Bachelor Of Science In Natural Resources - Forest Sciences (Co-op) (Honours) at UBC - The University of British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources - Forest Sciences program at UBC's Vancouver campus focuses on the scientific principles related to forests, forest organisms, and the ecology of plants and animals. This program emphasizes the complexity of forest ecosystems, highlighting how various living and non-living components interact. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of forest wildlife, fires, insects, diseases, soil, tree genetics, and forest regeneration. The program is designed for those with an inquisitive mind who wish to explore the mysteries of nature and the impact of human activities on forest ecosystems.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources - Forest Sciences program is structured to provide a robust educational experience over a 4-year period. Key features of the program include:

Optional Co-op: Students can combine their studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
Honours Option: Students have the opportunity to engage in intense specialization in a single field.
Experiential Learning: The program includes extensive hands-on lab or field work, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Field Schools: Participation in one or two week-long field schools at the Alex Fraser Research Forest and the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
Thesis Requirement: Honours students will write an original six-credit thesis under faculty supervision in their final year.

This comprehensive structure ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience that is essential for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

Students in the Forest Sciences program can expect a variety of unique and enriching experiences, including:

Hands-on lab and field work that enhances practical understanding of forest ecosystems.
Field schools that provide immersive learning experiences in natural settings.
Access to the award-winning Forest Sciences Centre, featuring high-tech classrooms and labs.
Opportunities to specialize in areas such as genetics, ecology, entomology, pathology, silviculture, or hydrology.
International specialization options to study forest ecosystems in different parts of the world.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for a successful career in the field of natural resources and forestry.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources - Forest Sciences program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them in Canada, including:

Forest Geneticist: Specializes in the genetic improvement of forest trees to enhance growth and disease resistance.
Biodiversity Specialist: Works to conserve and manage biodiversity within forest ecosystems.
Fisheries and Wildlife Officer: Enforces laws and regulations related to wildlife conservation and management.
Forest Ecologist: Studies the relationships between forest ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.
Pathologist: Focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases affecting forest trees and plants.

Many graduates also pursue further education in graduate school or obtain professional certifications as Registered Professional Foresters or Registered Professional Biologists, enhancing their career prospects in research, teaching, and specialized fields within forestry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-12-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources - Forest Sciences program at UBC, prospective students should be aware of the following Academic Requirements:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
International Students:
- Students from international high schools must meet specific requirements based on their educational background.
- For students from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to check the specific requirements applicable to their educational systems.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite Courses:
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL.
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics.
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry.
- Grade 11 Biology.
- If intending to major in Wood Products or specialize in Harvest Planning and Engineering, Physics 11 is strongly recommended.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines. For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.

There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) for an undergraduate degree on the Vancouver campus:

Complete four or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
Achieve a final exam grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of Alberta English Language Arts 30-1, BC English 12 (achieved August 2019 or earlier), or equivalents.
Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A: Language and Literature or English A: Literature (higher-level or standard-level).
Achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the tests of English language proficiency that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Successfully complete the equivalent of six credits of transferrable post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country.
Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English.
Achieve a UBC Certificate in English Language or CEL by completing Level 600 and Level 650 of the UBC English Language Institute’s English for Academic Purposes program on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the nine options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!