Co-op program for undergraduate students
Combine your physics degree with paid, hands-on work experience.
Why choose Co-op in Physics?
Co-op allows you to apply your knowledge in professional settings by alternating between study and work terms. Graduate with professional experience in areas such as:
- Spectroscopy and experimental measurement
- Solar cell testing and materials analysis
- Software development and scientific computing
- Laser and optics modelling
- Data analysis and hypothesis testing
Work terms are paid and typically last 12-16 weeks. Positions are often based in Montreal, though you must be prepared to work elsewhere in Canada.
C.Edge option
In addition to the regular Co-op program, you may also consider C.Edge (Career Edge) — a flexible option that includes one or two work terms, typically during the summer.
Eligibility and admission
The Physics Co-op option is available to students who are enrolled in the BSc Major, Specialization and Honours programs.
Admission to Co-op is competitive and subject to academic requirements. The Co-op director for the Department of Physics is Laszlo Kalman (laszlo.kalman@concordia.ca).
Program structure
The academic content of the Co-op program option is similar to the regular Physics programs, with some specific course recommendations to strengthen job readiness.
A typical study-work sequence in the Department of Physics follows this pattern:
Year 1
- Fall: Study term
- Winter: Study term
- Summer: Work term 1
Year 2
- Fall: Study term
- Winter: Study term
- Summer: Work term 2
Year 3
- Fall: Work term 3
- Winter: Study term
- Summer: Off/Study term
Year 4
- Fall: Study term
Students are supervised personally and must meet the requirements specified by the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Institute for Co-operative Education in order to continue their studies in the Co-op format.
Liaison between the student, the employers and the Institute for Co-operative Education is provided by the Physics Co-op committee, which includes the student's advisors.