Bachelor Of Science - Pharmacology (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 Pharmacology at UBC's Vancouver Campus is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of drug action on biological systems. This program emphasizes both experimental and laboratory techniques, equipping students with essential skills in research, data analysis, and effective communication. With a focus on rigorous academic training, students will be prepared for advanced studies in health sciences and various professional fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The program is offered as an Honours degree, ensuring a specialized education that meets the demands of the evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology is structured to provide a thorough education over a 4-year period. Key features of the program include:

Co-op Option: Students have the opportunity to combine their studies with full-time, paid work at leading local and international organizations.
Honours Specialization: This program offers an intense specialization in pharmacology, preparing students for graduate studies and professional schools.
Experiential Learning: The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory work and experimental techniques, fostering practical skills in research and data analysis.
Small Class Sizes: Upper-year students benefit from smaller classes, allowing for personalized attention from professors.

Students are encouraged to apply for admission into the specialization at the end of their second year, as entry is highly selective, with only about 24 students accepted annually.

Featured Experiences

Laboratory Work: Students engage in both whole-animal and isolated-tissue techniques, enhancing their practical skills in pharmacology.
Research Opportunities: The program encourages students to participate in research projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
World-Class Instruction: Courses are taught by renowned researchers and medical specialists, providing students with insights from leaders in the field.
Collaborative Learning: Students work both individually and in teams, fostering collaboration and communication skills essential for their future careers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Resident Physician: Work in hospitals or clinics, providing medical care and treatment to patients.
Pharmacist: Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
Medical Researcher: Conduct studies to advance knowledge in pharmacology and drug development.
Dentist: Provide dental care, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases.
PhD Candidate: Pursue advanced studies in biological or health sciences, contributing to academic research and knowledge.

These career options highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, reflecting the program's strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

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 Pharmacology 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 equivalency of their qualifications to Canadian standards.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite Courses:
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry.
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course).

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.

Tests that satisfy UBC’s English Language Admission Standard include:

CAEL or CAEL Online: Overall 70
Cambridge English Qualifications: 180
IELTS: 6.5, with no part less than 6.0 (IELTS General and IELTS Indicator are not accepted)
PTE: Overall 65, with minimum scores in each component
TOEFL: Overall 90, with minimum scores in each component
Duolingo English Test: Overall 125 (only accepted from students in countries where no other English proficiency test is available)

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!