Chemical and Biological Engineering

Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that prepares students to address some of the most pressing challenges in industry, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. This program combines fundamental principles of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering to equip students with the skills necessary to develop innovative solutions in areas such as energy production, materials development, bioprocessing, and environmental protection. Students will engage in rigorous coursework covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, biological systems, and process control, ensuring a strong foundational knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning through laboratory work, design projects, and collaborative research, fostering practical skills and problem-solving abilities. Students also have opportunities to specialize in areas like bioengineering, sustainable processes, or materials engineering, tailoring their education to specific career goals. The program encourages experiential learning through co-op placements, internships, and industry collaborations, providing valuable hands-on experience and connections within the field. Faculty members are leaders in their research areas, contributing advancements in renewable energy, biomanufacturing, and environmental engineering, among others. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship, or for further studies such as master's or doctoral programs. The program promotes a strong emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and ethical responsibility, cultivating engineers who are capable of developing sustainable and impactful technological solutions for society.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of British Columbia offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare them for diverse careers in the chemical, biological, and environmental industries. The program integrates fundamental principles of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics with practical engineering skills, fostering innovative problem-solving abilities and technical expertise. Students gain a deep understanding of process design, systems analysis, and control, enabling them to develop efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions to complex challenges in areas such as pharmaceuticals, energy, materials, and environmental management.

Throughout the program, students participate in a combination of classroom learning, laboratory work, and hands-on projects that emphasize experiential education. Core courses cover topics including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, biological systems, and process control. In addition, the curriculum provides training in safety, ethics, and professional practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to work responsibly within industry and research environments.

The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and research, encouraging students to engage in projects that address real-world problems. Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and cooperative education enable students to gain valuable industry experience and develop professional networks. The final year often involves a capstone design project, where students apply their knowledge to develop solutions for actual engineering problems, demonstrating their readiness to enter the workforce or pursue advanced studies.

Graduates of the Chemical and Biological Engineering program are well-equipped for careers in industries such as chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental consulting, energy production, and pharmaceuticals. They are also prepared for postgraduate education and research roles, contributing to scientific and technological advances that promote health, sustainability, and economic growth. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, combined with its focus on innovation and ethical practice, ensures that students emerge as competent engineers capable of making significant contributions to society.

Program Requirements: The Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of British Columbia – Vancouver requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop strong foundational knowledge and practical skills in chemical and biological engineering. The program typically includes a combination of core courses, technical electives, laboratory work, and a final year design project. Core courses generally cover topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, process control, and materials science, providing students with a solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles. In addition, students are expected to undertake courses in biological engineering, bioprocessing, and environmental engineering to prepare for interdisciplinary applications. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, design projects, and industry internships to ensure students gain practical experience. Specific prerequisites may include foundational courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology completed during the first years of study. Students are also required to attend seminars, participate in team projects, and complete a capstone design course in their final year, integrating knowledge across disciplines to solve real-world engineering problems. Additional requirements may include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA, fulfilling co-op work experience (if participating in co-op streams are available), and completing ethics and communication courses. Successful completion of the program culminates in a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, qualifying graduates for careers in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental management, and process engineering. The program is designed to prepare students for professional engineering licensure, requiring them to meet the academic standards set by Engineers Canada and to complete the supervised work experience component following graduation.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The University of British Columbia offers various financial assistance options to support students enrolled in the Chemical and Biological Engineering undergraduate program. Students enrolled in this program can access a range of scholarships, awards, and bursaries designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and contribution to the university community. Entrance scholarships are available for incoming students based on high academic achievement, while ongoing awards can be renewed annually, contingent upon maintaining specified academic standards. Additionally, the university provides need-based financial aid for eligible students, which can help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering may also qualify for research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships, which often include stipends and tuition waivers. External funding opportunities from government agencies, industry partners, and private foundations are also accessible, and students are encouraged to apply for these resources early in their academic programs. The university's financial aid office offers counseling and guidance to help students navigate the application process, understand available funding options, and plan their finances effectively. Furthermore, there are work-study programs that allow students to gain practical experience while earning income to support their studies. International students are eligible for certain scholarships and bursaries, though some financial aid may be limited due to international student regulation policies. Students are advised to regularly review the university’s official financial aid website and speak directly with financial advisors to stay informed of new funding opportunities and application deadlines. Overall, UBC is committed to ensuring equitable access to education through its comprehensive financial support systems, helping students focus on their academic and research pursuits in Chemical and Biological Engineering without undue financial stress.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of British Columbia – Vancouver is a rigorous undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in chemical, biological, and environmental engineering. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental engineering principles, combined with advanced knowledge in chemical processes, biological systems, and environmental sustainability. Students are provided with a comprehensive education that includes coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, process control, and bioprocess engineering. Practical experience is integrated through laboratory courses, design projects, and co-operative education work terms, which offer students valuable industry exposure and real-world problem-solving skills.

The program fosters interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to understand the interface between chemical engineering and biological sciences. This prepares graduates to work in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, environmental management, and materials processing. Research opportunities are available through faculty-led projects, with active involvement in cutting-edge topics like sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy, and bioengineering. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers support student research, providing hands-on experience with modern instrumentation and techniques.

Students are also encouraged to develop professional skills, including teamwork, communication, and project management, which are critical for leadership roles in engineering firms and research institutions. The program typically takes four years to complete, with options for co-op and internship placements to enhance employability. Graduates of the program are eligible to pursue professional engineering designation (P.Eng.) after completing the required work experience and licensing examinations. The university’s location in Vancouver offers students opportunities for networking, internships, and employment in a vibrant, innovative industrial ecosystem. Overall, the BASc in Chemical and Biological Engineering aims to cultivate technically competent, socially responsible engineers capable of addressing global challenges through sustainable solutions and innovative technologies.