Second, Third, and Fourth Years

In the years between getting accepted into your specialization and your graduating year, you will have the opportunity to develop your career, excel in your studies as you accelerate towards graduation. 

By this point, the majority of students in UBC Science will be settled in their program specialization. The start of third year is a good time to review Faculty and program specialization requirements (refer to your program specialization in the UBC Academic Calendar). Both sets of requirements must be fulfilled before you graduate with a BSc.

  • Term 1: Apply for a minor (Arts, Land and Food Systems) if interested
  • Many departments formally 'accept' students into their program specializations based on second-year grades
    • If you haven't been able to gain admittance to the program specialization of your choice, consult the program specialization advisors for other specializations you may be interested in
  • Pharmacology and biochemistry students: Apply for Science Co-op if interested
  • Make a checklist of all the requirements for your program specialization
    • Plan out your third and fourth years and be sure that you've got your list covered
    • Science Breadth Requirement is met by taking courses in the 7 categories
  • See a program specialization advisor to go over your specialization

Careers and beyond

  • Figure out how to tell your story to employers, from your degree experience to your skill sets
  • Browse on-campus student jobs to gain work experience
  • Students considering graduate studies should get to know professors and gain research experience in labs. You'll need solid academic references by first term of fourth year
  • Read advice on planning your third year and beyond

Visit our blog

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  2. Where can a BSc in Geographical Sciences take me?

    Where can I see Geographical Sciences in the real world?In the monitoring and control of landscape hazards such as debris flows and other slope failures along the North Shore of Metro Vancouver.Investigation of changes in glacier and ice sheet surface melt rates and runoff informs policy on… read more

  3. Why should I choose Atmospheric Science?

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    Developing Your Career: Exploring Opportunities in Third Year

    Third year is the time to start building connections in the community.Build connectionsWhether you’re a transfer student, or you joined us in first-year, you’ve been at UBC for a year or more now! How are you settling into your specialization? If you haven’t already, now is a great time to begin to… read more

Latest events

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    Exam Success in 15 Min or Less

    Studying for exams doesn’t have to be difficult. Drop into our Coaches Corner for 15 minutes to kick off your final exam preparation. Study smarter, not harder. The Science Peer Academic Coaches offer 15-minute sessions to help you feel prepared for your final exams. Create your own… read more

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    Study Hall

    Just like in the movies - except with more (effective) studying. Looking for a study space and resources to maximize your potential with university-level academics? Science Study Halls are designed specifically for UBC Science students. Come for the dedicated study space, the study… read more

  3. A person stands in front of a room presenting a powerpoint.

    Science Case Competition

    Solve a real-world science case together with your friends and compete for prizes.Love competition? Want to practice your analytical, problem solving, and presentation skills? SCI Team is presenting the annual Science Case Competition where you can flex your Science muscles and synthesize your… read more

  4. Three people sit at a table in a room chatting.

    Meet Your Major

    Thank you for attending Meet Your Major 2024. While the live component of the event is over, the Meet Your Major 2024 event page is still available for you to view (Zoom links no longer active). We encourage you to use this along with the UBC Specialization FAQ as an additional resource to… read more

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

UBC Science acknowledges that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

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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