I'm going into my third year and want to get into med school or pharmacy or physiotherapy.
My gpa is 3.30 and i really want to improve it in my third and fourth year.

My question is that i got accepted into coop molecular bio program and wondering if I should go into it
because I have to take many required courses and I am worried it might bring my gpa down!

I really want opinion even from people who are currently in the coop mol bio program
Once i graduate from the coop program does it increases my chances of getting a job?
How much do coop students make before and after graduation?
How much is the coop fee?

I'm really confused!!! Plz help!!!


Thank you very much

Hey Skk1

I didn't take the Coop Mol Bio program, but from my experience of talking to friends that took co-op programs:

1) There was no co-op 'fee' from what I've seen

2) Co-op can help your chances of finding a job, because some students get hired on in the place where they got their co-op placement. If they aren't hired there, it helps to have co-op experience on your resume because then you can say you worked at such and such place, and did 'real life' tasks there which makes you more employable since you have some 'real world' experience in the field.

Here's more info about the Co-op program:
http://registrar-old.mcmaster.ca/CAL...nt/pg1931.html

This a five-level (year) co-op program, which includes eight months of off-campus work and a four-month academic work term. All work terms must be spent in molecular biology and genetics related placements.

Students should consult the MOL BIOL 4GG9 Course Coordinator regarding supervision arrangements.

Note, the course calendar does say "Students should seek academic advising for this program in the Department of Biology". So maybe if you have questions about the program and whether it's the right path for you, I would book an appointment with your academic advisor. They will definitely help you out with any questions you have and help you know whether the program is right for you.

Originally Posted by Chad

1) There was no co-op 'fee' from what I've seen

There is indeed a 'SCIENCE CO-OP FEE' of $650.00 a term according to my Student Account Statements.

Ugh. Relax. Only you can help yourself.

Once i graduate from the coop program does it increases my chances of getting a job?

Let me paraphrase your question,

If i have relevant job experience and apply to a relevant job, does this increase my chances of getting that relevant job?

You tell me.

How much do coop students make before and after graduation?

Before graduation, you are an undergraduate student making a co-op salary at your placement. After graduation you have a BSc degree and are a real employee.

How much is the coop fee?

Google, or the above comment can tell you.


As for maintaining your GPA, study harder. If it is a significantly harder program, it'll take time to adjust, but once you pass the first few initial bumps it'll get easier.