BIOL 492 - Biology Field Placements

Open Closing on December 21, 2024
MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Experiential Learning Facilitator
(16)
6
Timeline
  • January 21, 2025
    Experience start
  • May 1, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
10 projects wanted
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Alberta, Canada
Any company type
Any industries
Categories
Public health Healthcare Biotechnology Environmental sustainability Scientific research
Skills
biology critical thinking problem solving collaborative communications scientific writing teamwork
Learner goals and capabilities

A biology field placement course offers students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills in a real-world professional setting. Biology majors are well-prepared to work across a wide range of career paths, including environmental conservation, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and education. During the placement, students bring strong analytical and research abilities, a solid foundation in laboratory and field techniques, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Employers can expect students to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects, adapt quickly to new environments, and bring fresh perspectives to challenges in the biological sciences.


Skills:

Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in various laboratory techniques depending on their area of focus: PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, DNA sequencing, spectrophotometry.
  • Data analysis skills.
  • Fieldwork experience, including data collection, ecological surveys, and species identification.

Soft Skills:

  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for analyzing complex biological issues.
  • Effective communication skills for conveying scientific findings in written reports and presentations.
  • Team collaboration experience in labs and group projects.
  • Project management skills, including time management, data organization, and maintaining research documentation.


Learners
Undergraduate
Intermediate, Advanced levels
10 learners
Project
120 hours per learner
Learners apply to projects
Individual projects
Expected outcomes and deliverables

Students will fill a position working directly for an organization for a placement of between 90-120 hours. The position can include regular tasks and/or projects needed by the organization. The student should complete work that is meaningful, valuable, and authentic of the organization's workplace.


Students will also be enrolled in other courses so ideal placements will be part-time roles taking place over the duration of the winter semester.


Students will complete reflection-based assignments related to their skill development and feedback received during this experience.


Key Dates:

  • Early January - Placements begin
  • Mid to Late February - Mid-point feedback is provided by the placement supervisor to the student
  • Late March to Early April - Placements end. Final feedback is provided by the placement supervisor to the student.
Project timeline
  • January 21, 2025
    Experience start
  • May 1, 2025
    Experience end
Project Examples

Potential Placement Roles Could Include (not limited to):


Environmental Consultant Intern

  • Conduct environmental impact assessments.
  • Monitor ecosystems and evaluate biodiversity.
  • Develop strategies for conservation or restoration projects.

Biotechnology Lab Assistant

  • Assist in genetic engineering or biotechnology research.
  • Conduct experiments related to molecular biology and gene editing.
  • Analyze data from PCR, DNA sequencing, or CRISPR experiments.

Wildlife Biologist Assistant

  • Participate in fieldwork to monitor animal populations.
  • Assist with habitat assessments and conservation planning.
  • Conduct species identification and data collection in natural habitats.

Medical Research Assistant

  • Work on research projects related to disease biology, genetics, or epidemiology.
  • Assist with clinical trials or lab work involving drug development or diagnostics.
  • Analyze medical data and biological samples.

Conservation Officer Trainee

  • Engage in wildlife management and protection efforts.
  • Monitor endangered species and enforce conservation laws.
  • Educate the public on environmental preservation.

Ecological Research Intern

  • Conduct field research on ecosystems, plant, or animal populations.
  • Collect and analyze data on environmental variables and biodiversity.
  • Contribute to publications or reports on ecosystem health.

Quality Control Analyst (Biopharmaceutical)

  • Test pharmaceutical or biologics products for quality and safety.
  • Use analytical instruments to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Support research in drug development and bioprocessing.

Public Health Analyst Intern

  • Contribute to public health studies related to epidemiology or infectious diseases.
  • Analyze trends in public health data and suggest improvements.
  • Participate in outreach or education campaigns focused on health promotion.

Aquatic Biologist Assistant

  • Monitor freshwater or marine ecosystems and assess water quality.
  • Conduct field surveys of aquatic species and habitats.
  • Support conservation efforts for aquatic wildlife.

Bioinformatics Assistant

  • Analyze large biological datasets, such as genomic or proteomic data.
  • Develop computational models for biological processes.
  • Support research in personalized medicine or evolutionary biology.

Agricultural Biologist Intern

  • Research crop development, pest control, or sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Work with biotechnology tools to improve crop yield or disease resistance.
  • Analyze soil, water, and plant samples for agricultural research.

Microbiology Lab Assistant

  • Assist with studies on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
  • Perform experiments related to antimicrobial resistance or vaccine development.
  • Maintain cell cultures and analyze microbial data.

Zoo or Aquarium Research Intern

  • Assist with animal care and behavior studies in a controlled environment.
  • Support breeding and conservation programs for endangered species.
  • Collect and analyze data on animal health and behavior.

Science Communication Intern

  • Write or present scientific content for public outreach, educational programs, or media.
  • Help translate complex biological research into accessible formats for non-specialists.
  • Assist with public engagement and awareness campaigns on biological topics.

Forensic Biologist Intern

  • Analyze biological samples for forensic investigations.
  • Use molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA profiling) in crime labs.
  • Support the preparation of legal reports and case presentations.

Environmental Policy Intern

  • Research and analyze environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Assist with drafting policy recommendations for sustainability or conservation.
  • Engage in advocacy for environmental protection at governmental or non-governmental levels.

Healthcare Laboratory Technician

  • Conduct tests on patient samples (blood, tissue, etc.) in hospital labs.
  • Assist in diagnostic research related to diseases or genetic conditions.
  • Maintain lab equipment and ensure accurate data reporting.

Science Writer

  • Write articles, reports, or educational content related to biology and scientific discoveries.
  • Collaborate with researchers and experts to translate complex scientific ideas for general audiences.
  • Contribute to scientific journals, magazines, or websites focused on biology and life sciences.

Science Reporter (Newspapers, Blogs, etc.)

  • Report on the latest biological research, environmental issues, or health topics.
  • Conduct interviews with scientists, attend conferences, and write science-based news stories.
  • Provide accurate, timely information to the public about scientific advancements.

Food Scientist (Fermented Foods)

  • Work with food producers in the development and quality control of fermented foods like wine, beer, cheese, and kombucha.
  • Study microbial processes involved in fermentation and their impact on food safety and flavor.
  • Conduct research on new fermentation techniques to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Museum Curator (Natural History Museums)

  • Assist in the management and preservation of biological collections, including fossils, specimens, and artifacts.
  • Develop educational exhibits and programming related to natural history and biological sciences.
  • Conduct research on the museum’s collection and engage in public outreach to share knowledge of biological diversity and evolution.

Safety Officer (Various Industries)

  • Oversee health and safety protocols in laboratories, industrial plants, or corporate environments.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and implement safety training programs.
  • Monitor workplace safety related to hazardous materials, biological agents, and environmental risks, helping to protect employees and maintain regulatory standards.
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

Confirm that you will provide a dedicated placement supervisor.

Confirm that the placement supervisor will provide regular updates, direction and feedback throughout the placement including formal feedback at the mid-point and end of the placement.