Today, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC celebrates a significant milestone: the graduation of the first cohort of students in its Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPSc) degree program.
The journey began in September 2020 when this class of ambitious students embarked on a four-year full-time program aimed at providing top-notch training for careers in drug discovery and development. This program, one of only two of its kind in Canada, offers a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences and prepares graduates for technical roles across various sectors, including government, academia, and the pharmaceutical, life sciences, biotechnology, and natural products industries.
With personalized instruction and career guidance at its core, the BPSc program boasts a talented team of professors and educators, state-of-the-art laboratories, industry placements, and a diverse array of elective courses to tailor each student's educational journey. Among the inaugural graduating class are Kendrick Cooke and Sean Leong, two individuals whose paths exemplify the program's interdisciplinary approach and career-focused curriculum.
Kendrick Cooke, reflecting on her decision to pursue the BPSc program, expressed her fascination with the intersection of science and business.
“In my last year of high school I became more interested in medicine and the complexities of Canada's healthcare system,” she explains. “I found the BPSc program to be the perfect fit, offering a broader understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on healthcare.”
For Sean Leong, the journey to the BPSc program took a different route. After realizing his passion for the sciences during his first year of study in kinesiology, Sean sought a program that offered interdisciplinary opportunities.
“During the COVID pandemic, I participated in a job fair where I met the Faculty’s associate dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies,” says Sean. “I asked questions about becoming a pharmacist and was referred to an academic advisor, which led me to discover the BPSc program.” For Sean, this chance encounter made him realize his interest in pharmaceutical formulation and its potential applications across various sectors.
Both Kendrick and Sean share a deep appreciation for the breadth and depth of the pharmaceutical sciences. Kendrick's passion for women's health drives her commitment to understanding current treatments and diagnoses, while Sean highlights the field's interdisciplinary nature, encompassing biology, chemistry, physics, economics, and law.
As they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, Kendrick and Sean offer valuable advice to current and future students. Building connections with professors, exploring different career paths early on, and staying proactive in shaping their educational journey are key takeaways they impart to aspiring pharmaceutical scientists.
Looking ahead, Kendrick and Sean plan to take a well-deserved break before diving into their next endeavors. Kendrick is considering pursuing a master's program abroad or securing entry-level positions in the industry, while Sean aims to gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical companies and eventually pursue a PhD in formulation.
As the Faculty celebrates this momentous occasion, it extends its congratulations to all UBC Pharm Sci graduates. For those interested in joining the ranks of future pharmaceutical innovators, information about the BPSc degree program can be found at pharmsci.ubc.ca.
Here's to the bright future ahead for the inaugural cohort of UBC BPSc graduates—and all UBC Pharm Sci graduates—poised to make a lasting impact on the industry, healthcare, and beyond.