Explore Scaling the universe with some of UBC’s best science professors. Join the Vancouver Summer Program with UBC Integrated Sciences.
The Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) is a four-week academic program offered by UBC for students from cooperating universities. It gives undergraduate students the opportunity to learn from world-class professors, while exploring Canadian society and culture through interactive lectures, social activities, and intercultural workshops.
The 2024 VSP for UBC Integrated Sciences consists of two packages of two courses, each consisting of approximately 39 hours of class time, equivalent to six credits. Courses are directed and taught by UBC faculty members and overseen by Professor Lee A. Groat, award winning scientist and teacher. Classes are interactive and may include group discussions, guest lecturers, research projects, laboratory experimentation, daytrips, and visits to research facilities. Course credit will be granted at the discretion of the participating universities.
The program includes a city tour, welcome and farewell lunches, and many social activities in the evenings and during weekends. Activities may include museum visits, outdoor activities such as canoeing and cycling, with plenty of opportunity to explore sites of interest in Vancouver.
VIDEO:
Symmetry
The mathematic definition of symmetry is that an object is invariant to various transformations; including reflection, rotation, or scaling. Mathematical symmetry may be observed with respect to spatial relationships, through geometric transformations and other kinds of functional transformations, with respect to the passage of time, as an aspect of abstract objects, theoretic models, music, and language. Symmetry in everyday language refers to a sense of harmonious proportion and balance. In this course we investigate symmetry and asymmetry in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, and in the arts, specifically architecture, fine art, and music.
UBC equivalent course: ISCI 312
The Size of Things
This multi-disciplinary course on scaling will use the unifying theme of size to examine a wide range of physical and biological systems. In each case we will see that “size matters”. This will be shown true in the most basic sense, that of spatial size, shape, area and volume. In a more general sense this truism holds in that the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of phenomena are largely determined by the relative size of underlying factors and processes. We will identify a set of general scaling laws that reflect these facts, and learn a set of conceptual, graphical, and mathematical tools for working with them. Both the laws and the tools transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries within science and beyond science.
UBC equivalent course: ISCI 311
Duration and dates
June 7 - July 7 2024
July 12 - August 12, 2024
Program size
The minimum group size is 24.
Accommodation
Participants will be housed in UBC residences on campus with easy access to classes, libraries, sport facilities and transportation. Students will stay in shared suites that include four to six single bedrooms, an in-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet, a lounge area with a television, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. High-speed wired internet is included. The residences are secure and have a 24-hour front reception desk. Groups are supported by residence staff. If maximum occupancy is reached in apartment style accommodation, students may be placed in dormitory style accommodation.
Dates and deadlines
July
| Course Dates | July 12 - August 12, 2024 |
| Participant Registration Deadline | April 5, 2024 |
| Arrive in Vancouver | TBA |
| Classes | TBA |
| Depart Vancouver | TBA |
Fee
Program costs
July In-person Session
The Vancouver Summer Program package fee of approximately $5700 CAD is all-encompassing and includes tuition for your course package, accommodation, course materials, and medical insurance.
The fee also includes transport to and from the airport, a city tour of Vancouver, a welcome event, and a farewell lunch.
Other included activities differ according to your chosen course package. Some packages include socio-cultural activities, while other activities are partly subsidized or come at an additional cost. For example, students may be responsible for the cost of public transportation for all off-campus classes and field trips.
Application and requirements
Students need to meet their institution's requirements for studying abroad, must be proficient in English, and must have a strong academic background. Participating universities should notify UBC of their interest in the program well in advance so that accommodation and instructors can be booked. Visit the central UBC VSB site for details. Course packages have minimum and maximum class sizes, so institutions are encouraged to register their students early. If you’re interested in joining the VSP UBC Integrated Sciences course packages, please contact us at intsci@science.ubc.ca.
