UBC Science Co-op has over 3000 students available for full-time paid work terms each year. Some of our students already have technical work experience. Explore our disciplines below.
Computational, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences
The UBC Science Co-op Computational Sciences group includes students from Computer Science, Math and Statistics, and Cognitive Systems. Students enrolled in Computer Science learn the fundamentals of programming constructs, models, and design, providing them with a key set of skills to develop and apply technologies in a world of constantly evolving industry and research demands. The program’s Math and Statistics students offer employers a diverse talent pool trained in statistics, pure and applied mathematics, with levels of sophistication suited to specific project needs. One of UBC Science’s most unique programs, Cognitive Systems (COGS), integrates Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology, enabling students to pursue opportunities in human-computer interaction, medical technology, neuroscience, software design and development. Additionally, Business and Computer Science (BUCS) students blend technical software engineering with business strategy and financial analysis, bridging technical execution with organizational goals.
Sample Skill Sets
Software Engineering & Systems
- Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Machine Learning
- Software Design, Development & Programming (Front-end & Back-end technologies, Mobile)
- Software Testing & Quality Assurance, Debugging & System Prototyping
- Operating Systems, Networks & Distributed Systems
- Development Operations (DevOps) Automation & Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity & Information Security Monitoring & Management
- Cloud Architecture Optimization
Data Science & Analytics
- Data Cleaning, Manipulation & Exploratory Data Analysis
- Statistical Modeling, Inference & Statistical Computing (R, SAS)
- Database Design & Data Management
Business & Technology
- Product Research & Management
- Business Analysis
- Project Management
- Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Cognition & Human-Centered Design
- Human-Computer Interaction & Software Design (Product Design, UI/UX Design, & UX Research)
- Multidisciplinary Research & Problem Solving (Cognitive Systems, Neuroscience applications)
Individual Disciplines
- Cognitive Systems: Computational Intelligence Design
- Computer Science (BSc, BA, BCom)
- Data Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
- Mathematics
- Statistics Undergraduate and Graduate
- Graduate Programs: Computer Science (MSc, PhD)
Engineering Physics
UBC’s Engineering Physics program develops versatile technical talent by combining advanced physics and mathematics with hands-on training in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Interns possess rare multidisciplinary breadth, making them equally proficient at designing circuits, building electromechanical prototypes, writing software, and modeling complex systems. Through rigorous project-based design courses, students gain direct experience building functional instruments from scratch and managing R&D projects from initial proposal through technical review. Grounded in strong analytical problem-solving and data-driven experimentation, Engineering Physics interns quickly adapt to unscripted technical challenges and deliver immediate value across high-tech, hardware, and engineering teams.
Sample Skill Sets
Hardware, Electromechanical & Circuits Design
- Design, test, and troubleshoot analog, digital, integrated, and linear circuits.
- Build, assemble, and debug electromechanical prototypes and systems.
- Program microcontrollers and interface hardware with sensors and actuators.
- Apply machine design, statics, and dynamics to mechatronic and automotive systems.
Software, Computational Modeling & Applied Physics
- Design experiments, analyze data, and model systems with numerical methods.
- Develop software solutions, manage databases, and write object-oriented code.
- Apply core physics principles (quantum, thermodynamics, optics) to technical problems.
- Measure and analyze signals using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and lab instruments.
Project Management, Analysis & Commercialization
- Lead engineering projects from proposal through design review and final release.
- Guide multidisciplinary decisions with data-driven technical analysis.
- Translate scientific research into commercial products, patents, and ventures.
- Present technical reports, design reviews, and proposals to stakeholders.
Individual Disciplines
Land and Food Systems
The UBC Land and Food Systems Co-op group includes students from Food Science, Applied Biology, Food, Nutrition and Health, Global Resource Systems, and Food and Resource Economics. Food Science students deliver expertise in food chemistry, processing, safety, and quality assurance. Applied Biology students apply field and lab methods in animal, plant, and agricultural systems to solve pressing environmental challenges. Food, Nutrition and Health students bring strong capabilities in public wellness, health promotion, and community policy. Global Resource Systems students combine international resource management with language skills to lead cross-disciplinary sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Food and Resource Economics students blend quantitative data analytics and applied econometrics with market strategy to guide business decision-making and resource policy.
