Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences website to learn more about Pharmaceutical Sciences.
View full program detailsProgram information
Study the sciences behind drug discovery and development, including pharmacology, formulations, nanomedicine, diagnostics, and analytical chemistry. You’ll graduate ready for grad school or a technical position in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, or biotechnology.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- 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.
- No
- Faculty
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Degree
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
What you'll learn
As a Pharmaceutical Sciences student at UBC, you’ll study foundational natural sciences and pharmaceutical sciences while developing your teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurialism. You’ll graduate with the knowledge, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities you need to contribute to important economic, social, and political discussions.As a Pharmaceutical Sciences student, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art laboratories with high-end research equipment. You’ll also be trained in ultra-high-pressure liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, microparticle analysis, and microscopy.
Experiential learning and research
Within the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, you’ll choose one of three streams:
- General studies: Focus exclusively on coursework.
- Research focus: Complete a research project or practicum in year 4.
- Honours with research focus: Complete a research project or practicum in year 4, plus 12 additional credits of coursework.
Practicums
If your practicum application is successful, you’ll be placed with a government organization or an industrial partner (e.g., a biotech, drug, nutraceutical or personal care company) for one term. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn critical skills, and earn 15 credits toward your degree.
Research
If your research application is successful, you’ll work on a research project with a professor from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences for one term. You’ll learn critical research skills and earn 15 credits toward your degree.
Campus features
As a Pharmaceutical Sciences student, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art laboratories with high-end research equipment. You’ll also be trained in ultra-high-pressure liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, microparticle analysis, and microscopy.
Program advantages
Gain knowledge and practical skills to contribute to the discovery, development, and evaluation of drugs and therapies. Get the training you need to provide meaningful contributions to discussions among academic, industry, and government professionals. Pursue a career as a professional, entrepreneur, or emerging leader in pharmaceutical sciences.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Pharmaceutical Sciences. Here are a few you might like.
The principles of biology with particular reference to the human body (anatomy and physiology). (physiology and introductory anatomy).
Theoretical and practical knowledge of biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceutics, formulations, nanomedicine, and precision medicine as they apply to pharmaceutical sciences.
Types of research scientists in Academia and Industry undertake across the broad range of Pharmaceutical Science Disciplines.
Population-level study designs and critical appraisal skills in evidence evaluation, with a special emphasis on evidence-based pharmacy practice.
Outcomes
As a Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate, you can go on to graduate school and academia, or pursue a career in:
- Government policy and regulatory affairs
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare administration and provision
- Medical device sales and marketing
- Pharmaceuticals, including generic medications
- Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, or cannabis products
- Personal care products, including shampoo, lotion, and makeup
- Veterinary drugs
- Process manufacturing
- Paint and other industrial formulation manufacturing
- Quality assurance management
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 UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Pharmaceutical Sciences
- 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.)
- IB Chemistry
- Grade 11 or equivalent Biology
Note: Grade 11 Biology requirement listed is only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Biology course.
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 UBC 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 UBC 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 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences website to learn more about Pharmaceutical Sciences.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences website to learn more about Pharmaceutical Sciences.
View full program details