Frequently Asked Questions

No, the BPSc is an undergraduate science degree. Graduates of the BPSc program will not be eligible to become pharmacists without completing an Entry-to-Practice PharmD degree program.

No, this program is entirely separate from the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program at UBC and will not provide you with all of the necessary prerequisite coursework to enter the PharmD program directly. Students interested in pursuing a professional health program should consult with an Academic Advisor.

The Entry-to-Practice PharmD is the only program that gives students the education requirement to become a licensed pharmacist. The curriculum has an emphasis on pharmacology, therapeutics, medication management, case-based learning, and clinical rotations (practicums).

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, focuses on discovery and development of drugs and therapies, formulations, nutraceuticals and supplements, and personal care products. 

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology, offered by the Faculty of Science, explores sources, chemical properties, biological effects, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects of drugs. Pharmacology is one branch of Pharmaceutical Sciences and is offered through UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, with initial classes in the Faculty of Science.

Approximately 80 students every Winter Session (September intake).

Yes, short-listed applicants will be invited to complete a pre-recorded interview. Applicants will be notified if they are selected to interview.

There are mandatory core courses that you must enroll in and pass. These are supplemented with an elective of your choice in years 1 and 3, and multiple electives in year 4, to tailor to your interests. Interested students also have an opportunity to apply to participate in a practicum or research experiential option in year 4 of the program.

No, the BPSc program is not designed to include majors and minors. Students have the opportunity to apply for experiential and honours options in year 4 but must otherwise follow a set course of study.

Yes. Note that not all courses that are offered in the Winter Session are also offered in the Summer Session.

Yes, the program accepts applicants for entry into year 2. These applicants must have completed and passed equivalent coursework to year 1 of the program. Transfer into year 2 is competitive for limited spaces. Please review the Admissions Information page for more information on required coursework.

UBC awards transfer credits for certain successfully completed AP, IB, and British A-level courses. You can find information about how first-year credit is awarded through this link. You will be required to submit official AP, IB, or British A-level scores to the Undergraduate Admissions Office when you apply. AP, IB, and British A-level courses will not be included in your admission average calculation if you are applying to year 2 of the program.

Tuition fees for domestic and international students can be found at the link below. Please note there is an additional laboratory fee in years 2, 3, and 4 of the program.

For information on tuition and fees, please visit this link.

For information on laboratory fees, visit this link.

Yes, interested students who plan to pursue a research experiential option in year 4 may apply to the Honours stream in year 3. Honours will require a research project, a formal written Honours thesis and additional coursework. Please see the BPSc Degree Requirements page in the Academic Calendar for more details.

Yes, the research experiential option without Honours will culminate in a short report rather than a formal Honours Thesis. Please see the BPSc Degree Requirements page in the Academic Calendar for more details.

Yes, the Faculty facilitates experiential practicum placements in year 4 of the program. Applications and placements are competitive and not all students will receive an industry placement.

No, the BPSc program is not designed to include Co-op.

No, you are encouraged to take electives that interest you and align with your priorities. The exception is that in the year 4 course-based option, no more than 10 credits of electives can be taken outside of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Similarly, in the year 4 experiential options, no more than 3 credits of electives can be taken outside the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Practicum is a placement with an industrial partner (drug, biotech, personal care, nutraceutical company, etc.) where students learn and have the opportunity to apply critical skills by working directly in the industry. The practicum placement carries 15 credits and is evaluated at the end of the work term by the industrial supervisor as well as a faculty member from Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students can apply for practicum placements in year 3; the placements can take place in either the 1st or 2nd term of year 4. Practicum placements are not guaranteed for all students and the application process is competitive.

Employment is not implied or guaranteed by completing a practicum. The practicum is a valuable learning experience for the student and provides them with an opportunity to work in an industrial setting. However, if the company subsequently offers the student employment, this would be considered an excellent outcome and there is no reason for the student to decline such an opportunity if they wish to accept the position.