Hands-on learning
While many of our courses incorporate hands-on learning through labs and field trips, we also offer many other opportunities to put your classroom education into practice in the field and lab.
Co-operative education
Co-op programs allow students to alternate working in their field of study for government, industry and academic employers. It's a great way to get valuable experience, make connections with employers, and earn some decent money to pay tuition. Every field in science has a co-op program with connection to local, regional, national and international employers.
Here you'll be challenged to learn in new and dynamic ways. It's a great opportunity to sample areas within your field and explore your career options before you graduate.
- Learn more at Co-op and Career
Develop your career
- Attend career development workshops
- Explore résumé, cover letter and interview resources
- Meet with a career educator
- Work with community through volunteer opportunities
Search for work
Research awards
NSERC USRA (Undergraduate Student Research Awards)
If you would like to gain research work experience that complements your studies, NSERC USRA can provide you with financial support through a host university (Either at UVic or another Canadian university). USRAs are meant to stimulate your interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering. They are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies and pursue a research career in these fields. Get more information and eligibility criteria . To apply, contact your department.
SURA (Science Undergraduate Research Awards)
Summer research can be an important and enjoyable part of an undergraduate experience, and can also be helpful in deciding whether to pursue research as a career. A fund initiated and sustained by an endowment provided by the estate of the late Eva Moody allows the Faculty of Science to provide a number of competitive awards each year to undergraduate students who want to do research in the summer.
JCURA (Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award)
Outstanding upper-year students can apply for a prestigious . These scholarships allow excellent students to do research in their chosen discipline under the supervision of a professor who is an expert in the field.
Honours
UVic's Science Honours Programs provides an opportunity for qualified senior undergraduates to undertake a research project, to work closely with a research supervisor, and to improve their skills in oral and written scientific communication. The Honours Program is especially recommended for students considering postgraduate work in their subject.
For more information, visit the department website and contact your department's Honours advisor.
Getting into the field
Field schools
Field schools are a great way to get concentrated hands-on learning, while earning credits towards your degree.
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
UVic offers field courses through this unique training facility in coastal and marine sciences and other disciplines during .
Directed studies
These courses allow fourth year Science students the opportunity to earn credits, while working with an instructor on an independent research project. If you are interested in this option, begin by speaking to research advisor in your area of interest.
Research experience courses
This option allows Biochemistry & Microbiology and students in second year and higher to gain research experience by volunteering in a working UVic Science lab.