Academics

Academic Life at UBC

UBC’s academic culture may be different from the culture at universities in your country. It is common for students to experience a drop in academic performance when on exchange. If this happens to you, don’t worry. It takes most students time to adjust to a new academic environment.

You can make your transition to life at UBC smoother in the following ways:

• Be aware that a dip in grades might occur, and don’t panic if this happens.
• Contact your instructors for tips on how to improve your grades.
• Sign up for workshops and other academic support services on campus through the Learning Hub.

Academic year

Most visiting exchange students attend UBC during the Winter Session (September to April). Winter Session consists of two terms: Term 1 (early September to late December) and Term 2 (early January to late April). Some exchange students attend UBC for one Winter Session term only. Students from the southern hemisphere may begin their exchange year in Term 2 (January) and continue with our Term 1 (September).

For a full list of important dates and deadlines, check the academic calendar.

Academic calendar

Program restrictions

Below are the programs and courses that have some restrictions to exchange students.

Course load requirements

At UBC, a full-time course load varies depending on the faculty and degree program. Exchange students will register in 9 to 15 credits per term which is 3 to 5 courses.

We are not able to advise exchange students about the minimum course load. Please speak with your home advisor as to the required number of credits you need for your degree.

Course numbers and levels

At UBC, most undergraduate courses include three hours of class time per week. There are four main course formats:

Lectures

Most courses are offered as lectures. Lectures usually range from 50 to 80 minutes in length and may involve anywhere from 30 to 200 students.

Tutorials

Lecture courses also commonly have tutorials. They provide an opportunity for discussion in smaller groups. You will usually be expected to participate in these group discussions.

Labs

Many Science, Math, and Engineering courses at UBC have laboratory (lab) work, which includes practical activities in addition to lectures or tutorials. Labs require small-group work under the direction of a Teaching Assistant (TA). In some courses, you must pass the lab in order to pass the course. Labs and tutorials are usually mandatory and, in some cases, grades are given for attendance.

Seminars

Many graduate (and some upper-level undergraduate) courses follow a seminar format. These smaller classes are generally less formal, encourage discussion, and sometimes include presentations. Students are often given grades for their presentations and for verbal participation in class.

Instructors

If you’re an undergraduate student, you may find that Teaching Assistants (TA), in addition to professors, lead parts of your classes. The role of the TA varies in each class. Your TA may lead discussions, conduct labs, assist with lectures, grade assignments, hold office hours, or grade exams. TAs are usually graduate students at UBC.

Be sure to speak to your instructor (professor or TA) if you:

• Can’t submit your assignment on time.
• Don’t understand a concept that was covered in class.
• Are feeling challenged by your course load due to circumstances outside of the course (such as difficulties with English).
• Need more information about an essay, project, or other assignment.

Most instructors hold office hours (regular times they will be in their offices, during which you can drop by). Office hours give you a chance to meet with your instructor to discuss course materials, assignments, your questions, and any concerns. If you can’t drop by during office hours, schedule an appointment with your instructor for another time.

In Canada, student-faculty relationships tend to be informal and students call some instructors by their first names. Instructors, however, do not generally socialize with students, and it is not appropriate for instructors to date students. Instructors also don’t expect gifts from students and they may feel uncomfortable if presented with one.

Canadian students often challenge and question their instructors. This behaviour can seem rude to students from other countries, but in Canada, it is quite acceptable, even desirable at times, to respectfully disagree with your instructors opinions.