Degree Requirements

A student will be granted a Bachelor of Applied Science only after obtaining credit for all courses listed in the program of study for a given engineering program. This requirement will normally be met by completing four Winter Sessions with full credit load (five Winter Sessions for the Engineering Physics Program, and nine academic terms for the Biomedical Engineering Program). With the approval of the Dean's Office, a student may be allowed to study on a part-time basis. Credit will be granted for courses completed during the Summer Session.

A student transferring from an engineering program at another university or from a science faculty may be granted transfer credit for courses if the student has completed courses of equivalent content.

Registration in Courses


The Faculty reserves the right to limit course registration to students in the Bachelor of Applied Science program. Student registration in specific courses may be prioritized based on progression and graduation requirements.

Elective Courses in Engineering

Students are advised that enrolment in elective courses offered within the Faculty may be restricted.

English Requirement

The Faculty of Applied Science recognizes that good communication skills in English are essential to the understanding of course material and to the successful practice of engineering. To qualify for the B.A.Sc., a student must complete WRDS_V 150 (or equivalent) and an approved technical communication course. Students admitted directly from secondary schools are required to take English in their first year if eligible to do so. Once admitted to UBC, students will not normally be permitted to satisfy the English requirements at another institution. Students should take particular notice of the English requirements for advancement in the Faculty (see Advancement). Students in the Biomedical Engineering program who plan on applying to medical school should take an additional English course.

Note that students who plan on applying to medical school will need 6 credits in ENGL_V in order to apply. Students should confirm application requirements with the medical schools of their choice and may need to take an additional ENGL_V course as one of their humanities and social sciences electives.

Complementary Studies Courses

In order to satisfy accreditation requirements, all students must complete seven elements of complementary studies, including a minimum of 20 credits of complementary studies courses as follows:

  1. Engineering economics and project management: minimum 3 credits
  2. Humanities and social sciences electives: minimum 6 credits1
  3. Oral and written communication: minimum 6 credits
  4. Health and safety2
  5. Professionalism, ethics, equity and law: minimum 2 credits
  6. Impact of technology on society3
  7. Sustainable development and environmental stewardship3

1Students need 6 credits in ENGL_V in order to apply to medical school. Students should confirm application requirements with the medical schools of their choice and may need to take an additional ENGL_V course as one of their humanities and social sciences electives if they intend to apply to medical school.
2Content integrated into the core courses of each program
3Minimum 3 credits for entries 6 and 7 combined.

Some of the 20 credits of course requirements shown above may be integrated into core courses of some programs. For up to date lists of acceptable courses in each area of study, as well as program specific information on complementary studies requirements, please consult the Applied Science Engineering Academic Services Electives web page.


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