The Distillation Blog

  1. Student staff speaking with colleague

    Where to Find Work on Campus

    Other than Co-op, there are numerous on-campus job positions for UBC students to build work experience.UBC Work Learn ProgramApply for winter positions in August. Apply for summer positions in March.Work 10 hours/week during school year; 20 hours/week in the summerStudent jobs on campus, including… read more

  2. A student writing in a notebook on campus.

    The Power of Journaling: Start the Year with Reflection

    Life as a science student can be busy, whether you're juggling courses, lab work, assignments, research and personal responsibilities. Journaling can be a supportive habit to help you slow down and reflect. The start of a new year can be the perfect opportunity to build this practice into your… read more

  3. Student studying at a cafe

    Build a Dopamine Menu for Focus and Motivation

    Have you ever opened your textbook only to feel your brain shut down before you even read the first paragraph? Or, have you planned a study session but ended up cleaning your room for an hour instead?If that sounds familiar, you’re not lazy—your brain might just need a little boost. There’s a… read more

  4. January 2026 Deferred Examination Schedule

    Students who have been approved by Science Advising for “deferred standing” status in a course are expected to sit at the first scheduled time for a make-up exam. As soon as you have been approved for deferred standing, contact the department to confirm your attendance at the make-up exam.Courses… read more

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

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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