Program Description A four-year Honours Co-operative program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Oenology and Viticulture is designed to meet the growing needs of the grape, grape juice and wine industries of cool climate regions. The aim of the program is to provide a comprehensive scientific education combined with both hands-on and industrial experience in Oenology and Viticulture, along with exposure to marketing, tourism and wine appreciation. Since "wine begins in the field and ends in the glass", our graduates will be trained to work in the vineyard and the winery or may become owners and operators of vineyards and wineries. The program encompasses the scientific disciplines pertaining to the grape and wine industry such as sensory science, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell and molecular biology, plant physiology and environmental biology. The program can enable our graduates to pursue higher education in any of these disciplines.
Industry experience is considered to be an essential part of our students' preparation. In order to gain that experience all students are required to participate in Co-op work terms. Students will participate in a minimum of three work terms as indicated in the program of study. Each student is required to do at least one work term in a vineyard setting and one at a winery during the harvest and crush.
These work terms will be paid positions providing a meaningful, academically relevant employment experience within the grape and wine industry. The primary goal of the Oenology and Viticulture Co-op Program is to arrange and monitor placements within the Canadian industry. However, suitable international work terms may be used to meet the program requirements. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, students are assessed an administrative fee
Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.
