Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Computer Science (BSc).
View full program detailsProgram information
Learn how to use and improve computers while you explore topics such as databases and operating systems, software engineering, security, web development, and numerical methodology. You’ll also learn about specialty areas such as computational intelligence, bioinformatics, and computer graphics and animation.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
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- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
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What you'll learn
In the Bachelor of Science Computer Science program on UBC’s Okanagan campus, you’ll learn how to use and improve computers. Explore everything from the basics of computing, including data structures, databases, operating systems, software engineering, and numerical methods, to specialized areas such as computational intelligence, bioinformatics, computer graphics, and computer animation.|
- Develop software for an actual client as part of a student team on the Capstone Software Engineering Project.
- Help maintain a large software system, conduct supervised readings, and complete independent research projects with directed studies.
- Engage in self-directed, collaborative studies in a group learning environment as part of a student-directed seminar.
- Dive into an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member with an honours thesis.
- Pursue innovative and original research with an Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Award.
- Take part in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science’s annual Undergraduate Research Conference, which showcases student research projects.
Experiential learning and research
- Develop software for an actual client as part of a student team on the Capstone Software Engineering Project.
- Help maintain a large software system, conduct supervised readings, and complete independent research projects with directed studies.
- Engage in self-directed, collaborative studies in a group learning environment as part of a student-directed seminar.
- Dive into an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member with an honours thesis.
- Pursue innovative and original research with an Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Award.
- Take part in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science’s annual Undergraduate Research Conference, which showcases student research projects.
Most popular courses
Introduction to computer skills (electronic communication, websites, Internet, document editing, programming, data analysis using spreadsheets/databases) and concepts (information representation, abstraction, algorithmic thinking). Course objectives are life-long productivity and understanding of technology in society
Online social networks and digital social media. Social media platforms, channels, and software tools. Graph-theoretic and game-theoretic foundation of network analysis and network science. Network metrics and evaluation. Computational, economic, and social aspects of social media.
Techniques for computation, analysis, and visualization of data using software. Manipulation of small and large data sets. Automation using scripting. Real-world applications from life sciences, physical sciences, economics, engineering, or psychology. No prior computing background is required
Graphs and complex networks in scientific research. Probabilistic and statistical models. Structures, patterns, and behaviors in networks. Algorithmic and statistical methods (online/mobile), social networks, and social media platforms. Social influence, information diffusion, and viral marketing. Sentiment analysis and opinion mining. Data privacy. Search engines and recommendation systems
Outcomes
As a Computer Science graduate, you can go on to a career in software engineering, systems analysis, technical writing, web development, research, programming, or software testing.
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“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a non-profit organization in redesigning their website and a video game company with developing new mobile games, and I am currently partnered with the City of Kelowna in researching more environmentally sustainable irrigation practices for city parks!”
Ryan Trenholm, Computer Science
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics is strongly recommended
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science website to learn more about Computer Science (BSc).
View full program details