The major in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology (BEST) is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in the non-traditional forestry sector. The major provides students with a solid foundation in science and technology for innovative design and development of renewable materials and energy and sustainable land use strategies. Statistical methods, project management, communication skills, and approaches to public participation for bioeconomy planning and development are taught.
This major offers both an option to obtain a Minor in Commerce and the opportunity to complete a five-year Co-operative Education option with work term positions in industry.
Upon successful completion of this Major, the notation “Major in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology" will be placed on the student's transcript."
Degree Requirements
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| BIOL_V 112 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 121 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 111 or 121 | 4 |
| CHEM_V 123 | 4 |
| ECON_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 150 or WRDS_V 150 | 3 |
| GEOS_V 102 or CONS_V 210 | 3 |
| MATH_V 1001 | 3 |
| NRES_V 100 or NRES_V 1102 | 3 |
| NRES_V 103 | 1 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 200 | 3 |
| BEST_V 201 | 3 |
| BEST_V 202 | 3 |
| BEST_V 203 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 233 | 3 |
| NRES_V 231 | 3 |
| NRES_V 225 | 3 |
| Restricted Social Science Elective3 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 300 | 3 |
| BEST_V 301 | 3 |
| BEST_V 302 | 3 |
| BEST_V 303 | 3 |
| BEST_V 304 | 3 |
| BEST_V 308 | 3 |
| FRST_V 302 | 3 |
| FRST_V 318 | 3 |
| Restricted Natural Resources Conservation Elective4 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 400 | 3 |
| BEST_V 401 | 3 |
| BEST_V 402 | 3 |
| BEST_V 403 | 3 |
| CONS_V 425 | 3 |
| WOOD_V 365 | 3 |
| WOOD_V 461 | 3 |
| Restricted Commerce Elective5 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| 1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH_V 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH_V 110 (6 credits) if a grade of 80% in MATH 12 (or equivalent course) was not achieved, but the credit difference cannot be applied towards program elective requirements. MATH_V 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students would like to take further MATH_V courses. | |
| 2 NRES_V 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort. | |
| 3 One of the following 3-credit courses: GEOG_V 310, GEOG_V 318, GEOG_V 319, POLI_V 375, or SOCI_V 342. | |
| 4 One of the following 3-credit courses: CONS_V 200, NRES_V 241 or NRES_V 340. | |
| 5 One of the following 3-credit courses: COMR_V 329, COMR_V 457, or COMR_V 465 | |
Minor in Commerce
Enrolment in this program is limited. An application form may be obtained from the Dean's Office. The completed form must be returned no later than May 15. At the time of application, students must be eligible for third-year standing in the Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology Major with a cumulative average of at least 68% in the previous two years. Applicants must have successfully completed one of MATH_V 100, 102, 104, 180, or 184 and both of ECON_V 101/FRST_V 101 and ECON_V 102 (or ECON_V 310/FRST_V 101 and ECON_V 311). Meeting the stated requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
The program consists of COMR_V 329, 457, 465, 473, 493; and one of COMM_V 204, COMR_V 398, or 458. Upon successful completion of this Minor program, the notation "Minor in Commerce" will appear on the student's transcript.
Students may require an additional term to complete the Minor in Commerce, although it is intended to be completed over two years.
Co-operative Education Program
Students in the Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology major can elect a five-year Co-operative Education Program with work term positions in industry. The Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology Co-operative Education Program is designed to provide students with work experience integrated with their academic programs. The year-round program normally requires completion of five four-month work terms of targeted employment including one Winter and one Fall placement. The five courses for the work terms are BEST_V 310, 311, 312, 411, and 412. Successful completion of the Co-op Program requirements will also be acknowledged on the student's degree parchment. The Co-op program requires an additional year to complete the B.Sc. in Natural Resources requirements. Students in the program will register in and pay for the appropriate 3-credit Co-operative Education course for each work term once a suitable position is confirmed. See Program and Course Fees.
Students in the Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology major who wish to be considered for the Co-operative Education Program must apply in the fall term of their second year. To be able to participate in the job search process for the first co-op term, the student needs to have a 64% minimum cumulative average in required Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology courses taken at UBC in first and second year, complete the required application, and have a successful interview with the Co-op Coordinator. Specific deadlines are available from the co-op office. To be accepted into BEST_V 311, students must have an average of 64% minimum in required Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology courses taken at UBC in first and second year and maintain that average to stay in the Co-op Program.
To graduate from the Co-operative Education Program a student must complete the required number of work terms along with the normal academic requirements.
For more information please contact the Co-op Office.
BEST Co-operative Education Program Requirements:
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| BIOL_V 112 | 3 |
| BIOL_V 121 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 111 or 121 | 4 |
| CHEM_V 123 | 4 |
| ECON_V 101 | 3 |
| NRES_V 150 or WRDS_V 150 | 3 |
| GEOS_V 102 or CONS_V 210 | 3 |
| MATH_V 1001 | 3 |
| NRES_V 100 or 1102 | 3 |
| NRES_V 103 | 1 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 200 | 3 |
| BEST_V 201 | 3 |
| BEST_V 202 | 3 |
| BEST_V 203 | 3 |
| CHEM_V 233 | 3 |
| BEST_V 3103 | 3 |
| NRES_V 225 | 3 |
| NRES_V 231 | 3 |
| Restricted Social Science Elective4 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 300 | 3 |
| BEST_V 301 | 3 |
| BEST_V 302 | 3 |
| BEST_V 308 | 3 |
| BEST_V 3113 | 3 |
| BEST_V 3123 | 3 |
| Restricted Natural Resources Conservation Elective5 | 3 |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 303 | 3 |
| BEST_V 304 | 3 |
| FRST_V 302 | 3 |
| FRST_V 318 | 3 |
| BEST_V 400 | 3 |
| BEST_V 401 | 3 |
| BEST_V 402 | 3 |
| BEST_V 4113 | 3 |
| Restricted Commerce Elective6 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
| Fifth Year | |
|---|---|
| BEST_V 403 | 3 |
| BEST_V 4123 | 3 |
| CONS_V 425 | 3 |
| WOOD_V 365 | 3 |
| WOOD_V 461 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| 1 Students without previous knowledge of calculus may take MATH_V 180 or 184 (4 credits), or MATH_V 110 (6 credits) if a grade of 80% in MATH 12 (or equivalent course) was not achieved, but the credit difference cannot be applied towards program elective requirements. MATH_V 190 may also be taken, but is a terminal course and not recommended for students would like to take further MATH_V courses. | |
| 2 NRES_V 110 is restricted to students in the Land One cohort. | |
| 3 Co-operative work term. | |
| 4 One of the following 3-credit courses: GEOG_V 310, GEOG_V 318, GEOG_V 319, POLI_V 375, or SOCI_V 342. | |
| 5 One of the following 3-credit courses: CONS_V 200, NRES_V 241, or NRES_V 340. | |
| 6 One of the following 3-credit courses: COMR_V 329, COMR_V 457, or COMR_V 465. | |