Undergraduate Academic Planning
start here: what you need to know
- A standard four-year degree includes 120-credits over four years (typically 30 credits per year).
- You can take fewer courses and extend the length of your degree or take courses during the Summer Session.
- BSc students are required to declare a major at the end of first year.
- Different majors have specific requirements in addition to the BSc degree requirements.
- Some programs and majors (e.g. BSc Computer Science, Bachelor of Sustainability, Dual Degrees) require more than 120 credits.
- All BSc students must complete either either INDG 100 or ENGL 114 (restricted to Indigenous students).
- Always check the Okanagan Academic Calendar for official information.
BSC degree requirements
at-a-Glance
The following are general requirements for all BSc students. Individual programs have specific additional requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
| Total credits | 120 credits minimum |
| Science courses | At least 78 credits |
| First-year Science Requirements | MATH 100 3 credits COSC, DATA, STAT, or additional MATH courses 3 credits of lab science courses (BIOL, CHEM, EESC, PHYS) |
| Upper-Level Credits | At least 42 credits at the 300 or 400 level A minimum of 36 credits must be in Science A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at UBC |
| Communication Requirement | Minimum 6 credits of English or Communications courses required before promotion to 4th year |
| Non Science Electives | Minimum 9 additional credits (excluding English used to fulfil the Communication requirement) |
| Indigenous Content | 3 credits either INDG 100 or ENGL 114 (restricted to Indigenous students) |
BSust degree requirements At-a-glance
The following are general requirements for all BSust students. Individual programs have specific additional requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
| Total credits | 123 credits minimum |
| Sustainability courses | 36 credits Students must enroll in SUST-coded courses corresponding to their year in the program |
| Community Service Learning Requirement | SUST 202 and SUST 302 (6 credits) |
| Concentration Requirements | At least 42 credits from courses in one concentration A minimum of 21 credits at the 300 or 400 level |
| Upper-Level Requirement | At least 48 credits at the 300 or 400-level including upper-level concentration requirements |
Planning your first year
Your first year is a chance to explore different subjects while completing key foundational courses.
Typical First-Year Course Load (30 credits)
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| English or approved communications courses | 3 | English or approved communications courses | 3 |
| Math | 3 | Computer Science, Data, Statistics or Math | 3 |
| Experimental science with lab in any Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science or Physics | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
Electives can be from the Sciences or can be non-Science courses. Many majors have required first-year courses to progress. See individual majors or talk to an Academic & Career Advisor.
First-Year Planning Guide
Use this step-by-step list to help plan your first-year courses.
First year sample course plans
Use sample plans to assist you in planning first-year courses to meet the BSc degree requirements.
| Term 1 | Term 2 |
| BIOL 116 | BIOL 125 |
| CHEM 121 | CHEM 123 |
| ENGL 112 | CORH 203 |
| MATH 100 | MATH 103 |
| PHYS 112 | PHYS 122 |
| Term 1 | Term 2 |
| ENGL 112 | INDG 102 |
| SUST 100 | SUST 104 |
| ECON 101 | EESC 111 |
| GEOG 109 | GEOG 129 |
| MATH 100 | PSYO 111 |
| Term 1 | Term 2 |
| COSC 111 | COSC 121 |
| ENGL 112 | CORH 203 |
| MATH 100 | MATH 101 |
| PHYS 111 | INDG 100 |
| DATA 101 | FREN 115 |
Declaring your Major
BSc students must declare a major or indicate they are completing a General Studies degree. The majority of BSc students must declare their specialization/major at the end of their first year (after successfully completing a minimum of 24 credits) prior to registration for second year. Majors in the BSc, with the exception of Economics, can be self-declared. First-year students often work toward one of the following majors:
Sustainability & Climate Resilience |
Life Sciences for Agriculture & Health |
Computational & Data Intensive Sciences |
| Bachelor of Science, Majors in: | Bachelor of Science, Majors in: | Bachelor of Science, Majors in: |
| Bachelor of Sustainability; Concentrations in: | Bachelor of Sustainability; Concentrations in: | Bachelor of Sustainability; Concentrations in: |
Advising and Degree Planning
We are here to support you throughout your academic journey. Our Academic Advisors and Faculty Program Advisors can help you understand program requirements, plan your degree and choose the right courses each year. To stay on track, we strongly recommend meeting with an Academic or Program Advisor annually to review your progress and select courses for your major.
Academic and Career Advising
The Academic and Career Advising office provides knowledgeable staff who can answer questions about degree requirements, course planning and academic progression.
Faculty Program Advisors
Program Advisors are faculty members who offer guidance on course selection, choosing or declaring a major, meeting degree requirements, and exploring career paths. They are an important resource in helping you achieve your academic and professional goals.
ACADEMIC SUPPORTS and resources
Academic concession forms
We understand that life happens and things do not always go as planned. Explore the Academic concession forms database to access forms that you may need to use while you are completing your program for the next few years.
Student Learning Hub
Learning supports at UBC Okanagan provide students with a range of skills and strategies that encourage learning excellence and promote holistic development. Students are invited to access a wide variety of learning support resources that include support programs such as Academic Integrity Matters, free tutoring in writing, research, math, and sciences, as well as help with study skills and learning strategies.
Disability Resource Centre
The purpose of an accommodation is to allow students to overcome disability-related challenges that impede their academic success. The Disability Resource Centre assists students by offering programs and services to foster an accessible and welcoming campus.
Awards and scholarships
UBC Okanagan is committed to supporting and encouraging our students to reach their full potential during their studies. Both the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science and UBC offer a number of merit-based scholarships and awards to support our students during their studies.