The information provided here applies to students in the Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) programs.
Academic Content and Evaluation
In the Faculty of Engineering, the experience gained during the work term is a significant component of Engineering. Associated with each work term are two components related to the degree: type and quality of the work performed by the student (captured in courses labelled as COOP 1 to COOP 6), and Professional Development (PD) courses (see below). The COOP courses are evaluated and a grade (credit or no credit) is assigned by Co-operative Education using criteria specified by the Faculty.
Professional Development
There are five professional development courses required for the BASc and BSE degrees. These courses are normally taken during work terms, and students are expected to enrol in one such course each work term until the requirement has been completed. The professional development criteria is composed of two core courses PD 20 and PD 21 (students are automatically enrolled in their first two work terms), and students begin to choose three PD elective courses in their third work term through Quest. These professional development courses are required, and of type DRNA (Degree requirement, not in average); failed courses contribute to the accumulated failed count (see Rule 6). If a student has taken a PD course in each work term, and the number of remaining work terms is less than the number of remaining required PD credits, the student may request permission to enrol in a PD course on an academic term. Questions and special requests related to enrolment alternatives are to be directed to the student's plan advisor.
Quantity
Upon entry to Engineering (including advanced admission), a student is expected to follow the work-term/academic-term sequence which corresponds to their specific plan. The minimum number of satisfactory or better work terms is five. A sixth work term, although not required as part of the degree requirement, is available to students willing to meet the requirements.
Allowance can be made for personal considerations, educational opportunities, and other "On Own" conditions with prior approval from Co-operative Education. However, "On Own" conditions do not normally count toward the minimum requirements for graduation.
Rules and Regulations
Students should be familiar with the Co-operative Education System section of the Calendar regarding topics such as academic records and employers, failure to report, leaving without approval, strikes, commitment, on own studies, harassment, and in particular, co-op related appeal procedures and student status.
Unsatisfactory performance by a student on a work term is investigated. If it appears that the student will not benefit from proceeding, they may be required to withdraw from Engineering.