Science 101 will be taking place again in the Summer of 2023 and we are currently planning to run the program in person. Student information sessions will be taking place in the community in the coming months. Dates, times and locations will be posted soon. If you are interested in becoming a student you may also email us at science101@science.ubc.ca.
Science 101 is a four-month, non-credit, barrier free course offered to residents of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and other inner-city communities.
The program provides an introductory Science education to adults who have historically had difficulty accessing university. There is no fee for the course and no pre-requisite knowledge is required.
Science 101 introduces students to a wide variety of topics, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, and biology. Classes are taught by University of British Columbia professors and graduate students who donate their time and resources.
Course Time and Duration
Science 101 is offered every summer from May to August, with a mid-term break in July. The 14-week program consists of 2 lectures per week, 1 optional tutorial per week, and 1 to 2 optional field trips per month. A graduation ceremony is held at the end of the program in August.
Lectures are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30pm on the UBC Point Grey campus and cover a variety of topics in Science. Optional tutorial sessions are held Wednesdays from 3 to 5pm at the UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main St.). Tutorials are used to deliver skill-building workshops, including computer, time management, and note-taking skills, that students can apply in Science 101 and beyond. Optional educational field trips are also offered throughout the term, and include the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, the TRIUMF Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics, and a Botany Lab.
For Students
The program is open to adults from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and other inner city communities who have a passion for learning and have historically had difficulty accessing university education.
Applications are accepted each year in March and April for the upcoming program. Applications must be completed in person at an information session. There is space each year for approximately 25 students.
In order to successfully complete the program students are required to attend Tuesday and Thursday evening lectures and to prepare a final project. The final projects demonstrate what students have learnt by taking the course and are displayed at the graduation ceremony. Students should be prepared to spend time outside of the class to complete their project.
If you are interested in finding out more about applying for Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone (see contact information).
Attend one of our student information sessions to apply:
- March 24: 2-3 PM @ Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (302 Columbia Street)
- March 24: 3-4 PM @ Carnegie Community Centre (Learning Centre, 3rd Floor) (401 Main Street)
- March 27: 10 AM–12 PM @ Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (573 E Hastings Street)
- March 29: 6-7 PM @ The Gathering Place Community Centre (609 Helmcken Street)
- April 1: 12-4 PM @ Vancouver Downtown Public Library (350 W. Georgia Street)
- April 6: 3-5 PM @ Carnegie Community Centre (Learning Centre, 3rd Floor) (401 Main Street)
- April 8: 12-1 PM @ The Gathering Place Community Centre (609 Helmcken Street)
- April 12: 1-3 PM @ UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main Street)
- April 13: 11 AM-12 PM @ Evelyne Saller Centre (404 Alexander Street)
- April 26: 1-3 PM @ UBC Learning Exchange (612 Main Street)
Final project information Library resources for final project | UBC Library Student testimonials Student yearbooks
For Alumni
The Science 101 Alumni Program began in 2010 as an effort to provide continued support and education opportunities to former Science 101 students, to help them develop skills needed for future education and employment, and to maintain a presence for the Science 101 Program in the Downtown Eastside community. Students eligible for the Alumni Program must have successfully completed the Science 101 Program.
The Alumni Program runs each year from September to March. Events are held two to three times a month at various locations in Vancouver, including the UBC Learning Exchange and UBC point grey campus. Past events have included science tutorials, skill-building workshops, a first-aid course, and yoga classes.
For Volunteers
We are always seeking volunteers to assist with the program. Volunteers are an important part of Science 101 and are given a variety of responsibilities both inside and outside the classroom.
Volunteers are recruited each year in March and April. If you are interested in volunteering please submit a maximum 250-word cover letter explaining why you would like to be involved, a resume listing your current activities, and the volunteer application form. All documents must be submitted to science101@science.ubc.ca or in person at a volunteer information session.
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering for Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone (see contact information).
Volunteer testimonials Volunteer poster Volunteer application
How to Apply
We are accepting applications now. The deadline for applications is April 11, 2023.
Complete an application form and email it to us at science101@science.ubc.ca.
OR
Attend one of our information sessions:
- Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | In-Person – Earth Sciences Building – Room 5106
- Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Virtual – Contact science101@science.ubc.ca for zoom link
- Friday, March 31, 2023 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-Person – Earth Sciences Building – Room 4009
- Wednesday, April 5, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Virtual – Contact science101@science.ubc.ca for zoom link
For Instructors
We are always seeking instructors to lecture for the Science 101 and Alumni Programs. Instructors are asked to design an introductory level lecture that could include an activity, laboratory, and/or field trip, for a 2 hour class.
If you are interested in finding out more about lecturing for Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone (see contact information).
Past instructors and lecture descriptions Lecturer testimonials
Undergraduate & Graduate Student Job Opportunities
We are seeking two or three part-time Program Coordinator positions for graduate students or senior undergraduate students. These are administrative positions that will work alongside other coordinators.
If you are interested in finding out more about the position or want to know how to apply, please see the full job description below. Applications are now closed for 2023.
How to Apply
To apply for this Science 101 coordinator position, please send your CV, contact information for three references, and a letter outlining your interest in Science 101 to Nancy Cook.
