The Vancouver Summer Program with UBC Science provides students with the opportunity to study at a top international research university and experience local Vancouver culture.

What you might expect/course format

Courses with UBC Science include in-class and lab portions taught by UBC faculty members, graduate students, and guest lecturers. Courses also include short field trips and other engaging learning opportunities. Students can expect team-based learning activities and assignments.

Check out VSP Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science’s page here!

July 2025 Course Packages

The Science of Natural Disasters

Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunami, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and even meteorite impacts—these natural disasters are powerful forces that shape our world. As populations grow and cities expand, understanding these events is crucial for protecting people, communities, and economies. In this course, you’ll explore how natural disasters occur, where and when they are most likely to strike, and how to reduce their impact. You’ll learn about the science behind these events—how energy is concentrated and released—and learn strategies to protect yourself and your community. Study in Vancouver—a city known for its stunning landscapes and natural hazards. Field trips will let you experience the local environment firsthand, learning about the unique risks and resilience strategies used in this geologically dynamic region.

The Science of Gems and Metals

Canada is famous for its stunning gemstones, precious metals, and critical minerals—natural resources essential for modern technology and renewable energy. In this course, you’ll explore some of Earth’s geologic treasures, from the origins of precious gemstones to the economic importance of metals like gold and platinum. You’ll learn how these natural resources are formed, mined, and marketed, and you’ll get to handle and examine real gems—both natural and synthetic. You’ll trace their journey from deep within the Earth to the jewelry market, learning how geology, economics, and culture influence their value. You’ll participate in field trips, hands-on labs, and discussions to connect these minerals to Earth’s ancient past. As part of the course, you’ll get to explore and connect with the curators of UBC’s Pacific Museum of Earth.

Prerequisite: No prerequisites

Earth’s Climate System

Earth’s climate system involves interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and ice sheets, shaping weather patterns and global climate. In this course, you’ll explore how energy from the sun drives winds, ocean currents, and weather systems, influencing everything from air quality to the biosphere. You’ll examine how these systems regulate climate over geological time and how human activities impact this delicate balance. You’ll learn about the global energy balance and its role in climate dynamics, as well as the connections between ocean productivity, geochemical cycles, and climate change. Study in Vancouver—a city shaped by its coastal climate—where you’ll experience the local environment firsthand through field trips and interactive labs. You’ll also engage in discussions about the future of our planet’s climate and the role of science in developing sustainable solutions.

Marine Biodiversity

Earth’s oceans support an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from vibrant coral reefs and intertidal zones to deep-sea habitats and hydrothermal vents. In this course, you’ll explore how marine ecosystems develop and adapt to changing conditions, examining factors such as ocean currents, temperature, nutrient availability, and human impacts like pollution and climate change. You’ll learn about the properties of these ecosystems, including their diversity, resilience (or lack of resilience) to environmental change, and how they influence neighboring habitats. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique and diverse marine ecosystems around Vancouver, giving you the opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world environments. Through field trips, hands-on labs, and discussions, you’ll engage with marine biodiversity and gain a deeper understanding of how these ecosystems function and respond to disturbances. You’ll also investigate the role of invasive species, climate change, and other environmental pressures, developing a comprehensive perspective on marine life and its connections to global environmental systems.

Prerequisite: No prerequisites

For more information

Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science VSP Webpage

For VSP Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science-specific questions, please email Ian Ayeras at iayeras@eoas.ubc.ca.

Student testimonials

“My favorite part of VSP was the connections I made with people, both inside and outside of the program. I also loved the laboratories.” VSP taught me many things, both knowledge and character development. The lectures were very knowledgeable especially when Hadi Sir used to teach us.

…He would make us think in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Our perspective over certain things changed a lot.”

– VSP Science Student, 2019