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
- Statistics Graduate
- Graduate Programs: Computer Science (MSc, PhD)
Engineering Physics
One of the most competitive engineering programs at UBC, Engineering Physics prepares students for both R&D and traditional engineering positions. The unique five-year program provides comprehensive training in engineering along with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and applied technologies. The program also provides hands-on experience to our students via instrument design (Robotics Competition) and project labs to prepare them for solving challenging technical problems in the workplace. Some students have won recognition for their outstanding extra-curricular accomplishments.
Engineering Physics students are well integrated into industries like aerospace, alternative energy research, robotics and automation, nanotechnology, electronics, optics and photonics, biotechnology, and software development. By understanding the theory behind new ideas, students play a critical role in the process of taking new ideas from concept to application.
Sample Skill Sets
- Mechanical and electrical design
- Robotics and automation
- Automotive design and manufacturing
- Analog, digital and integrated circuits
- Software development and database development
- Product development and testing, data collection and analysis
- Prototyping and design
- Electronic assembly, testing and debugging
- Conducting laboratory experiments and instrument design
- C, Python, AutoCad, C++, Java, SQL
- Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, and other electrical engineering tools
- Solid understanding of engineering principles, standards and best practices
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
