The faculty of science has created three new undergraduate courses that allow students to earn academic credit while gaining real-world experience in the community and on campus.

“Experiential learning is the best way for students to gain the career-relevant soft skills sought by employers after they graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from UWindsor,” says Chris Houser, dean of science.

The three courses, Undergraduate Research Experience, Service Learning and Internship, are offered to all undergraduate students. Service Learning gives students the opportunity to participate directly with community partners by analyzing, addressing and possibly solving real problems related to social issues and community needs.

Similar to a longer co-op placement, students who take the Internship course will get on-the-job training, further develop analytical and interpersonal skills, practice business writing and build their professional network.

“Science at UWindsor has a 1:15 student to faculty ratio and we are taking advantage of this by offering unique skill building opportunities that students won’t be able to get at larger universities,” says Dr. Houser.

Through the Undergraduate Research Experience, students are able to gain experience in methods, techniques and ethical conduct of research with a science faculty member.

“They would be getting credit for the undergraduate research work many of them are doing already, on a volunteer basis,” says Houser.

“We understand that the work force demands a certain skill set and we are offering undergraduates the opportunity to graduate with myriad skills, including critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership, which are needed to succeed and compete in life after university.”

For more information contact instructor Michelle Bondy at mbondy@uwindsor.ca.