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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
2017 Dr. Devriese showed that electromagnetic methods can be used to monitor steam floods below the ground surface over time. The work was primarily geared towards enhanced hydrocarbon recovery. However, her findings are also applicable to improving management of other subsurface resources, such as groundwater and contamination plumes. Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD)
2017 Dr. Jenkin explored the process of expiration in various rodent species. She found that typically the intercostal and abdominal muscles are silenced, but that under certain conditions, these muscles become active to enhance the volume and flow rates of the breath. Her work expands our knowledge of how the brain controls breathing in mammals. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2017 Dr. McKenzie studied the quantum physics of magnetic materials. He examined magnetic phase transitions, analogous to the transition between water and ice, at extremely low temperatures. This research is relevant to the development of quantum computation, as well as being of fundamental interest in quantum physics. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)
2017 Dr. Coia developed a flexible statistical approach for forecasting extreme events such as big floods and large insurance claims, by carefully garnering information from precursors. He also identified a new probabilistic model that can allow a varying level of risk. This research will allow us to better develop early warning systems for disasters. Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD)
2017 Dr. Chen used rainbow trout from desert habitats as a model to study thermal adaptation. He illuminated adaptive changes in DNA, RNA and physiology that enable trout to survive and physiologically thrive in high temperature water. His research will contribute to the conservation and management of fish species in the current era of global warming. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2017 Dr. Priegert developed new methods of affixing phosphorus-containing flame retardants to cellulosic substrates. This work could allow for the wider use of products derived from renewable sources such as wood, thereby decreasing society's reliance on petroleum-derived materials. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2017 Dr. Mehr developed screening technologies to search the human gut for sugar-modifying enzymes. He discovered numerous enzymes capable of building or breaking down complex biochemicals. This included the discovery of an enzyme capable of converting the blood type A antigen into blood type O, rendering it as universally donatable blood. Doctor of Philosophy in Genome Science and Technology (PhD)
2017 Blood transfusions are an integral component of modern-day healthcare. Dr. Atkins developed an innovative analytical tool to non-invasively determine the quality of stored red blood cells without needing to compromise the sterility of the storage bag. His findings have implications for the management and use of donated blood in medical treatments. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
2017 Dr. Hilton demonstrated that ageing plays a role in nerve cell growth following spinal cord injury. He also identified a new form of neuroplasticity underlying recovery following spinal cord injury. This assists us in designing clinical trials and developing effective treatments for paralysis. Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (PhD)
2017 Dr. Lee studied statistical extremes involving several variables. He explored methods to investigate extreme value models with connections driven by hidden factors or proximity of sites. Examples in the environmental and financial areas include the annual maximum stream flows at various locations along a river, and extreme stock returns. Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (PhD)

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