Hey lllix, I was just wondering, what micro courses (and others) have you taken? Because I've taken an intro micro course (biol228) and immunology (biol318) now, but the intro micro was used in lieu of their Biol 112 pre-requisite requirement and immunology was used as an approved pharmacy elective...So I'm hoping since I've learned that material to a greater depth that I won't have to take MICB 202 >_>
You must be from ubco. You would need biol 312 (virology)+ Biol 314(medicaL micro)+Biol 318 (immunology) to get exempted from MICB 202 (Introduction to medical micro). 3 third year courses for one 2nd year level course pretty lame.

Does anyone know (probably only current pharmacy students can answer this) roughly how many spots each STT can hold?

I sort of need to know my tentative schedule asap.

You must be from ubco. You would need biol 312 (virology)+ Biol 314(medicaL micro)+Biol 318 (immunology) to get exempted from MICB 202 (Introduction to medical micro). 3 third year courses for one 2nd year level course pretty lame.

Haha yeah...Ugh. That's ridiculous. These courses are all way more in depth...Are you from UBCO as well?

Thanks for all the help. My GPA was 77.9 and PCAT comp. was 74. I'm not sure but I think the PCAT is what bombed it for me. I don't think I messed up the interview too much since I was quite confident leaving. Margaret said to start emailing her about my ranking mid-July, so I'll do that and see how I can improve.

I'm just not sure how I should be planning my schedule. Should I be taking courses to gain admission into a specialization and take the required pharmacy courses to boost my GPA?

My advice to you would be to retake the PCAT and to get the other parts of your application stronger -- ie. pharmacy volunteer, work experience, which then lead to stronger reference letters and personal statements. The thing about UBC that I really appreciate, is that they DO look further than the #'s. They're interested in your entire person. I know this because I got accepted this year and my GPA was far, far, far from stellar. Best of luck next go-around.

Hey guys,

Does anyone know if we can switch to different STT (I.e. From A to B) after registering for one?

I want to be able to switch around depending on which courses I get exempted from. If anyone could clarify, that would be great. Thanks!

"My advice to you would be to retake the PCAT and to get the other parts of your application stronger -- ie. pharmacy volunteer, work experience, which then lead to stronger reference letters and personal statements. The thing about UBC that I really appreciate, is that they DO look further than the #'s. They're interested in your entire person. I know this because I got accepted this year and my GPA was far, far, far from stellar. Best of luck next go-around."

I agree. I was in the same boat with a weak GPA and PCAT, but the rest of my application more than made up for it, and I really appreciate UBC for looking at the whole rather than calling me out for less than stellar academic performance.

It's great that you're trying again! :)

I recall when I moved from 1st year to 2nd year, UBC made us apply for our preferred majors (3 choices) online to prepare us. Do you have that too? If so, it would help to know which major you have as a back-up (assuming Pharmacy is your ultimate goal). It would be best to satisfy as many prerequisite courses as possible within your major, while building up your Pharmacy courses (like MICB202, ANAT, etc) at the same time.

Pharmacy electives aren't used in the admission average btw. Only prerequisites to Pharmacy and courses in the mandatory part of the Pharmacy curriculum are used in GPA calculation.

Yes we do have that. I chose to do integrated science because I was thinking that would give me the freedom to choose more pre-req. related courses but now I found out that specialization doesn't really matter until 3rd year :p.

So let's say I take BIOL 200 this term. The course is not part of the pre-req course so is it just wasted credits?

Question to those of you who have experience working in a pharmacy either as a volunteer or technician, etc. How did you go about looking for these positions? Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! Just have a cover letter and resume ready, then go to pharmacies near you and talk to the manager! This (https://eservices.bcpharmacists.org/psearch/PharmacyReport.plx?id=1) is a good place to look for names of owners.

My advice to you would be to retake the PCAT and to get the other parts of your application stronger -- ie. pharmacy volunteer, work experience, which then lead to stronger reference letters and personal statements. The thing about UBC that I really appreciate, is that they DO look further than the #'s. They're interested in your entire person. I know this because I got accepted this year and my GPA was far, far, far from stellar. Best of luck next go-around.Thanks! I think my EC is quite strong. Right now, I'm volunteering at a pharmacy and working OTC at another pharmacy. As well, I've been active in clubs as execs as well. Maybe I spent too much time away from studying and that's why my PCAT was a bit low :laugh:.

