Science Co-op Blog
A resource for science students to help build your skills and competencies
Data Science Careers in BC’s AI & Quantum Future
If you’re a data science co-op student, BC’s AI and quantum computing ecosystem offers an opportunity to apply analytical skills to...
Agriculture in BC: Growing Food, Exports, and Careers
BC offers a thriving environment for science co-op students where your work can contribute to food security, sustainability, and global...
BC is a Hub for Life Science Innovation and Opportunity
BC’s life sciences sector is one of the most exciting places to launch your career. Whether you’re passionate about biomanufacturing,...
What Tree Planting Taught Me and What It Might Teach You
This is a guest photo essay and guest post by Jacey Sharpe, a Biochemistry and Microbiology Co-op student If you're thinking...
Piper’s co-op journey
As an environmental and sustainability co-op student working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Piper McWilliam did everything from...
Neko’s co-op journey
When Neko Kasawski (she/her) was looking for her first co-op experience, she found the perfect way to get her feet wet. The biochemistry...
Priya’s co-op journey
Priyanka (she/her) spent a full year working as a molecular biology research assistant in the Molecular Genetics Lab with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Nanaimo.
mRNA and Nanomedicine Innovation in BC
BC is home to pioneering co-op employers and researchers who played a key role in developing COVID-19 vaccines and treatments
Lab Safety Course
Safety first! Throughout your time with Co-op you may be exposed to workplace environments and materials that have the potential to cause...
Students with past work experience
In some cases, work you have done in the past may be recognized for co-op credit. The formal name of the process to do so is work-term by...
How to join science co-op
The science co-op programs will open to join in June 2026Meet your co-op support team, learn about the process, and ask any questions you...
What employers have to say
Why hire a UVic Science co-op student? UVic science co-op students are part of a broader commitment to building healthy, sustainable, and...
UVic Science Co-op Job Posting Template
There are a lot of details that we ask you include in your co-op job postings. You can download a template to use for your job posting...
Four tips for overcoming stage fright in the lab
In an article for Nature, Kwabena Boahen Asare from Dartmouth College discusses his experience contending with his fear of public speaking...
Using online training and platforms to build your resume
Lab safety course - optional but a great option if you are planning to apply to lab based co-op jobs Safety first! Throughout your time...
Where are all the local job postings?
This density plot show that most science co-op jobs are posted on day 14 of each term. That said, Victoria employers tend to post their...
Local associations and industry groups
Do you know the local associations and industry groups related to your program?One of the best steps you can take in your career is...
3 questions to help build relationships at networking events
Networking is more that just meeting new people. It's also about maintaining existing relationships. This involves staying in touch with...
Careers that don’t involve wet lab benchwork
There are more non-bench careers in biotech beyond sales and marketing than many people realize. Biospace published a list of 10 positions...
Common questions about Science Co-op
FAQFind answers to common questions hereTop questionsCo-op formally integrates academic studies with quality experiences within a...
Physics and astronomy co-op
Astronomy intern – Gemini Observatory Geodynamics computer modelling assistant – Natural Resources Canada PMT test facility researcher –...
Data science, math and statistics co-op
Academic research (Theoretical and applied) Data analysis Software development / software engineering Mathematical modelling Control...
Climate science and earth and ocean science co-op
Climate change Earthquakes Mining Air and water quality Environmental monitoring Ecology Wildlife assessment and tracking Botany Upstream...
Chemistry co-op
Viticulture research assistant – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Formulation and analytical chemist – EcoSafe Natural Products Inc....
Biology co-op
Assistant wildlife biologist – Parks Canada (Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks) Environment regulatory and sustainability...
Biochemistry and microbiology co-op
Recorded Sept 10, 2022 Monitor industrial fermentation processes Test clinical, environmental, food and water samples for microbial or...
Our values
Students are at the heart of our work We strive to support student success academically, professionally and personally. We facilitate...
Research publications by co-op students
QUANTIFICATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL, FUNCTIONAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF H9c2 RAT CARDIOMYOBLAST RETINOIC ACID DIFFERENTIATION...
Bernie’s co-op and career journey
[Picture of Student Ranger Bernie and his colleague, Charlie] This is a guest post by Bernard Picard-Friesen, a Program Advisor, Strategy...
Shy’s Co-op Journey
What is your academic program? I am doing a combined major of Biology and Psychology Where did you work? My first coop was an 8-month...
Samantha’s co-op journey
What is your academic program? I'm in the joint Math and Stats and Computer Science program Where did you work? I've done two 8-month...
Lilli’s co-op journey
What is your academic program? I am in the Biology program Where did you work? Working with Canadian Wildlife Service and Environment and...
Anna-Maria’s co-op journey
What is your academic program? I am in the Microbiology program Where did you work? For my first job I was a research assistant helping...
Allysha’s co-op journey
What is your academic program? I am in the Biochemistry program Where did you work? I have done two 8-month coop terms. My first was with...
Claire’s co-op journey
What is your academic program? I am in the Microbiology program Where did you work? The co-op I am in right now, which is my final one, is...