• What is a Co-op Program?
• Why should I consider Physics Co-op?
• Am I eligible?
• When should I apply?
• What do I include in my application?
• Who do I send this to?
• What happens if I am accepted?
• How much does it cost?
• What is the structure of the program?
• Want more information?

What is a Co-op Program?

• Same as an academic degree program, but with additional (paid) experiential work terms inter-mixed.

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Why Should I Think About Physics Co-op?

• Valuable job prospects when you graduate.
• Helps pay tuition costs.
• Valuable work experience in: government, industry, and academia.
• Enhansed "Real World" skills – professionalism, communication, problem-solving, maturity, self-confidence.

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Am I Eligible?

• You must be a full-time student registered as a physics major.
• You must maintain a cumulative average of 70% or higher
• You apply during the fall of the second year of study.
• Notification about acceptance is given at beginning of the second semester of second year.

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When Should I Apply?

• You should apply no later than the fall semester of your second year of study.

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What do I include in the application?

• Completed application form 
• An up-to-date transcript
• A curriculum vitae (résumé), including education, work and research experience, awards, other accomplishments, special talents, and hobbies.

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Who do I send this to?

William M. Whelan, PhD, PPhys
Professor and Canada Research Chair
Department of Physics
University of Prince Edward Island
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Atlantic Veterinary College
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown PE C1A 4P3
CANADA
tel: 902.566.0419
fax: 902.566.0483
email: wwhelan@upei.ca

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What happens if I am accepted?

• First, meet with the Physics Co-op Director.
• You will receive an orientation package, including the Physics Co-op Handbook.
• You will then participate in an information session that will guide you through the steps necessary to succeed in the Co-op program.

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How much does it cost?

• You pay a one-time entrance fee of $461.00
• For each work term, you pay $576.00. This can be deferred up to 60 days into your work term.

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What is the Structure of the Program?

Academic course requirements for the Physics Co-op Major and Physics Co-op Honours would be identical to those for the existing degrees.

The first two years (academic terms 1 to 4) would be the same as the conventional degree.

In the final four academic terms (spread over three years), students could complete the 300- and 400-level courses required for their degrees. Some of these courses are offered in alternate years.

There will be enough courses offered over the three-year period for students in either program to pick up the required number of advanced physics electives. To ensure that Phys 490 is taken in a continuous manner, the following suggested schedule should be adopted (courses in square brackets are offered in alternate years):

• Academic Term 5: Math 301, Phys [311], 322, 381, [441]
• Academic Term 6: Phys [311], 372, [441], 490
• Academic Term 7: Phys [402], [411], [421], 490
• Academic Term 8: Phys [402], [411], [421]

Additionally, at least two electives from a group of physics courses (382, 391, 431, 451, 472, 481) would be available in either of academic terms 7 or 8.

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Want More Information?

• UPEI Co-op Programs Page
• UPEI Calendar: Physics Co-op Program