Zoology

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Explore the animal kingdom as a biological scientist by studying behaviour, physiology, anatomy, and organismal biology.

Why study Zoology at UBC’s Okanagan campus?

Career opportunities

Build a broad foundation with a globally recognized UBC degree. A UBC degree in zoology prepares graduates for a range of careers paths such a as wildlife biology, veterinary medicine, medicine, dentistry, education, research  and more.

Research opportunities

Conduct your own animal research in the lab or the field alongside one of your professors.  Projects range from studies on modelling island biogeography to the comparative physiology of insect epithelial ion transport. —just some of the topics renowned UBC faculty researchers are exploring.

Field research

Visit your prof during office hours or volunteer to assist with research projects on animal biology, physiology or ecology.

CO-OP EXPERIENCE

Put your classroom learning to the test with Co-op job placements throughout the region and beyond. Co-op helps you to gain beneficial skills such as how to build your resumé, apply for jobs, expand your professional network, and earn money to pay for tuition.

what you need to know

Get your UBC degree in zoology, a program that studies animal biology from the level of the cell to the whole organism. The major in zoology at UBC  embraces a broad range of topics in animal biology, such as comparative anatomy and physiology, ecology, developmental biology,  and molecular biology.

Students in the zoology program will develop an understanding of core biology principles and gain practical experience in laboratory analyses, fieldwork, data analysis,  and scientific communication. The program prepares students for graduate school and professional programs such as medicine, veterinary studies, and dentistry.

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a major or honours in Zoology.

 

UBC Okanagan’s zoology program offers a variety of foundational and advanced courses that cover physiology, ecology, and developmental biology.

Sample courses:

  • BIOL 356 — Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
  • BIOL 359 – Laboratory in Physiology
  • BIOL 370 — African Savannah Biology
  • BIOL 372 — Field Ornithology

Browse courses and descriptions.

The following links take you to zoology program details in the Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Communications and Rhetoric Certificate

Students can receive a Certificate in Communications and Rhetoric by completing 15 credits through courses from four thematic interdisciplinary and relational clusters, and a final capstone project. This is an add on to any major; some credits can be double-counted.

Learn about graduate studies in biology.

For your application to be considered, you will need to:

  • meet general requirements (e.g., graduate from secondary school)
  • demonstrate a certain level of English competency
  • meet specific requirements for the degree you’re applying to

Then, UBC will take a closer look at your application. We’ll read your Personal Profile to get a sense of who you are and what you’ve achieved. We’ll also look at all of your Grade 11 (junior level) and Grade 12 (senior level) courses, paying special attention to the courses that relate to the degree you’re applying to.

Find your specific requirements at https://you.ubc.ca/

WHEN TO DECLARE YOUR MAJOR

Declaring helps you plan your program more effectively, build your education, and stay connected.

Students are encouraged to declare their major in zoology at the end of their first year in order to take the prerequisite second-year courses. Refer to the Academic Calendar for admission requirements.

Application Deadlines

Plan ahead to ensure you meet important deadlines and other target dates listed at you.ubc.ca.

Tuition Fees

UBC Okanagan’s fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre. See Financial Planning for helpful resources, and add up your first-year costs with our Cost Calculator.

Apply to UBC at you.ubc.ca—there are just five steps in the application process. Soon you could be studying at one of the world’s top universities.

Check out the steps to apply to UBC, and be sure to choose “Okanagan campus.”

Or let our Student Recruitment & Advising experts guide you: call 1.877.807.8521.

Your Career Options

Earn a UBC degree respected by employers around the globe, while building a broad foundation and great career potential with undergraduate Zoology studies. Job opportunities range from animal care and veterinary medicine to science policy analyst or work in aquaculture.

  • Animal care specialist
  • Aquaculture specialist
  • Biogeographer
  • Biological laboratory technologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Conservation officer
  • Entomologist
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental impact assessor
  • Fish and wildlife officer
  • Fish hatchery technician
  • Food inspector
  • Forensic biologist
  • Park warden
  • Pathology assistant
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Science policy analyst
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Wildlife manager
  • Agricultural, dairy product, cosmetic, fertilizer, food, and pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Architectural, engineering, and other science-based companies
  • Coal, oil, gas, and forestry companies
  • Engineering and land appraisal firms
  • Federal, provincial, and municipal laboratories or regulatory agencies
  • Food and beverage processing and manufacturing companies
  • Post-secondary educational institutions
  • Private or public laboratories, including forensics
  • Service firms to agriculture/agricultural supplies wholesalers
  • Zoos and museums

Learn and earn with Co-op, a paid opportunity for students to enrich their education with work experience. At UBC’s Okanagan campus, sign up for Co-op to:

  • build your resumé with professional experience
  • learn valuable tips on how to successfully apply for jobs
  • expand your network of industry contacts
  • earn money to pay for tuition

Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science offers MSc and PhD degrees in Biology Graduate Studies. UBC Okanagan also has an Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) program in which students may have a biology department faculty member as their primary supervisor.

Gain Valuable Experience

Learning experiences beyond the classroom help prepare you for a career and life after university. Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

  • See the world through Go Global, a UBC program that allows students to complete courses or conduct research at one of more than 150 international partner institutions in 45 countries worldwide.
  • Travel to a conference or competition with financial assistance available through the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund, which provides financial support up to $3,500.

Follow your ideas and jump-start your career:

Get a financial boost to start your research experience. Pay for travel and other expenses. Win merit-based cash awards that look impressive on your resumé.

  • Co-op puts your classroom learning to the test, allowing you to explore career options while earning money. Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.
  • Learn through doing, create strong connections, and develop professional skills with a campus job arranged by UBC’s Work Study Program.
  • Meet a community need and get practical experience by volunteering for a Community Service Learning project—a life-changing experience.

WELCOME TO UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the zoology program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 

On the first day of university, faculties offer “Meet the Faculty” sessions where you can get to know the Dean, professors, and the staff who provide student support. It’s all part of UBC Okanagan’s new student orientation: CREATE.

Attend an orientation tailored to your needs as an Indigenous student, domestic student, international student, or student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.

  • Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.
  • Navigate your studies with the help of a professor, your Program Advisor.
  • Use the library which offers print, audiovisual and electronic research materials, a leisure-reading collection and loaner laptops. It also offers research consultations, instruction and workshops.
  • The library’s Writing and Resource Centre can help you articulate your ideas. Pursue your research in a range of subject areas and scholarly genres, including essay writing, grammar, presentation skills, punctuation, thesis development, and coursework.
  • Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

  • Make friends with similar interests and explore tutoring options with the Biology Course Union.
  • Branch out, get involved in student life, and have fun by joining various campus clubs.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.

UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Find out more about living in residence.

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.