accountability
• Exercise strong effort in all activities
• Communicate professionally
• Attend to detail and deadlines
• Remain open-minded and realistic
• Actively reflect: on your studies, your work and the
links between the two


Slide 19

Wrap-Up
• What questions do you have?
• Review the Arts and Science Co-op web site
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~askcoop/student/admissions.htm

• Contact Nancy Bradshaw at
[email protected] for further information
– phone 416-287-7310