The diversity of study options in this degree is reflected in the diversity of available Co-op opportunities. Explore the world of science through experiential learning which is hands-on and applied. You can complete your Co-op work terms in Vancouver, elsewhere in Canada or abroad. Your Co-op opportunities could include lab and/or field based research with government, working on cutting-edge projects with a biotech company, or as a member of a medical research team. The choice is yours. UBC Science Co-op provides you the opportunity to put your degree to work.
Application Deadlines
| Apply in Year | Application Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| 3 | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
Application requirements
Must be a third-year student enrolled in the Combined Major in Science major at UBC, currently in 3rd year of their Combined Major degree
- Have a minimum cumulative average of B- (68%)
- Be a full-time UBC (Vancouver) student in good academic standing in mathematics, English and the sciences
- Have at least 30 credits remaining of your graduation requirement after completion of current winter session courses (by the end of next April)
- Demonstrate good communication skills, and a responsible, mature attitude
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and time management
- Demonstrate interest in your chosen field
- Be flexible and willing to accept a work placement outside the Lower Mainland
For CMS students interested in Computer Science roles, please read below:
- Have completed CPSC 110 and are in the process of completing CPSC 121 and CPSC 210 (or have completed transfer equivalents)
- Consistently achieve at least class average in Computer Science courses
NOTE: Being eligible does not automatically guarantee your acceptance into the Co-op Program.
Work terms schedules
Internship Schedule
The schedule below is highly recommended by the Co-op Program in order for students to complete their program within the shortest time frame. Alternate scheduling is available in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator.
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | - |
| 2 | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | - |
| 3 | Study Term 5 + Apply | Study Term 6 + Co-op Workshops | Work Term 1 |
| 4 | Work Term 2 | Work Term 3 | Work Term 4 |
| 5 | Study Term 7 | Study Term 8 + Graduate | - |
Sample Jobs and Companies
Child and Family Research Institute
Children’s Sleep Network In the clinical setting, Co-op students will be members of a clinical research team. Students will learn how to follow up with patient families, school, and different stakeholders in a concerted effort to overcome systematic barriers to achieve effective health care delivery. In the research setting, the Co-op students will focus on outcome measures (individualized trial methodologies) and will learn novel qualitative and quantitative applied methodological approaches to improve patient care. Co-op students will develop experience working in a practical transdisciplinary setting, which includes attending patient assessments and preparing oral and written reports of the clinical assessments. They will also follow up on designated patients and families. On the research side, Co-op students will: • review and analyze patient charts • undertake supervised semi-structured interviews, and follow up with transcription and analysis • analyze videos to phenotype sleep-wake behaviours; • complete research reports, abstracts and poster dissemination.
Success Stories
Nadia Beyzaei
General Science
16 months @ Child & Family Research Institute – Children’s Sleep Network “Co-op definitely changed my experience at UBC, and has provided me with opportunities I could have only dreamed about previously.” Nadia is still working with her Co-op employer and has found a niche within the science field as a result of her Co-op experience; fusing design and data gathering concepts in the framework of research. Nadia commented she loves working in this area and will be attending BCIT/Emily Carr for a 1 year Communications Design program which will provide her with the skills to work in this field on a professional level. Co-op provided Nadia with the opportunity to become a published author with a paper published as a second author in a high impact journal based on the work completed during Co-op.