UBC Science offers master’s and doctoral degrees through nine departments and 350 research groups. Each program offers a broad spectrum of research opportunities.
Astronomy (PhD, MSc)
UBC research in astronomy and astrophysics covers a wide range of theoretical and observational studies in astronomy, and experimental and theoretical studies in cosmology. The department’s excellent reputation enables it to maintain world-class research laboratories and computational facilities, attract distinguished post-doctorate researchers, and support highly skilled engineers and technicians.
Atmospheric Science (PhD, MSc)
UBC’s atmospheric science programs are interdisciplinary, featuring world-class professors across the earth sciences, geography, chemistry, mathematics, soil science and mechanical engineering. This program is motivated by weather-related big societal issues including climate change, air quality and renewable energy.
Bioinformatics (PhD, MSc)
Bioinformatics uses computer technology to manage and analyze biological data. This innovative program is a partnership among UBC, Simon Fraser University and the BC Cancer Agency, giving graduate students access to top bioinformatics experts, and exposing them to original research and opportunities to complete significant practical work on real problems. Internships allow student mobility between Canadian and international universities, institutions and industry.
Botany (PhD, MSc)
UBC Botany is one of the largest and strongest plant-focused departments in North America, offering unparalleled graduate-level opportunities. Specializations range from molecular genetics to climate change impacts. Collaborations across zoology, chemistry, forestry, the earth sciences and genomics present a rich array of areas to explore. State-of-the-art bio-imaging, herbarium and living collections facilities make the program truly unique.
Chemistry (PhD, MSc)
UBC Chemistry is an exceptional research and learning environment that emphasizes excellence, equity and sustainability. One of the most well-equipped research facilities along the west coast, the unit offers graduate opportunities in inorganic, organic, analytical, biological, physical, theoretical, nuclear, environmental, and materials chemistry.
Computer Science (PhD, MSc)
Graduate studies at UBC Computer Science produce some of the most brilliant professionals in the industry. Recognized internationally for excellence in research and teaching with a conscious focus on interdisciplinary programs, UBC CS encourages diversity both within its community and across its areas of study. It champions the understanding and integration of computer science within all aspects of society.
Data Science (MSc)
UBC’s Master of Data Science program equips students with the technical skills, practical experience, and confidence to seize opportunities in an ever-expanding field. The 10-month professional degree program integrates real-world data sets across its curriculum and ends with a capstone project allowing students to apply their newly acquired knowledge.
Engineering Physics (MASc)
UBC Physics and Astronomy's excellent reputation enables it to maintain world-class research laboratories and computational facilities, attract distinguished post-doctorate researchers, and support highly skilled engineers and technicians. Engineering physics is an ideal program for graduate students driven to invent new devices, advance science, and pursue careers at the leading edge of high-technology, locally and internationally.
Geological Engineering (PhD, MASc)
Intended for graduate students interested in applying earth sciences principles to engineering problems, this program combines geo-technical engineering, hydrogeology and geology to provide a versatile set of skills. While most geological engineering degree programs are based in UBC Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, students may also base their studies in allied applied science departments such as civil or mining engineering.
Genome Science and Technology (PhD, MSc)
A trans-disciplinary program that combines genomic research with leading-edge technology development, GSAT accommodates a diverse background of students and the broad nature of genomic research in humans, animals, plants, microbes and viruses. Its innovative rotation program allows students to access multiple highly skilled research faculty during their graduate program.
Geological Sciences (PhD, MSc)
UBC’s geological science program is consistently ranked as one of the best in Canada, and in the top 20 internationally. The graduate program enables access to world-class instrumentation for isotopic and geochemical research, industry-facing mineral deposit research units, and career opportunities in Vancouver’s resource sector.
Geophysics (PhD, MSc, MASc)
Geophysics graduate students at UBC have unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge pure and applied research in both traditional geophysics and topics that cross disciplinary boundaries. Areas include observational and theoretical glaciology, climate variability, planetary geodynamics, volcanic processes, planetary magnetic fields, mineral exploration, environmental studies, seismology, and earthquake studies.
Mathematics (PhD, MA, MSc)
UBC has one of the largest and most vigorous mathematics departments in Canada, enabling graduate students to study most branches of pure and applied math. The Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences hosts conferences and summer schools that enrich UBC's quantitative science community, and the Institute for Applied Mathematics provides interdisciplinary opportunities for PhD students to work in applied and computational mathematics.
Medical Physics (PhD, MSc)
Medical physicists have specialized training in the medical applications of physics. That often involves the use of x-rays and accelerated charged particles, radioactive substances, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields, infra-red and ultraviolet light, heat and lasers in diagnosis and therapy. UBC's program benefits from research strengths across Vancouver's health and medical physics community.
Microbiology and Immunology (PhD, MSc)
Graduates of UBC's microbiology and immunology programs are extensively trained in analytical thinking, creative innovation and effective communication. Degrees in the program accelerate students in a wide variety of careers in industry, academia, and not-for-profits. Graduate students belong to a strong and collaborative community of microbiologists, immunologists, biochemists and cell biologists, based at UBC and affiliated hospitals.
Oceans and Fisheries (PhD, MSc)
The Oceans and Fisheries graduate program offers applied research in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, environmental physiology, natural resource economics, conservation science, marine governance, and climate change. The integration of natural and applied management and sustainability training streams differentiates the program from related programs in B.C.
Oceanography (PhD, MSc)
Oceanographers investigate fundamental and applied problems relating to the physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and geology of the sea, often working across traditional academic disciplines. UBC's program in oceanography builds on a proven record of accomplishments of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences researchers across biological, chemical and physical oceanography.
Physics (PhD, MSc)
An excellent reputation enables UBC Physics and Astronomy to maintain world-class research laboratories and computational facilities, attract distinguished researchers, and support highly skilled engineers and technicians. The department host a full range of presentations and seminars--many on current and emerging topics and technologies--and invite nationally and internationally renowned scientists to participate.
Resources, Environment and Sustainability (PhD, MSc)
A problem-focused and curiosity-driven interdisciplinary research program within the Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability at UBC, the RES program covers a wide range of environment and sustainability topics. Due to the applicability of their research, RES students and faculty consistently translate their work into influential resources for the public, policy makers and fellow academics.
Statistics (PhD, MSc)
Graduate students with UBC Statistics develop a strong set of applied and theoretical skills, preparing them for careers across bioinformatics, genomics, data science, computing and mathematical statistics. Students run their own statistical consulting service, and can choose to complete their work with a thesis, final project, or eight-month internship.
Zoology (PhD, MSc)
UBC Zoology provides graduate students the opportunity to learn in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment. Research areas in the unit span molecules, cells, whole organisms, populations and communities. It’s home to 40 well-funded, well-equipped groups in evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation, comparative physiology, and cell, genetics and developmental biology.