What is Science One?

Science One is a unique, first-year program at UBC Science that offers an immersive, multi-disciplinary experience. The program is designed for students who want to develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of science, while building a strong academic foundation and cultivating an interest in multiple branches of science.

The SCIE_V 001 Course

When you accept a seat in the Science One program, it means you are eligible to register in SCIE_V 001, a 28-credit course that spans two terms. The course presents Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (Calculus), and Physics in a unified, integrated format with a strong focus on the connections between the disciplines. The course also offers opportunities to explore the tools and approaches of modern scientific research through dedicated classes in scientific literacy and scientific computing (using Python) and mentored research projects. Being a single year-long course, you will receive a single grade at the end of the year.

SCIE_V 001 is restricted to students admitted to the Science One program, so you all take the same classes together as a group. 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. 

Core disciplines

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics are the core disciplines taught in Science One, with 3 hours of instructions for each per week. Each week there are also two additional hours of classes dedicated to enriched activities (Scientific Thinking and Literacy, computer programming, guest lectures, etc.).

Students receive frequent feedback on their learning in each discipline, as well as on projects and laboratory learning. Science One students are assessed with quizzes and tests, laboratory assignments, and projects. The assessments used prepare students for what they will see in the 2nd-year of their program.

Tutorials and Labs

In addition to the discipline-based morning classes, you will also attend weekly tutorials and labs. These are an essential part of the program. During the tutorials, Science One faculty work with smaller groups of 25 students on a variety of activities. Engaging with the tutorial activities helps students gain a deeper understanding of the course material. The Science One labs are run alongside the mainstream first-year Chemistry and Physics labs. To preserve the cohort nature of the program, all Science One students attend one of three lab sections of CHEM_V 121/123 and PHYS_V 119/129 together.

Scientific Thinking and Literacy 

An integral component of the program, this series of dedicated classes and activities about scientific literacy and the nature of science are an opportunity for students to appreciate what it means to be a scientist. In these classes, you will explore approaches and tools of modern scientific research, participate in mentored research projects, and attend guest lectures and student conferences. 

Research Projects and Student Conferences

The research projects are one of the elements that distinguishes Science One from mainstream courses. In the Fall (term 1), you will analyze a major scientific discovery and give a presentation about its relevance and impact. In the Winter (term 2), you will carry out your own research project in a scientific field of your choice. The term 2 project is the capstone of the program. Over the course of several weeks, you will learn to formulate your own research questions, design and build your experimental set up, collect and analyze data, and discuss your results. Much of this will be done in collaboration with another student in the course and under direct guidance by a faculty member who will serve as your mentor.

Science One organizes two student conferences, one in November (at UBC) and one in March (possibly at a location off campus). This is where you present the findings of your projects and get to experience what it means to participate in a scientific conference by attending multiple presentation sessions, Q&A sessions, and having scientific conversations over lunch and coffee breaks! 

Guest Speakers

Throughout the year, we occasionally host guest speakers from a range of scientific backgrounds to discuss their own unique experiences as researchers and professionals. Sometimes these are academics from various UBC departments or other institutions, and sometimes they are people from industry. Often they are world-renowned in their field, and sometimes Science One alumni!

Field Trips

Each year Science One students take part in one or two overnight trips, and sometimes other shorter field trips near or on the UBC Vancouver campus. For example, in September, students usually participate in a two-day team-building adventure to get to know each other and take part in fun and engaging activities. In March, they attend the Term 2 Conference, which usually takes place at the Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre.

How is Science One different from other first-year science programs?   

Below is a comparison of the different options you have entering into your first year of science at UBC. 

Design your own Timetable (Mainstream)

Offers the most flexibility. Students select courses according to the requirements of the specialization they want to enter in second year, and that fit their schedule. Lectures are large (150 to 300 or more students) but labs and tutorials are held in smaller groups.

Instructors from different disciplines work independently with few, if any, coordinated activities.

Students attend labs with others taking the same course, but possibly in a different lecture section.

Students don’t have access to a dedicated study space, and receive subject-specific academic help from the departments that teach their courses, and support from UBC Science Advising.

Students don’t have many opportunities to engage in structured multidisciplinary activities, but can combine interests through their course selection. 

Science One (Enriched)

Students take a single 28 credit course in the same classroom. Professors and students form an incredibly tight-knit learning community. Class size is capped around 75 students, with tutorials held in smaller groups.

Science One instructors attend each other’s classes and meet weekly to create a coordinated curriculum.

Students attend one of three lab sections with fellow Science One students.

Students have their own work and study space, which they share with their instructors and TAs. They receive support from the Science One Directors and faculty, as well as UBC Science Advising.

Students enhance their scientific skill set with tutorials, guest lecturers, extra instruction in science literacy and computer programming, multidisciplinary activities, mentored research projects, student conferences, and field trips.

 

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

Science One

Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
361-1961 East Mall

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
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