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Program (1st Year)

Program entrance requirements

  • Grade 12 or provincial equivalent
  • Min “C+” in Principles of Physics 12
  • Min. “C+” in Chemistry 12
  • Min. “B” in Principles of Math 12 ( students may take MATH 121/122/110 instead of MATH 100/101)
  • Min. “C” in English 12

The Engineering program at both UBC and UVic is designed such that students take a common first year core of courses, and then choose their specific engineering discipline when they go into second year. Each school has slightly different requirements in their first year curriculum, and it is important that you enrol in the courses for the particular school to which you ultimately wish to transfer.

University of Victoria*

The University of Victoria offers engineering studies in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical and Software Engineering. Students choose which discipline they wish to study upon entering their second year at UVic or VIU (in the case of Electrical and Computer Engineering). Co-Op is a requirement of the UVic Engineering program.  Also, remember that transfer students are not disadvantaged when entering UVic compared to those students already attending there.  All students who make the qualifications for second year are put into the same pool and compete based on GPA.

1st Year Common Core Curricula

Fall Term Hours Spring Term Hours
CHEM 150(a) 7 CSCI 161 5
CSCI 160 5 ENGM 141 4
ENGE 199 3 MATH 101(b) 4
MATH 100(b) 4 MATH 141 4
PHYS 121 7 PHYS 122 7
    *ENGL 115 3
Total Hours 26 hrs Total Hours 27 hrs

*ENGL 115 may be taken in either the Fall or Spring term.
(a) students may take CHEM 121/122A or CHEM 122/122 instead of CHEM 150
(b) students may take MATH 121/122/110 instead of MATH 100/101

University of British Columbia*

The University of British Columbia offers engineering degrees in a variety of disciplines include (as examples) Electrical, Computer, Civil, Structural, Engineering Physics, Biochemical, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering. As with UVic, students choose which discipline they wish to study upon entering their second year. Co-Op is a optional in the UBC Engineering program but we would highly recommend that you participate. Remember that transfer students are not disadvantaged compared to those students already at UBC. All students who make the qualifications for second year are put into the same pool and compete based on GPA.

1st Year Common Core Curricula

Fall Term Hours Spring Term Hours
CHEM 121 7 ENGM 141 4
CSCI 160 5 MATH 101 4
MATH 100(a) 4 MATH 141 4
PHYS 121 7 PHYS 122A(c) 7
ENGL 115 3 CHEM 122A(d) 3
Complimentary Studies(b) 3 ENGR 150 3
Total Hours 29 hrs Total Hours 25 hrs

(a) students may take MATH 121/122/110 instead of MATH 100/101
(b) See UBC Calendar for a list of complementary studies courses.
(c) Or PHYS 122
(d) or CHEM 122

*Students often are not sure of whether they wish to transfer to either UBC or UVic after this first year of studies. In this case, we recommend that you hedge your bets a bit by taking a core set in the Fall that satisfy both first year curricula. You will likely have a better idea which university best suits your needs by the time you start your spring semester. Please contact the Engineering Advisor for further information on changes that can be made to your first year program to fulfill the requirements of both institutions.