Sample Skill Sets
Food Science, Quality Assurance & Sustainable Agriculture
- Food Chemistry, Processing, Microbiology & Quality Control
- Food Safety Regulations, Hazard Analysis & Sanitation Standards
- Animal, Plant & Agroecological Systems Management
- Biological Field Sampling & Sustainable Resource Management
Applied Economics, Data Analytics & Market Strategy
- Econometric Modeling, Applied Microeconomics & Resource Policy
- Quantitative Data Analytics, Statistical Computing (R, Stata, Python) & Data Visualization
- Agribusiness Management, Commodity Markets & Financial Risk Analysis
- Supply Chain Evaluation & Market Structure Analysis
Human Health, Global Sustainability & Resource Policy
- Human Nutrition, Community Health Promotion & Food Security Policy
- Cross-Disciplinary Global Sustainability & Resource Management Projects
- Cross-Cultural Communication, International Policy & Foreign Language Application
- Public Health Education, Program Evaluation & Interdisciplinary Advocacy
Individual Disciplines
Life Sciences
UBC Science Co-op’s largest grouping of academic programs, Life Sciences Co-op, includes disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Each of these programs provides students with a strong academic foundation that enables them to develop advanced laboratory and research techniques, analytical thinking, and technical proficiency, along with the ability to support high-quality research and evidence-based decision-making. Through this training, Science Co-op students gain an appreciation for scientific rigor, clinical research ethics, and effective collaboration in multidisciplinary environments, making them exceptional candidates for scientific and healthcare teams and initiatives.
Sample Skill Sets
Molecular Biology & Genomic Techniques
- Nucleic Acid Isolation (DNA/RNA Isolation, PCR & Gel Electrophoresis)
- Blotting & Hybridization Methods (Southern Blotting, DNA Hybridization & Western Blot Analysis)
- Protein & Immunoassay Techniques (ELISA & SDS-PAGE)
Cell Biology, Culture & Imaging Operations
- Cell Culture Operations (Aseptic Technique, Bacterial & Mammalian Cell Culture, Cell Counting)
- Cellular Transformation, Transfection & Genetic Manipulation
- Flow Cytometry Basics, Fluorescence Staining & Advanced Microscopy
Clinical Research, Data Analysis & Ethics Management
- Clinical Trial Operations (Patient Recruitment, Informed Consent, Chart Reviews & Survey Administration)
- Scientific Protocol Development, Literature Reviews & Institutional Ethics Applications
- Data Science & Field Operations (Bioinformatics, Statistical Data Analysis, Biological Data Collection & Environmental Sampling)
Synthetic Chemistry & Chemical Analysis
- Multi-step Organic and Inorganic Synthesis
- Compound Characterization & Spectroscopy (NMR, GC-MS, IR, AAS & HPLC)
- Quantitative Chemical Analysis (solution/sample preparation, physical chemistry tests)
Individual Disciplines
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Combined Major in Science / General Science
- Cellular, Anatomical, & Physiological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Integrated Sciences
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience (Behavioural & Cognitive / Cellular & Molecular)
- Pharmacology
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- BMLSc (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences)
Physical Sciences
Students from these programs have solid backgrounds in electronics optics, quantum mechanics, thermal physics, particle physics and biophysics.
Sample Skill Sets
- Matlab, Python
- Data analysis using Excel and Maple
- Basic electronic skills, circuit design, and use of equipment like oscilloscopes, digital multimetres, and function generators
- Honours Electrical Laboratory
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Optics
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Complex Variables
- Differential Equations
Individual Disciplines
Environmental, Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
UBC Earth, Ocean, Atmospheric, and Environmental Sciences Co-op students bring a strong interdisciplinary foundation in physics, chemistry, geology, biology, mathematics, and computing to understand complex Earth systems. They are trained to address real-world challenges such as climate change, resource and water management, natural hazards, and environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on integrating scientific knowledge to evaluate environmental impacts. With experience across geophysics, oceanography, hydrogeology, and environmental science, they apply analytical and computational skills to diverse projects. Their flexible, cross-disciplinary training enables them to adapt quickly and contribute effectively to roles in research, consulting, and sustainability-focused industries.
Sample Skill Sets
Geoscience, Field Work & Environmental Systems
- Field & Laboratory Work (Core Logging, Mineral ID, Hydrology & Environmental Sampling)
- Earth Systems Analysis, Ecosystems & Environmental Change Dynamics
- Project Design & Management for Environmental, Geotechnical & Oceanographic Challenges
Geospatial Analysis & Technical Documentation
- GIS, Cartography, Remote Sensing & Geospatial Data Analysis
- Maintenance & Interpretation of Technical Documentation, Field Notebooks & Spatial Datasets
Quantitative Methods, Computing & Problem-Solving
- Scientific Computing, Programming (Python, R, MATLAB) & Applied Statistics
- Pattern Recognition, Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Problem Solving
Individual Disciplines
