Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ģą˝´«Ă˝international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.
Program information
Data Science is an in-demand field that focuses on making decisions supported by data. It’s grounded in statistics to formulate relevant questions and determine the answer based on data, and in computer science to manipulate and visualize data efficiently.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
In Data Science undergraduate studies at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you can complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with a Major in Data Science, a BSc Data Science Honours, or a Minor in Data Science.
This program provides you with thorough training in Data Science, which focuses on making decisions supported by data. Connect with peers through the Quantitative Sciences Course Union and the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) mentoring program.
Experiential learning and research
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science holds an annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects. Students can also join the on UBC’s Okanagan campus to connect with peers and access resources.
Campus features
Connect with peers through the Quantitative Sciences Course Union and the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) mentoring program.
UBC’s Okanagan campus is renowned for its research opportunities and access to professors. It is a tight-knit campus and you’ll be able to work closely with award-winning faculty and make meaningful connections with your peers. Professors are collaborating with student researchers on cutting-edge projects like virtual reality (VR), decision-support systems, and cybersecurity.
Program advantages
Build a broad foundation with a globally recognized degree. Pursue a career in high demand that’s listed by Forbes as one of the best jobs for work-life balance. Contribute to the solution of modern data problems in the Statistical Machine Learning Laboratory or the Laboratory for Data Visualization.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Data Science. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to mechanics primarily for students majoring in the physical sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, geology, physical geography) or engineering. Particle kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, momentum, gravitation, rigid body motion, fluid statics and dynamics with applications to the physical sciences.
Introduction to the design, implementation and analysis of data structures. Topics will include lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
Techniques for computation, analysis, and visualization of data using software. Manipulation of small and large data sets. Automation using scripting. Real-world applications from life sciences, physical sciences, economics, engineering, or psychology.
Graphs and complex networks in scientific research. Probabilistic and statistical models. Structures, patterns, and behaviors in networks. Algorithmic and statistical methods. (online/mobile) social networks and social media platforms. Social influence, information diffusion, and viral marketing. Sentiment analysis and opinion mining. Data privacy. Search engines and recommendation systems.
Outcomes
A BSc in Data Science can help you find an exciting career across a broad range of industries and organizations, everything from marketing analyst to data engineer.
Your future role might be in national security such as law enforcement, defence and counterterrorism, or in business intelligence with options such as financial analysis or risk management. Marketing and online commerce also presents opportunities for data science grads in the form of gaming, internet and information technology companies.
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the Ģą˝´«Ă˝Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics is strongly recommended
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ģą˝´«Ă˝in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current Ģą˝´«Ă˝students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ģą˝´«Ă˝international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Data Science.