How is Science One different from other first-year science programs?
Science One is different from mainstream science courses in many ways. It is a single, year-long course, with a class size capped around 75 students (compared to 150-300 or more students in mainstream courses). Science One students don’t need to build their own timetable, instead they choose one of three available timetables, and possibly select an additional elective course each term. Science One students have access to enriched learning opportunities (tutorials, research projects, guest lectures, etc.), they have their own dedicated study space and they receive support from the Science One Faculty and Directors, in addition to UBC Science Advising. For a detailed comparison between Science One and mainstream courses, visit the ‘What is Science One?’ page.
How many credits is Science One?
Science One is a single, 28-credit course that spans 8 months (two semesters). This appears on a student's transcript as a single grade.
Who is the ideal candidate for Science One?
Science One is ideal for students who have a passion for science and for learning. We want the kind of people who are curious about things, who ask the right questions and aren't satisfied until they fully understand the answer. We want people who actively seek opportunities to push the boundaries of their own knowledge, people who regard intellectual challenges as an opportunity for growth, rather than an obstacle. We want people who dream big. A solid high school preparation is important, but also a demonstrated interest in science through extra curricular activities, research projects, contests, etc. is a strong asset. Admission to UBC in the Faculty of Science (Vancouver Campus) is a requirement for admission to Science One.
Where do students go after Science One?
After completing Science One, our students go on to a wide range of Science specializations, often combining the study of multiple disciplines by pursuing a combined degree, or entering a multi-disciplinary program. Historically, the most popular field of study has been Life Sciences, with about 30% of Science One students on average each year entering a program in either Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, or Biotechnology, while about 8% pursue a degree in either Cellular Anatomical and Physiological Sciences or Pharmacology. Multidisciplinary programs, such as Integrated Science and Neuroscience, are also a common choice, with about 18% of Science One students on average each year choosing one of these options. Other common fields of study are Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, which are each chosen by about 7-10% of the students on average each year, along with about 5% of the students entering a program in Earth Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences.
Once they graduate from UBC, Science One alumni pursue a variety of careers, from medicine to law, from academia to industry. The alumni page offers some profiles of where students have gone after doing Science One. You’ll see that it ranges the whole gamut of careers, from medicine to law, from academia to industry. For example, from the five Science One classes from 2014 to 2019 on average about 10 students per year have been accepted to one of the programs at UBC Faculty of Medicine, which is amazing given that only about a third of the students even applies for medical school. Many of our alumni also go on to graduate school and earn a PhD. Some of them are now professors at UBC!
What Scholarships are available to Science One Students?
There are five scholarships that are only available to Science One students. Details can be found on the Science One Scholarships page.
Will students have the necessary background for second year classes?
Science One covers all required first-year material in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. It also presents an integrated view of science and scientific literacy, while providing a solid foundation of knowledge on which to base future studies.
In terms of admission to second year programs, Science One is equivalent to the group of UBC courses BIOL_V 121, BIOL_V 112, CHEM_V 121, CHEM_V 123, MATH_V 100, MATH_V 101, PHYS_V 117, 118, 119, and 129. Students who receive credit for SCIE_V 001 are exempt from SCIE_V 113. Students who have SCIE_V 001 and are entering Year 2 on the Major in Biology in 2023 or later are not required to take BIOL_V 140, nor BIOL_V 180. For more information about specialization eligibility requirements visit the BSc Specialization Application Requirements page.
If you want to transfer to Engineering after Science One, you should contact UBC Engineering to verify which courses you may be lacking.
Do I have to be a UBC student before I apply for Science One?
Students can be offered a seat in the Science One Program on the condition that they are admitted to UBC (Vancouver Campus) in the Faculty of Science by the end of August. Admission to the Faculty of Science at UBC is a prerequisite for admission to the Science One Program.
To apply for Science One, visit the Apply page.
How do I pick my courses for Science One?
When you join Science One, you choose a single course, SCIE_V 001. SCIE_V 001 is on a standard time table (STT), with three available STT options, depending on when labs and tutorials take place. Each STT includes all Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics lectures and tutorials, as well as Physics and Chemistry Labs for both Term 1 and Term 2. When it is time to register, all you need to do is to choose the Standard Time Table that you prefer. You’ll also want to pick your electives at this time as well, as courses tend to fill up.
What is expected of students admitted to Science One?
Science One is an intense program. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and are encouraged to take advantage of the strong support system the program provides. Science One is not a soft option, but it prepares students well.
I’ve heard that Science One is really hard and I'm worried about my grades.
Science One can be challenging, but so is the transition from high school to university in general. It is very common for a first year university student to see a drop in grades compared to high school, and this is common across institutions, not just at UBC. That said, most Science One students do very well in the program and the class averages are typically comparable or higher than mainstream first year courses.