BSH.SOEN.COOP - Software Engineering - BSc Honours Co-op
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Academic Level
Credential
Description
Software engineering is the branch of computer science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Software engineers apply engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to build software solutions for end users. The software engineer works as part of a team to design, implement, test, maintain, and document software solutions. Because these solutions are typically large and complex, the software engineer must deal on several levels of abstraction and draw on sound methodologies and practices to produce software that is correct, robust, maintainable, and extensible. The software engineer therefore bridges the gap between the requirements of a client and the software solution to meet those requirements. A graduate of the Software Engineering Co-op program will not only have technical skills, but also interpersonal skills to work within the dynamics of a group.
Co-op is an opportunity for students to gain experiential learning which will help them get a head start on a career. The Software Engineering Co-op assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within the industry. Specifically, co-op gives the students a chance to obtain 12 months of practical experience on the job, develop or enhance technical skills, explore career options, network with a variety of individuals and companies, learn from mentors and tutors, enhance communication and presentation skills, and develop technical writing skills. Co-op combines academic instruction and practical experience, allowing students to develop work skills and gain experience while obtaining a formal education.
INFORMATION & ADDITIONAL NOTES
Software Engineering Co-op is a competitive direct-entry program with a limited number of student places. Students who are not admitted directly may apply for admission after commencing studies at Trent and may be admitted on a competitive basis provided there are available spaces in the program.
For information on individual courses see Calendar entries under the appropriate discipline.
Students in the Software Engineering Co-op follow the co-op continuing model where they complete one 12-month work term (COOP 2100P, 3100P and 4100P) with a single employer. The prerequisite for the first work term (COOP 2100P) for students in this program is completion of at least 12.0 university credits. The set work term schedule is listed below. Students are admitted on a full-time basis and complete the program over a five-year period.
Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | - |
Year 2 | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | - |
Year 3 | Study Term 5 | Study Term 6 | Work Term |
Year 4 | Work Term | Work Term | - |
Year 5 | Study Term 7 | Study Term 8 | - |
CareerSpace makes every effort to find suitable work terms for students enrolled in the co-op program, but a work term opportunity cannot be guaranteed for every student. The work term process is competitive and dependent upon many factors including market conditions, the preparedness of a student including their job applications and performance in job interviews, and the academic performance of a student. Co-op students secure positions through successful participation in the co-op interview process and/or their own job search activities. Withdrawal from the co-op program will not normally be approved while a student is on a work term. Students are not permitted to take an academic course during a scheduled work term.
Students who are unable to obtain a suitable co-op opportunity in an upcoming work term are expected to continue with their academic program on a full-time basis. If a student is unable to secure their 12-month work term in Year 3 Summer, the missed work term experience would be delayed to Year 4 Fall. If a co-op student fails to secure their work term experience in Year 4 Fall or is unable to complete their 12-month continuous co-op work term yet otherwise fulfills degree requirements, they may apply for approval to continue in the Software Engineering program and graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree.
Co-op students are responsible for paying tuition for their academic courses, ancillary fees, and levies. All Trent students are charged ancillary fees every Fall and Winter term. Co-op students will experience the same cycle for their ancillary fee payments regardless of when they are out on work terms. Co-op students do not pay tuition during their work terms. Co-op students are responsible for paying the compulsory Co-op Fee a total of five times during their degree program, and the Co-op fee will be applied to their student account in Year 3 Fall, Year 3 Winter, Year 4 Fall, Year 4 Winter, and Year 5 Fall.
Students are encouraged to meet with their Co-op Coordinator at CareerSpace each year for support with their co-op work terms, career development, and to confirm they are meeting co-op progression requirements.
Though the BSc in Software Engineering does not lead to certification as a professional engineer, students will graduate with many marketable skills for careers in areas like software development, web design, and database administration. Students will also be prepared to pursue graduate studies in Software Engineering.