Science Capstone and Community Engagement Courses

Gain practical experience that works for you! 

SCI 300 and BIOL 400 offer a practical learning experience while allowing you to choose your area of study and direct your own learning. These courses will help you develop and demonstrate skills to make the most of your learning journey. 

Getting started

  • Review the course information below and complete the form below for either course.
  • SCI 300 | Community Engagement — begin the planning process now to be prepared for the upcoming terms! This course will be offered in both Winter and Spring terms.
  • SCI 300 & BIOL 400 | Capstone Project are 2-part courses. Both Fall and Winter enrolment are required to complete the course. 
  • Note: all SCI 300 courses count towards 200-level Science degree requirements.
CEE students in TC- students discussing and brainstorming in front of a white board in TC

SCI 300: Science Community Engagement

Earn credit for volunteer or paid work while defining the skills you wish to develop from the Waterloo’s future talent ready framework. Based on the student led individually created course (SLICC) framework, this course allows you to co-create your learning journey by intentionally planning for the development of key lifelong learning competencies. 

SCI 300: SCIENCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FAQS

What kind of placement is acceptable for this course?

  • The placement requires you to perform at least 100 hours during the term. Ideally, this will be completed in regular intervals throughout this period (10 hours per week). 
  • The placement can be in any area.

  • The placement must be confirmed and ready to start at the beginning of the Fall term. If you already have an ongoing position that will extend for the Fall term, that is acceptable, too.

  • The placement cannot be a co-op position, because you are already receiving a credit for your co-op degree from that placement.  

What documents do I have to submit?

You must have documented evidence of your placement. The documentation must briefly describe the position, scope of work, and number of hours per week/month/term (whichever is most appropriate). It should be signed by a supervisor.

What is required in addtion to my placement? 

Students will be expected to complete weekly reflections, a written proposal, a midterm report and a final report.

Can the placement be paid?

The placement can be volunteer or paid, as long as it allows 100 hours minimum to be performed.

How do I enroll in this course?

  • Submit the web form at the bottom of the page.
  • Professor Robert Hill will review the submission and contact you.
  • Once approved, the registrar's office will add you into the course.

What are the responsibilites of the instructor? 

  • The instructor is responsible for defining the broad learning outcomes around which the students will build their SLICCs. 
  • They provide extensive feedback on the proposal and midterm report.  
  • They help students to reflect on their learning process and their growth and development throughout the course. 
  • Instructors are not responsible for supervising the work performed during the placement. 

SCI 300 & BIOL 400 | Capstone Project

Solve interdisciplinary problems and connect with students across all faculties. In these courses, students work as a group to formulate an interdisciplinary problem, develop and design a project proposal and plan, and function effectively as a team to solve real world problems. 

The Capstone Project courses are developed in collaboration with Velocity, the entrepreneurship centre at the University of Waterloo.

View "iCapstone - Winter 2025" on YouTube

SCIENCE CAPSTONE PROJECT FAQS

Course Description 

Students work together in small groups to solve an interdisciplinary problem related to the field of science. During the course, students will use research to identify root causes and communicate a real-world opportunity or problem. Students will create an attainable project proposal plan that addresses the communicated opportunity based on the needs identified for a preferred solution. Students will manage the project’s technical, non-technical, and/or regulatory risks using tools and techniques to deliver a report and presentation that summarizes the completed work (Fall). In the second part of the course, students will demonstrate their ability to apply the design cycle to their selected problem, including stakeholder validation, prototyping, and poster-style presentation with group members to discuss the project (Winter). Students will apply interpersonal skills and work effectively as a team member or team leader of an interdisciplinary team.

Who is involved?

Project Teams: Each team will comprise four students, each from a different faculty at the University of Waterloo, ensuring a diverse range of expertise. They will be guided by a faculty member and supported by mentors from partner organizations.

What is the time commitment for this course?

Teams will dedicate 10 hours per week for eight months, starting in September 2025. In addition, i-Capstone students can enrol in specialized courses designed to help prepare them for more effective interdisciplinary collaboration.

How will students benefit from participating in this course?

  • Engage in experiential learning by applying strategic principles to real-world challenges.
  • Gain valuable experience collaborating with peers from different faculties, enhancing interdisciplinary skills.
  • Witness the tangible impact of their contributions on real-world projects, providing a unique opportunity to make a significant difference.
  • Establish connections with community partners, opening doors to long-lasting relationships, networking opportunities, and potential future collaborations or employment.

Course structure

The i-Capstone course counts in place of the capstone degree requirements in requisite programs in the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environment, Math and Science.

Spring or Fall 2025: Exploring the opportunity and building the foundation

Through thoughtful and rigorous research and exploration, project teams will develop a deep understanding of the opportunity and will build the foundation for the project. By combining their diverse skills and experience, students will apply a collaborative approach to define the opportunity, explore contextual factors, complete a literature review, and identify/evaluate potential solutions.

Throughout this process, project teams will receive feedback about their understanding of the opportunity and potential solutions through presentations to instructors, experts, classmates, and, in some cases, soliciting external partner/client feedback. Students will hone their project and team management skills, and will develop invaluable interdisciplinary communication skills.

Winter 2026: Moving from ideas to action

During the second half of the course, project teams will focus on testing and/or refining their solutions. Through primary research and data analysis, they will provide evidence of the viability of the proposed solutions and will develop an implementation plan.

In addition to a final oral presentation, project teams will work with their mentors to define additional deliverables (e.g., comprehensive written report, prototype, business plan, user manual, academic article, infographics, etc.) depending on the intended target audience.

SCI 300 / BIOL 400 Course Details Form

Indicate your faculty
Community Engagement or Capstone Project?
Must be at least level 2A
Must be at least level 4A
Must be at least level 4A
Have you secured a placement?

Note: Students' placements must be confirmed by the start of the course's first term.
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