• Physics Degrees.
• Co-op program descriptions.
• Co-Op Entrance Criteria.

NOTE: The Canadian Association of Physicists approved that graduates of our 5-year coop program are eligible to apply for Professional Physicist Certification, with an official letter of approval.

Our department has several innovative co-op programs in Pure and Applied/Industrial Physics, in which the UofR and participating industrial employers together provide an education with hands-on experience in the real world. The programs in Applied/Industrial Physics combine the best of modern physics instruction with practical knowledge in related applied fields. The program in Pure Physics is largely intended for those who eventually wish to pursue a graduate degree in physics.

Since our co-op program was initiated in 1997, we have had a perfect job placement rate for all of our students. Work terms were almost evenly split between in-province and out-of-province placements (48%:52%). Employers have included cancer clinics, technology companies, universities and national labs. Both employers and students have expressed positive experiences with the program.

Co-operative Education is an integrated approach to higher education which enables well-motivated students to follow a program that alternates academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. Experience elsewhere has demonstrated enthusiastic acceptance of co-operative education programs in physics by students, employers, and university.

Co-op programs use a full trimester year (three 4-month semesters). Our programs are of five year duration, including 8 semesters of study and 4-5 work terms. Employers are anticipated to be primarily in the high technology sector. Students will apply for admission to the program at the end of their first year of study. The first work term follows the completion of four semesters of courses in subjects such as physics, mathematics and computer science. The initial work terms are of 4 month duration, to allow the student an easy transition to the work environment. Later work terms are of 8 month duration to allow the co-op employer maximum flexibility in preparing the student for advanced and interesting tasks.

Employers have access to a continuous pool of students which may be useful for short term projects, or contract work. Co-op students can also assist the permanent staff, and provide them with the opportunity to work on new tasks, or learn new skills. In some cases, the student will bring to the co-op employer a knowledge of some of the most recent developments in physics. Co-op programs also reduce recruiting costs by allowing an in-depth evaluation of potential entry level employees.

Students work in fully salaried, physics related jobs with participating employers, usually resulting in a debt-free university education. Resume writing workshops, mock job interviews, and other job matching services help the student to acquire important skills and techniques which will enhance future employment opportunities. Through their co-op work terms, students gain a better understanding of physics job options, and the practical experience gained will aid the student in choosing the area of specialization for future career growth. The co-op program may also improve the student's classroom motivation and performance.