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!
Update [May 8, 2023]: EOAS A JULY and EOAS B JULY will be combined. The combined course, with the EOAS A JULY course package code, will offer the following courses:
- Ocean and Atmosphere Systems (from EOAS B JULY)
- The Dynamic Planet (from EOAS A JULY)
The Dynamic Planet
This course considers how an active and evolving Earth system has created the planet we know today, one that supports diverse life and is rich in natural resources. Using international and Canadian examples, we will examine the origin of our planet and its composition and structure. From mountains to glaciers, earthquakes to volcanoes, ancient rocks and mighty dinosaurs, Canada is a wonderful natural laboratory that we will use to investigate our active and dynamic planet.
Earth Treasures
Canada is also known for its spectacular precious metals and gems, some of them housed in our departmental museum, The Pacific Museum of the Earth. This course investigates the formation, exploration, mining and aspects of marketing of gemstones and precious metals. We touch on topics such as fundamental scientific concepts, natural and synthetic gems and explore the world of fine jewelry. The origin, valuation and exploration strategies for gems such as diamonds and precious metals such as gold and platinum will be investigated here and placed into a fascinating international and Canadian geological context.
Our emphasis is on active learning teaching methods where students are inspired to explore the subject matter through field trips, labs, discussions and in class activities.
No prerequisites.
Ocean and Atmosphere Systems
In this course you will assess and quantify the principal components of the global energy balance, how the energy balance affects the structure of the ocean and atmosphere and produces the winds and currents that control weather, air pollution and the biosphere. You will examine ocean productivity and the important geochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, and how over geologic time, ocean and atmospheric processes coupled with the evolution of the life to regulate climate and climate change.
Marine Biodiversity
Students will explore the incredible diversity of marine ecosystems, and identify the factors that regulate ocean habitats and how marine ecosystems develop in response. Ecosystems’ properties, including diversity, resilience (or lack of resilience) to environmental change and its impact on neighboring ecosystems will be considered. The fascinating marine ecosystems and habitats to be studied include hydrothermal vents, intertidal zone, coral reefs, estuaries, deep sea, and polar ecosystems. A particular emphasis will be placed on our beautiful and diverse local marine ecosystems. Examine the responses of ecosystems disturbances, the evolution of ocean plankton, invasive species, climate change and pollution.
Our emphasis is on active learning teaching methods where students are inspired to explore the subject matter through field trips, labs, discussions and in class activities.
No prerequisites.
For VSP EOAS-specific questions, email Ian Ayeras at iayeras@eoas.ubc.ca.
Student testimonials
– VSP Science Student, 2019