Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international 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 Zoology.
Program information
Explore the animal kingdom as a biological scientist by studying behaviours, physiology, anatomy, and the entire animal organism. You’ll gain practical experience and skills in laboratory and fieldwork, computers, and communication.
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
Zoology is a  accredited program that studies animal biology from the perspective of the entire animal organism. Your studies will cover a broad range of topics in animal biology (physiology, ecology, developmental biology). You’ll also gain practical experience and skills in laboratory and fieldwork, computers, and communication.
UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to a number of world-class research facilities, including the Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience and Ecosystem Services (BRAES). BRAES is a consortium of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½faculty members and students, collaborators and partner organizations working together to advance research and teaching in conservation and ecology.
Experiential learning and research
Take your studies outside the classroom with the ample opportunities for field work in the Biology program’s course offerings, including Entomology, Field Ornithology, Evolutionary Ecology, and more. Two senior-level course options allow you to conduct independent research projects in the field.
You also have the opportunity to take your studies abroad with the Go Global program and the Exchange and Research Abroad program, or participate in original research – either your own or a professor’s in your field.
Campus features
UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to a number of world-class research facilities, including the Okanagan Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience and Ecosystem Services (BRAES). BRAES is a consortium of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½faculty members and students, collaborators and partner organizations working together to advance research and teaching in conservation and ecology.
Program advantages
Work closely with classmates and professors while studying in outdoor settings where you can apply your knowledge and skills to solve real-world resource management problems. Complete a co-op to gain beneficial skills, build your resumé, expand your professional network, and earn money.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Zoology. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to mechanics primarily for students majoring in the life sciences (e.g. biochemistry, biology, microbiology, pharmacy, human kinetics, human geography or psychology). Particle kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, momentum, gravitation, rigid body motion, fluid statics and dynamics with applications to the biological sciences.
Structure and function of plant and animal cells; membrane models, cytoplasmic organelles, biological information from gene to protein, the endomembrane system, secretion, intracellular digestion, endocytosis, transport processes, cytoskeleton and cell motility.
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. This course delineates a number of shared biological processes conducted at the cellular level and similar across a wide range of organisms (e.g, acquisition of usable energy, energy storage, transport processes, irritability, and contractility).
Advanced survey of the field of evolutionary ecology: the study of the ecological basis for the evolution of life histories, sex, mating strategies, and foraging strategies
Outcomes
A Ä¢¹½´«Ã½degree in Zoology prepares you for a range of careers in such areas as conservation, environmental assessment, aquaculture, forensic biology, toxicology, and more.
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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 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½Sauder 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 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½in 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 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½students 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 Zoology.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ä¢¹½´«Ã½international 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 Zoology.