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 Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPSc) student, you will prepare for a diverse range of careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors or for further training in graduate school. The program covers a rigorous curriculum that includes nanomedicine, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry, clinical epidemiology, and systematic pharmacology. This is complemented by three advanced laboratory courses emphasizing molecular, biochemical, and quantitative analytical techniques. Through these hands-on experiences, students develop the ability to design and execute experiments, critically analyze data, and communicate scientific findings effectively.
Experiential learning and research
Co-operative Education
The Co-op program is available for BPSc students who have successfully completed all mandatory courses up to and including Year 3. Co-op experience integrates (classroom-based learning with relevant, supervised, and paid work experience. Co-op students gain valuable skills that help guide them through their studies and prepare them for future job markets upon graduation. The Co-op program is optional and admission is competitive.
Honours Degree
The BPSc Honours Degree is designed for students who wish to take part in advanced research and study and may lead to direct entry into advanced graduate programs (e.g., Ph.D.). In addition to the Year One to Year Four course requirements, Honours students are also required to complete an Honours Research Project and an Honours Thesis. The Honours program is optional and admission is competitive.
Program advantages
Gain knowledge and practical skills to contribute to the discovery, development, and evaluation of drugs and drug products. Get the training you need to provide meaningful contributions to discussions among academic, industry, and government professionals. Take advantage of opportunities to conduct real-world pharmaceutical sciences research alongside faculty members, gaining hands-on experience in research design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Courses
There are many courses you can take within Pharmaceutical Sciences. Here are a few you might like.
Basic pharmacokinetic concepts: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Evaluation of how drug physicochemistry, organism physiology, and pharmacogenetics affect pharmacokinetics.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceutics, formulations, nanomedicine, and precision medicine as they apply to pharmaceutical sciences.
Population-level study designs and critical appraisal skills in evidence evaluation, with a special emphasis on evidence-based pharmacy practice.
Individual projects in an area of pharmaceutical research hosted at an industrial site.
Outcomes
As a Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate, you can go on to graduate school and academia, or pursue a career in:
Research and Development
- Clinical Research
- Production
- Product Developer/Formulator
- Process Development and Manufacturing
- Formulation
- Medicinal Chemist
- Biomedical Researcher
Regulatory and Government Agency
- Regulatory Affairs (Government Agencies)
- Policy Analyst
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control Chemist
- Medical Science Liaison
- Medicines Advisor
- Technology Transfer (patents, licensing)
Other
- Forensic Science
- Sales and Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Toxicologist
- Technologist
- Instrument technicians
- Nutraceuticals and nutrition
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