Biological Engineering Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
Biological Engineering students at the University of Guelph combine their knowledge of life sciences with engineering principles to design and control biological processes and systems. They work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams, with the aim of enriching our lives and maintaining a sustainable environment. Students learn the foundations and build on the skills necessary to positively impact industrial process design and quality control in the agriculture, environmental, food and pharmaceutical sectors.
University of Guelph Advantage
Guelph’s cutting-edge Biological Engineering program focuses on core engineering skills along with fundamentals in bioreactor design, biomaterial science, biosystems analysis, instrumentation and digital control. Students have the option to specialize their degree through elective courses in the areas of biopressing, biological, and environmental waste management, human factors and food engineering.
In addition to core engineering analysis and design, students can elect to tailor their education through courses focusing on:
- Processing biological materials
- Unit operation, analysis and design
- Bio-instrumentation design
- Computer applications
- Interfacing hardware
- Software for data acquisition, modeling and control
Biomechanics Co-op students are available for 4 or 8 month work terms.
Student Strengths
Collaboration
Participation in design groups to develop effective problem solving, communication and teamwork skills.
Knowledge
Fundamental knowledge of engineering concepts, as well as physical, mathematical and biological sciences.
Application
Strong wet and dry laboratory techniques and computing skills.
Understanding
Strong independent research skills developed through the design process, management and financial feasibility analysis.
Biological Engineering Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Work | Work |
| FOUR | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FIVE | Work | Academic |
Biological Engineering Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- General Chemistry I
- Engineering and Design I
- Calculus I
- Engineering Analysis
- Physics With Applications
Winter
- Introduction To Programming
- General Chemistry II
- Calculus II
- Engineering Mechanics I
- Introductory Electricity And Magnetism
Fall
- Fluid Mechanics
- Biological Concepts Of Health
- Engineering Systems Analysis
- Applied Differential Equations
- Introduction to Cooperative Education
- Probability and Statistics For Engineers
- Introduction To Molecular and Cellular Biology
Winter
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Material Science
- Electric Circuits
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Numerical Methods
- Engineering and Design II
Summer
Work Term OneFall
- Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological and Environmental Systems
- Science and Technology in A Global Context
- Thermodynamics
- Electronic Devices
- Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
- 1 Restricted Elective
Winter
Work Term TwoSummer
Work Term Three
Fall
- Unit Operations
- Engineering Economics
- Bioreactor Design
- 3 Restricted Electives
Winter
- Engineering and Design III
- Process Control
- Biomaterials
- 2 Restricted Electives
Summer
Work Term Four
Fall
Work Term Five
Winter
- Biological Engineering Design IV
- 2 Restricted Electives
- Bioreactor Design
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.