Science Information Centre

The Science Information Centre is part of the Office of the Dean of Science and has been created to assist with undergraduate student issues.

What types of questions can I ask the Science Information Centre?
If you have a medical illness, domestic difficulty or personal problem that is affecting your academic life at UBC, please come see us as soon as possible! Don't wait for exams. Our advisors can provide you with information on resources that are available to you to help you cope with your extenuating circumstances.

We can also help you with general inquiries and basic concerns that you may encounter during your undergraduate studies. These questions can range in topic from: 'How do I apply for a minor?', 'Can I take a term off?', 'Can I take a course at a college during the summer?', to 'How would I know if I can graduate?' and of course many, many more.

What should I do before coming to the Science Information Centre?
Look through the UBC Calendar (consider it the official book of rules) and search the UBC website. We expect you to have completed a little bit of research before contacting our office—just like you wouldn't want to show up at your professor's office asking questions to which the answers can easily be found in your lecture notes or textbook! After all, resourcefulness is an important skill to develop and hone during your university years.

What types of questions does the Centre NOT answer?
While the Science Information Centre can help you locate information about different programs, an advisor can't help you choose your major. This is something you need to do on your own. Think about your interests. What do you enjoy learning about? What are your strengths? What types of careers would you like to pursue? Are you very passionate about one specific subject or would you prefer a broader understanding of several science disciplines? These are just some of the questions you need to address. Don't know where to begin? Look through the Programs and Specializations page and see which programs appeal to you. Remember that your time in university is not only about learning, but also self-discovery. So go to program information sessions (often put on by science clubs), workshops (such as Beyond First Year) and career expos.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you’ve already chosen a major and don’t know whether you’re taking the right courses, it is probably best to see your program advisor. As you work towards completing a B.Sc. keep in mind that there are two sets of requirements: 1) Faculty requirements and 2) program requirements. We're the office to go to if you have questions about Faculty requirements. For program requirements specific to your major or honours degree you will need to get in touch with your program advisor.