Freshwater Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Study water quality and quantity, aquatic organisms, and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Two students working on a ground water-measuring device.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Freshwater Science at UBC Okanagan?

Freshwater science is designed to give you a broad perspective on inland waters. The program concentrates on understanding the science behind emerging environmental issues facing society using a highly interdisciplinary approach.

Students study aquatic chemistry, hydrology, aquatic organisms and the health of aquatic ecosystems. Some of the many topics being researched by renowned UBC faculty researchers include: biogeochemistry, freshwater ecology and paleoecology, hydrology and stream geomorphology.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can specialize in Freshwater Science through a Major or Honours Program.

BSc

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate student resources.

EESC 101 - Environmental Science
EESC 111 - Earth Science
BIOL 116 - Biology for Science Majors I
CHEM 113 - Principles of Chemistry II

EESC 205 - Introduction to Hydrology
EESC 212 - Atmospheric Environments
EESC 222 - Geomorphology
BIOL 201 - Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry

EESC 301 - Limnology
EESC 309 - Global Biogeochemistry
EESC 342 - Hydrogeology
BIOL 375 - Flora and Fauna of Inland Waters
CHEM 301 - Aqueous Environmental Chemistry

EESC 402 - Freshwater Resources
EESC 413 - Analytical Methods in Hydrology
EESC 423 - Tracers of Natural Processes
EESC 435 - Fluvial Field Techniques
EESC 436 - Coastal Geomorphology

Plan your academic journey by exploring the first-year planning guides designed for Bachelor of Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Aquaculturist
  • Aquatic scientist
  • Conservation and fishery officer
  • Ecologist
  • Ecosystem management specialist
  • Environmental auditor
  • Environmental education specialist
  • Fisheries specialist
  • Hatchery specialist
  • Hydrometric technologist
  • Land conservation manager
  • Natural resource officer
  • Remediation specialist
  • Stream Restoration specialist
  • Water specialist
  • Water resource manager

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Earth and Environmental Sciences Student on a field trip

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.