Horticulture Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Horticulture (HORT) major is for students who want to apply the latest advancements in the biological sciences to contemporary problems in the horticultural industry. This major is appropriate for students with a focus on the management of commercial greenhouses, horticultural production, breeding improved crop varieties, in vitro plant propagation or using turfgrass and other plant species to enhance urban environments. With a broad scope of career possibilities, HORT co-op students will build transferrable skills during co-op work terms contributing to their work readiness and career prospects upon graduation.
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Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Off |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge
Strong background in the biological sciences as they apply to the horticulture industry.
Application
Advanced understanding of horticulture production systems obtained through hands-on experience in the field and laboratory.
Communication
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Sample Jobs
Botany Student
Summer Students work closely with the Herbarium Intern and under the supervision of the Field Botanist and Herbarium Curator to; assist with vegetation and ecological inventories, monitor for invasive species, collect and process botanical specimens and assist with preparing and delivering plant-focused educational programs. Students will be expected to summarize and report on their work and perform other herbarium and field botany duties as required.
Greenhouse Co-op Student
Assisting the Greenhouse Research Technician in performing controlled experiments on a variety of fertilizers, both conventional and organic. Products that increase production through increased nutrient use efficiency, or that reduce crop loss by promoting plant health in the face of stress events are examples of clean technologies that we are developing in order to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Research Assistant
This position will grow donor plants in growth rooms and sample tissue. They will transfer and culture embryos for shoot regeneration, and subculture shoots for plantlet regeneration and transfer to soil. The assistant will also sample tissue for ploidy analysis, collect tissue samples from plantlets for molecular characterization, and record research and production data.
Sample Employers*
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Crop Defenders Ltd.
- Holmes Agro Limited
- Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs
- National Research Council Canada
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.