The Distillation Blog

  1. A prof lectures at the front of a classroom.

    What Is the Impact of a "W" on My Transcript?

    Should I withdraw from a course and get a W standing on my transcript? What happens when I withdraw from a course?What is a W standing?When you withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline, you will receive a "W" standing on your academic record. Such standings are not included in computing… read more

  2. A graphic of a laptop, phone, and coffee.

    Make sure you’re on the right side of academic integrity

    Would you know academic misconduct if you saw it, or have you worried that you were doing it? It's not always the old-fashioned example of looking at another student's test; in this online world, academic misconduct can happen in many forms, as outlined in the  Academic Honesty and Standards… read more

  3. Students collaborating in class

    When academic integrity is in question

    We are an institution of learning, and our goal is to have you graduate and move into your career. While we want to see you complete your degree, there are consequences when you do not uphold academic integrity.  If you have been contacted to indicate that your instructor wants to discuss… read more

  4. The back of a man's head as he walks in a city.

    Cover Letter Looking Empty? Here’s How to Strengthen It

    Preparing a cover letter when you have zero or irrelevant experience.A cover letter is an important part of a job application. Writing one can be challenging, especially if your work experience isn’t obviously or directly relevant to the position you’re applying to, or if you don’t have much… read more

  5. Student looking out of a window

    Finding Balance With the Wellness Wheel

    About the Wellness WheelYour university journey brings a lot of opportunities for growth. From uncovering new interests to making friends or even moving to a different city, there are a lot of exciting moments. At the same time, you juggle a lot as a student. Whether it be intense coursework, lab… read more

  6. A closeup of a pencil on a scantrol

    Didn't Do So Hot on Your Midterm?

    Don't give up – this is a perfect opportunity to learn from your mistakes, see why you didn’t do as well as you had hoped, and find strategies to improve your scores in the future.Tips for the Next MidtermCreate a study schedule ahead of time and study early.Organize all the material into… read more

  7. Two students taking notes about the tree in front of them

    NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards 2025-26

    ALERT - Education services companies are falsely claiming that they can help students find UBC research projects or positions on campus for a fee. Read more.This page will be updated soon with specific dates and other details for 2026. In the meantime, the information from 2025 is available to give… read more

  8. Two people researching in a lab

    Summer 2025 Work Learn International Undergraduate Research Awards

    ALERT - Education services companies are falsely claiming that they can help students find UBC research projects or positions on campus for a fee. Read more.This page will be updated soon with specific dates and other details for 2026. In the meantime, the information from 2025 is available to give… read more

  9. Three students in a row studying.

    What Do I Do If I Miss Classes?

    It may feel like there’s nothing you can do and you’ve just forfeited big chunks of your grades, but keep in mind that you have options.1. Address Your HealthFirst of all, make sure that you’re addressing any health concerns. If you don’t have a family doctor in Vancouver, or if you have been… read more

  10. Birds-eye view of students sitting a table on their laptops.

    Tips for Starting a Successful Study Group

    When you practice and teach others course material, it is easier to remember the information and recall it later on.You’ve likely heard that study groups are a good idea, but do you know why they are? There are a few keys to making study groups productive and efficient (and not just… read more

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
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