The Physics Co-op program is an integrated approach to university education which enables students to alternate academic terms on campus with work terms in suitable employment. The success of such programs is founded on the principle that students are able to apply theoretical knowledge from course studies in the workplace and return to the classroom with practical workplace experience.  The Physics Co-op program consists of eight academic terms and a minimum of three work terms. It is available as an option for students in both the Major and Honours Physics Programs. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will have the notation entered on their transcripts and their degree parchments.

Students interested in entering the Physics Co-op program should submit a completed application to the Physics Co-op Academic Director no later than the fall semester of their second year of study. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants must be full-time students in either a Major or the Honours Physics program, and must have a cumulative average of at least 70% in the required physics courses taken to date. Students will be admitted to the program based on their interest, aptitude, and assessed ability to combine successfully the academic requirements with the work-term requirements of the Physics Co-op program. Students not admitted may reapply at the next opportunity.

Academic course requirements for the Physics Co-op Major and Physics Co-op Honours are identical to those for the conventional degrees except for the inclusion of the work­‐term courses as follows: Physics 2800, Physics 3800, and Physics 4800 are required three­‐semester hour physics courses (these replace three general electives); and Physics 580 is an optional physics course with no semester­‐hours of credit awarded. Each of the first three work terms is preceded by a required non-credit career skills course (PHYS 2840, 3840 and 4840), which prepares students for their job search and readies them for the workplace.  Students admitted to the co­‐op program should consult with the department concerning their course selection.

CONTINUANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students admitted to the program must continue to be enrolled full-time (except while on work terms). Students are expected to maintain the minimum academic performance as may be specified for the applicable Physics Major or Honours program. Students who fail to meet these standards or who fail a required course will be placed “on notice” for the next academic semester. Students who do not meet these standards for two consecutive academic semesters may be dismissed from the program. Dismissal from, discontinuance of, or failure of a work-term course may result in immediate withdrawal from the Physics Co-op program.

WORK TERM REQUIREMENTS

Satisfactory fulfilment of the work-term component of the Physics Co-op program requires:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of three work terms in approved, academically-related, paid employment situations of 12 to 16 weeks duration;

2. Fulfilment of other requirements specified by the Department of Physics, such as participation in career skills courses.

Although successful work-term placement is not guaranteed by the University, every reasonable effort is made to assist Physics Co-op students. In the event that a placement outside the University is unsuccessful, the option to complete the work term within the Physics Department will be considered.

REGISTRATION AND GRADING

It is the responsibility of the students to register for the career skills and work-term courses. These courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.

Dr. Sheldon Opps
Director, Physics Co-op
Email: sopps@upei.ca
Phone: (902) 566-0421
Office: Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering Building, Room 317 

Megan MacLean
Job Development Coordinator
Email: megmaclean@upei.ca
Phone: (902) 628-4315
Office: Robertson Library, 229

Administrative Support
Email: co-op@upei.ca
Phone: (902) 566-0336
Office: Robertson Library, 228