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The use of a computer-based resource allocation procedure for cooperative education ("sandwich" coursework) at the University of Bath in Great Britain is discussed. Costs of undergraduate sandwich courses are compared with those of the more traditional 3-year, full-time undergraduate courses in British universities. Distinction is made between marginal and fixed costs. The degree course in applied biology is described as an example of one of the many 4-year course patterns. Data are provided to show the expenditure pattern of the average British university in 1979-1980 in support of a biology full-time equivalent undergraduate for 1 year. Costs from placing a student in an industrial work environment result from academic staff commitment, department support staff costs, departmental consumables, and traveling costs. The annual unit costs of the sandwich student is higher than that of the traditional student. Costs of the biology sandwich pattern, which places students in industry for 2 terms during the first 3 years, are compared to those of the chemistry degree, which places students in industry only during the third year. It is concluded that additional academic staff are required in order to provide the necessary support for the sandwich system. (SW)