BSc Biology

UBC Biology students become involved in experiential learning through engagement with world-class research facilities, interactive laboratories, and direct outdoor experience. The program offers access to advanced imaging, molecular biology laboratories, and living collections and enables students to link theory to practical biological problems. Research collaboration with senior scientists and involvement in research projects are at the core, and paid work placements in various biology areas are offered by the Co-op program. Mentors and specialized resources aid students in preparation for academia and industry. Experiential highlights include:

• Beaty Biodiversity Museum and Collections Databases: Two million specimens for academic and public education use

• Biodiversity Research Centre: Site of 50+ researchers in evolution, ecology, and conservation

• BioImaging Facility: Live cell microscopy, TEM/SEM, and high-quality sample preparation

• Biological Services Laboratory: Scale analyses and microbiology

• Canadian Centre for the Culture of Microorganisms: Marine phytoplankton, microalgae, and fungi cultures alive

• Greenhouses: Systematics, developmental biology, and ecology research

• Sequencing and Bioinformatics Consortium: High-throughput sequencing and genotyping

• Co-op Program: Four paid work terms, four months each, in Canada or abroad, starting third year

• Undergraduate Research: Directed studies, honours thesis, micro-research experiences, and summer research grants

• Field research trips and group projects in areas like ornithology, aquatic ecology, and conservation biology

• Utilization of advanced facilities for mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography

UBC Vancouver’s BSc in Biology sets graduates up for success across science, healthcare, and research. Within two years, most alumni secure roles such as research assistant, genetic counsellor, science educator, or environmental consultant, with many advancing to graduate or professional schools.

Here’s how UBC helps you launch your career:

• Career access: Access to the UBC Career Centre, Co-op placements, summer research, and internships for hands-on experience and networking.

• Employability: Graduates are highly employable, with UBC’s science alumni reporting strong job placement and competitive starting salaries in BC and beyond.

• Industry ties: UBC’s Life Sciences Institute partners with major industry leaders like Novo Nordisk, supporting student research and commercialisation opportunities.

• Recognition: The BSc in Biology is internationally recognised and accredited, ensuring long-term value and global mobility.

• Graduate destinations: Alumni have gone on to top graduate programs, healthcare professions, and roles in government, biotech, and education, reflecting the program’s strong reputation.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc, you can pursue a master’s at UBC in fields like Botany, Zoology, Plant Science, Bioinformatics, or Data Science, or enter professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. UBC’s strong research environment and interdisciplinary options make it easy to tailor your graduate studies to your interests and career goals.