Teaching and learning at UBC Science

The Faculty of Science is a key incubator of educational innovations at UBC, and beyond. Led by our education initiatives and the dedication of world class professors, we've transformed our science courses, improving the classroom experience of thousands of UBC undergraduates every year.

50+ teaching fellows

Have supported UBC Science faculty members in adopting evidence-based, interactive teaching methods.

200+ 
courses

Have been transformed over the past 10 years—over 100 of them undergoing substantial improvements.

16,000+ students

A year take transformed science courses—representing about three-quarters of student FTEs in the Faculty.

Interactive teaching

Methods have helped to substantially increase student learning and success across the entire Faculty.

UBC Science Centre for Learning and Teaching

UBC Science's education research and innovation hub, Skylight works across the Faculty to contribute to the body of theoretical and practical knowledge about learning and teaching science, and to help students expand the depth and breadth of their learning.

Skylight

Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative

An $11M initiative from 2007-2017 that transformed undergraduate science education at UBC and beyond with an evidence-driven, department-based approach to improving teaching and learning.

Learn more about the CWSEI

 

Undergraduate Education

Departments

Teaching and learning at UBC Science is conducted across nine departments and 25 program specializations, providing a broad range of educational options.

A guaranteed small class experience in first year

UBC's First-Year Seminar in Science offers a small-class experience where you will learn about what science is and how it is done. Students learn to develop and analyze arguments, read scientific literature, and interpret data--these skills are then used to write argumentative essays.

First-year science options

Science One complements the standard curriculum at UBC Science, offering students a variety of ways to structure and focus their first year.

Program specializations

UBC offers a broad, relevant and forward-looking array of programs in the life, physical, earth, mathematical and computing sciences.

Co-op and professional development

UBC Science Co-op programs encourage students to take their education and skills into the real world, helping them build that all-important professional network.

Beyond the Classroom

Removing barriers to science education

Science 101 and the Faculty's Indigenous Initiative are designed to lessen economic, cultural and gender-based barriers to science education.

Internationalization and global citizenship

The Faculty's Co-op programs and exchange programs encourage students to make their education a truly international experience. UBC Science also works to attract a geographically and culturally diverse student body, helping all undergraduates benefit from global perspectives.

An eye to the future

New program and educational options in the environmental sciences, forensics, data science and AI are ensuring our offerings are responsive to the frontiers of science and to modern career paths. Meanwhile, UBC's dual degree in science and education extends the Faculty's commitment to STEM education in B.C., helping to bolster the next generation of science teachers in high schools and elementary schools across Canada.

State-of-the-art labs and classrooms

Upgraded life science's labs

A $20 million investment from the provincial government will enable UBC to upgrade and expand the aging teaching and laboratory space used by life sciences students at the university's Vancouver Campus.

Earth sciences facilities grounded in science

UBC's Earth Sciences Building features large up-to-date teaching spaces, new computer labs, and geoscience labs with a public view.

A dedicated home for science students

The Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre—funded by UBC Science students and the generous support of technology entrepreneur Abdul Ladha—offers a dedicated space for all UBC Science students.

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
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