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At UBC Science, outstanding scientists and students strive to unravel the principles that underlie our universe - from the subatomic to the macroscopic, from pure mathematics to biotechnology, from ecosystems to galactic systems. Through the breadth and depth of our academic endeavours and the calibre of the people who make up our community, we take pride in discovering new scientific knowledge and preparing Canada’s and the world’s next generation of scientists.

A diverse range of highly ranked programs

With access to master’s and doctoral degrees through nine departments and 350 research groups, our graduate students work with world-class faculty to explore the basic sciences, and to pursue interdisciplinary and applied research across departments and units. UBC’s research excellence in environmental science, math, physics, plant and animal science, computer science, geology and biology is consistently rated best in Canada by international and national ranking agencies.

Committed to outstanding graduate training

UBC Science houses a wide range of prestigious NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience and related industry programs: from atmospheric aerosols to high-throughput biology, from biodiversity research and ecosystems services to plant cell wall biosynthesis, from quantum science and new materials to applied geochemistry. The options for enriched graduate training in industry related fields are almost endless.

World-class research infrastructure

Our affiliated institutes and centres include UBC's Michael Smith Laboratories, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, Biodiversity Research Centre, Life Sciences Institute, Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, Mineral Deposit Research Unit, and TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics.

Top research talent

UBC Science boasts more than 50 Canada Research Chairs, 12 fellows of the Royal Society of London, and has been home to two Nobel Laureates. Our graduate students have won 15 prestigious Vanier Scholarships.

A diverse, supportive community of scholars

UBC Science is committed to excellence, collaboration and inclusion. Women account for 41 per cent of the Faculty's graduate enrollments, and the percentage of international students has increased to 50 per cent over the past decade.

Mission
To nurture an exceptional scientific learning and research environment for the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
 

Research Centres

Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology

Computational Sciences and Mathematics

Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

Genomics and Biological Sciences

Human-Computer Interaction

Life Sciences

Chemistry and Materials Science

Physics

Sustainability

Research Facilities

Designed to inspire collaboration and creativity across disciplines, the Earth Sciences Building (ESB) lies at the heart of the science precinct on UBC’s Vancouver Campus. The $75 million facility is home to Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Statistics, the Pacific Institute of the Mathematical Sciences, and the dean’s office of the Faculty of Science. ESB’s teaching facilities will help Canada meet the challenges of a transforming and growing resource sector. Just as importantly, the researchers and students working and learning in the facility will offer a valuable flow of well-trained talent, new ideas, and fresh professional perspectives to industry.

Research Highlights

Receiving more than $120 million in annual research funding, UBC Science faculty members conduct top-tier research in the life, physical, earth and computational sciences. Their discoveries help build our understanding of natural laws—driving insights into sustainability, biodiversity, human health, nanoscience and new materials, probability, artificial intelligence, exoplanets and a wide range of other areas.

UBC Science boasts 50 Canada Research Chairs and 10 fellows of the Royal Society of London, and has been home to two Nobel Laureates. 

Schools / Departments

Department

Graduate Degree Programs

Recent Publications

This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Science.

 

Recent Thesis Submissions

Doctoral Citations

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2015 Dr. Slogan examined engineered fish habitat in Vancouver harbour, while developing a tool for managers. Results show how infrastructure affects light and current patterns thereby altering seaweed and invertebrate presence, while the effectiveness of microhabitats varies with tidal height. These findings will improve future design and feasibility. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2015 Marine ecosystems have been altered over millennia, but ecological data are typically only reported every ten years. Dr. Al-Abdulrazzak developed methods to integrate diverse data types, such as anecdotal evidence and satellite imagery. She used these methods to quantify changes in the distribution and abundance of marine species in the Persian Gulf. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2015 Dr. Thompson studied methods used to estimate parameters and approximate the behaviour of time-dependent random processes. He used a new parameter estimator on wind velocity data and derived approximations for infinite-variance processes inspired by climate research. These results will aid scientists in modelling complex aspects of climate. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)
2015 Dr. Blinov studied extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics to understand the origins of dark matter and of the matter-antimatter asymmetry. He developed new models addressing these issues, making use of phase transitions in the Early Universe. These ideas will be tested at particle colliders and in experiments searching for dark matter. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
2015 Dr. Vernstrom completed her research in the field of Astronomy. She investigated the characteristics of galaxies with the use of radio telescopes. She studied the details of some of the faintest radio galaxies ever observed. This information can be used to learn how galaxies have evolved over time. Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)
2015 A hummingbird's ability to maneuver is critical for avoiding predation, catching prey, and defending territory. Dr. Segre studied the underlying aerodynamic and physiological mechanisms that determine hummingbird maneuverability. His research demonstrated that wing shape and muscle power capacity is correlated with improved maneuvering performance. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2015 Dr. Konrad developed mathematical models to obtain insights into the dynamics of infectious diseases. His work is the first to rigorously quantify the confidence in an early negative HIV RNA test, evaluate a Vancouver anti-HIV campaign and model a novel anti-malaria agent. His results help to guide decisions of patients, clinicians and policymakers. Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics (PhD)
2015 Over the last 200 years, diffuse knapweed has become one of the most invasive plants in North America. Dr. Turner has demonstrated that this species has evolved larger sized plants, delayed maturity, altered gene expression patterns, and increased environmental tolerances. This work contributes to our ability to prevent future invasions. Doctor of Philosophy in Botany (PhD)
2015 Dr. Jones' doctoral research focused on the outer surface of a harmless bacterium that you probably consume every day in tap water. His work determined the complex chemical structures on the outside of this bacterium. The findings from his study will facilitate the development of the microbial surface into a platform for biotechnological innovation. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
2015 Dr. Law's research in Microbiology and Immunology showed how pathogenic E.coli hijacks host intracellular transport to promote infection. Her work provides a more detailed understanding of how E. coli alters host cellular functions as part of the disease process. Her findings could have important implications for research into intestinal diseases. Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)

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