The Distillation Blog

  1. A row of students studying at a long table.

    Study Tips from Science Peer Academic Coaches (SPAC)

    Science Peer Academic Coaches (SPAC) help you discover which study methods work best for you.General Study TipsAfter you study a particular section, do the corresponding problem set questions immediately.While going through the material, create questions in your head that might be asked on the exam… read more

  2. Students studying on laptops at a desk.

    First Year Required Courses & Specialization Admission Pre-requisites

    There is a difference between specialization admission pre-requisites and required first-year courses for a specialization.As a Science first year student, you'll be told to check out the UBC Calendar to see which courses you’ll be required to take to meet a specialization’s requirements, and… read more

  3. Birds-eye view of students studying at a desk

    Making a Final Exam Study Plan, Step by Step

    Planning is a reflective process. We all know we should do it, but where do we begin?1. Figure out your goalsThis needs to be more than just “I want to ace all of my courses.” Be specific, and be realistic. Consider how much time and commitment each goal will require.2. Decide on a systemHow far do… read more

  4. A room full of students

    Vantage Students Entering UBC Science

    Vantage students can use this handy guide to select courses for UBC Science.1. Review the courses that you successfully completed in your year at Vantage, as pre-requisites for second year.2. Look at your specialization* (“major”) on the UBC Calendar.Visit the UBC Calendar, scroll down, and find… read more

  5. Fall leaves on campus

    Getting Ready for September

    As a new student in UBC Science, you’ve successfully registered for your courses for the upcoming school year…but now what?1. Get Your Student ID Card (UBCcard)Your UBC Student ID card (UBCcard) is essential for your years at UBC. You can use it for:Getting your Compass Card on campusMandatory ID… read more

  6. A group of people standing on a stairwell.

    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

  7. A closeup of a person doing an experiment

    Getting into Research This Summer

    Getting a research position is no easy task; for most departments, if not all, timing is essential.1. Know Your Area of Research InterestIf you're interested in a course you took last term or are taking this term, connect with the professor or the TA’s for that lecture or lab. Professors love to… read more

  8. A view of 4 students working a table.

    To Take Summer Courses or Not, That Is the Question

    Summer can be your time to relax, but four months could be a little too much time! If you still have some energy left from the year, taking summer courses may not be a bad idea.Consider Some Reasons to Take Summer Courses1. Reduce Your Winter WorkloadBy taking summer courses, you can reduce your… 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. A group of students outside smiling and chatting with each other.

    Become a UBC Student Leader

    Give back to the community and make the UBC experience great for new and current students.Applications for these roles typically open throughout term two (e.g. January through April). Keep an eye on the websites below and your Distillation emails.Science Orientations LeaderHelp new-to… 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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