Student Opportunities

Build an outstanding academic profile with hands-on research experience and collaborative laboratory studies with the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS) at Trinity Western University.

  • Get far more out of your undergraduate science degree than anywhere else:
  • Work closely with professors who are specialists and experts in their field.
  • Take advantage of travel studies and conduct cross-cultural research with your peers.
  • Get unique opportunities to contribute to studies being published in scientific journals.
  • Participate at various science research conferences—interacting with other researchers, learning from experts, and even presenting your own findings.
  • Explore Teacher’s Assistant (TA) positions and other on-campus employment opportunities in science.
  • Get involved in community partnership events such as science fairs, camps, and school presentations, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
  • Innovate and launch your own projects with support from your professors. 

The TWU difference in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences allows you to discover and pursue your passion while earning a degree with unlimited professional potential.

Biology 

TWU’s Biology faculty are conducting solution-focused research. Karen Steensma’s research aims to advance ecological sustainability, Dr. Anthony Siame is studying cyanobacteria for use in bioremediation and biofuel production, Dr. Laura Onyango is determined to circumvent antibiotic resistance, Dr. Dennis Venema’s lab focuses on developmental biology studies, and Dr. Karen Lo is collaborating with Dr. Eve Stringham to explore novel ways of strengthening the human immune system.

Biotechnology 

Biotechnology is an applied degree int the department of Biology and prepares you for careers in life science. Practicum (BIOT 100-400) and on-campus work opportunities involve experimental and embodied and inquiry and cover areas such as bioremediation, developmental biology, cancer therapy, immunology, antibiotic resistance, green chemistry, environmental studies, and bioinformatics. The program includes two practicums and two co-ops. Practicums take place during the semester and give you marketable skills in addition to credit hours. Lower-level biotechnology practicums involve wet-bench laboratory work in clinical, academic, and industrial settings, while upper-level practicums can even be tailored to your own interests in health sciences, veterinary medicine, business, biotech companies, and environmental science. Co-op placements consist of 12-16 weeks full-time employment, are usually offered in the summer, but may also be available during fall or spring semesters. 

Chemistry 

Research exploration in Chemistry at TWU includes the synthesis of organa-fluorine compounds with a range of uses from medicine to rocketry, development of novel nano-materials analysis and applications of natural surfactants from Sapindus sapornaria and oregano-metallic catalysis. We are developing a departmental emphasis in sustainably sourced materials chemistry. 

Computing Science 

Many of our undergraduates work closely with TWU’s award-winning faculty, exploring a number of areas of computing. These students develop valuable skills by leveling deeply into topics in a wide range of fields such as bioinformatics, programming languages, mobile apps, computational criminology. Such cutting-edge research address real-world problems and often result in publications, international conference presentations and software application. 

Engineering Transfer 

TWU has a transfer agreement with the University of Victoria (UVic). This agreement provides for direct transfer to the second year of UVic engineering program and it allows TWU students to compete on an equal footing with UVic students for placement in their chosen engineering programs. 

Geography and Environmental Studies 

The  Geography and Environmental Studies faculty are at the forefront of research in various fields — from chemical ecology to geographic information systems. Special studies being done by Dr. Paul D. Brown, Dr. David R. Clements, Dr. Geraldine Jordan, Prof. David R. Jordan, and Prof. Karen M. Steensma include utilizing the unique chemistry of invasive knotweed, using geospatial technology to solve ecological problems, investigating site histories based on environmental factors, and advancing the holistic management of wildlife, landscape, and watersheds. 

Mathematics

TWU faculty are using mathematics to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, such as tackling climate change and uncovering urban crime patterns. Research opportunities exist in pure, applied, and computational mathematics. For example, you could work alongside your professor in modeling ice sheet dynamics, studying biological pattern formation, or using topology (the study of shapes and how they deform) to improve robotic mobility. 

Pre-Professional Program 

This program optimizes it’s students' applications for competitive dentistry, medicine, and veterinary school. Pre-dentistry students complete three years of a Baccalaureate degree in this program that includes courses in the humanities and social sciences. Many graduates of our pre-medicine program go on to be accepted by medical schools across Canada, Europe, and the United States. Pre-veterinary grads fulfill all the required course work for competitive programs such as the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatchewan and other veterinary schools abroad.