Microbiology Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, yeast, molds and viruses, are the most abundant forms of life on earth. These organisms play vital roles in our ecosystems as well as within the human body. Students come to learn about the complex interaction of these organisms such that some microorganisms cause disease while others produce antibiotics that remedy disease. At Guelph, an in-depth understanding of the role of microbiology in industrial processes, the production of food, environmental issues and in biological and medical research, provides students with a complete education and an option to specialize in an area of emphasis.
University of Guelph Advantage
The University of Guelph Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology has a reputation for cutting-edge research in areas such as antibiotic resistance, vaccines and immunization, microbial ecology and viruses. Areas of emphasis include:
- Industrial Food Microbiology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Pathogenic Microbiology
Our co-op process responds to your needs. Employers can post, interview, and hire throughout the semester and our students are available for 4, 8, or 12 month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph students easy!
Student Strengths
Lab Work
Quality control laboratory work in food, pharmaceutical and brewing plants.
Research
Public health studies and research, including microbiology research in hospitals.
Analysis and Policy
Food safety analysis and policy setting.
Microbiology Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Academic |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Microbiology Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- General Chemistry I
- Elements of Calculus I
- Physics for Life Sciences
- 1 Liberal Education elective
Winter
- Discovering Biodiversity
- General Chemistry II
- Physics for Life Sciences II
- Biological Concepts of Health
- 1 Liberal Education elective
Fall
- Introduction to Biochemistry
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Statistics I
- 1 Liberal Education elective
Winter
- Structure and Function in Biochemistry
- Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology
- Molecular Biology of the Cell
- 1 elective
- 1 Liberal Education elective
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Microbial Cell Biology
- Microbial Diversity and Ecology
- 2 electives/restricted electives
- Microbial Physiology and Genetics
Winter
- Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology
- Advanced Methods in Microbiology
- 2 electives/restricted electives
Summer
Work Term Two
Fall
Work Term Three
Winter
Work Term Four
Fall
- 5 electives/restricted electives
- May include Research Project in Molecular and Cellular Biology I
Winter
- 5 electives/restricted electives
- May include Research Project in Molecular and Cellular Biology
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.