Yes we do have that. I chose to do integrated science because I was thinking that would give me the freedom to choose more pre-req. related courses but now I found out that specialization doesn't really matter until 3rd year :p.

So let's say I take BIOL 200 this term. The course is not part of the pre-req course so is it just wasted credits?


Biol 200 won't count towards your pharmacy admission average but it's a prereq for courses like Biol 201 which would count (if you also took Bioc 302).

Also Biol 201 is required for some upper year courses which you might need for your degree. So it's not really a waste but it doesn't count for your admission average.

Hey guys,

Does anyone know if we can switch to different STT (I.e. From A to B) after registering for one?

I want to be able to switch around depending on which courses I get exempted from. If anyone could clarify, that would be great. Thanks!

Can do whatever you want to your schedule at any time, but only if the STT hasn't been completely filled yet

Hello future pharmacists

Are there any of you who would like to make a difference by volunteering 3 hours a week helping East African high school students with their homework?

I'm starting a mentoring program to prep East African high school students for univeristy. It'll be staffed with univeristy students and graduates who have majored in science, english and math. We'll meet once every weekend for 3 hours with an hour of instruction for each of the 3 core subjects: science, math and english. Groups of students will rotate between the 3 subjects manned by a tutor.

My goal is to help more young African students get into university, because university attendance amongst african immigrants is presently very low. The program costs $10 a week for a student and the money will be used to fund a $1000 scholarship for each student that gets accepted into a university of their choice (funding permitting).

If you'd like to be a a part of this program or have any comments or suggestions, you can private message me or email me at sam.tse23@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you,

Sam

Yes we do have that. I chose to do integrated science because I was thinking that would give me the freedom to choose more pre-req. related courses but now I found out that specialization doesn't really matter until 3rd year :p.

So let's say I take BIOL 200 this term. The course is not part of the pre-req course so is it just wasted credits?

If you take BIOL200, it's true that this grade won't be used in calculating your Pharmacy admission GPA. However, I don't think it's wasted credit.

1) In case you don't get into Pharmacy, you don't want to be left hanging with random completed courses. BIOL200 is actually a prereq for several other courses, so it's good to have it to stabilize your integrated sci. degree.

2) Like Gladd said, if you take BIOL200, you can go on to take 201. BIOL201+ BIOC302 = credit for BIOC300. Grades from BIOL201 and BIOC 302 ARE used in the admission GPA (as long as you take both of them).

3) If you get into Pharmacy, I believe BIOL200 can be used as an non-pharm. elective (need someone else to confirm this, but this is from what I've read from previous forum posts).

Hope this helps! :)

woohoo! exemption from organic, stats, physiology, and anat 391 secured! now to hear about biochem and microbio and anat 390.

not so easy to secure: housing. it's not that there aren't a TON of listings, but that living out of province and at minimum a day's worth of driving (or a very expensive short notice plane ticket) away, does not make it very easy to set up appointments!

anyone here got accepted from 1st year science in SFU , or are most of you guys from UBC or OOP.

3) If you get into Pharmacy, I believe BIOL200 can be used as an non-pharm. elective (need someone else to confirm this, but this is from what I've read from previous forum posts).

yup! non-pharmacy electives can be from any year and any faculty/department as long as it's none of the pre-reqs for pharm or the courses you need to take in order to take the pre-reqs (like PHYS 100)

hope that made sense :S

woohoo! exemption from organic, stats, physiology, and anat 391 secured! now to hear about biochem and microbio and anat 390.

not so easy to secure: housing. it's not that there aren't a TON of listings, but that living out of province and at minimum a day's worth of driving (or a very expensive short notice plane ticket) away, does not make it very easy to set up appointments!

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am confused about securing exemption? Is that only a process for OOP students or do UBC students have to contact the faculty to get exemptions as well?

Also, I feel your pain about housing! I'm out of the city for the summer and really stressing out about finding a place to live...

Does anyone know (probably only current pharmacy students can answer this) roughly how many spots each STT can hold?

I sort of need to know my tentative schedule asap.

This is just a guess, but since there are 9 STTs and 224 students going into first year, I would estimate 24-25 people per STT.

Just got an offer from U of A. Now I have to make decisions. Kill me now.

Just got an offer from U of A. Now I have to make decisions. Kill me now.

Wow, congrats!! I also got offers from U of A and UBC, but the decision to go with UBC was pretty easy for me since I live in Vancouver. Good luck with your decision :)

Just got an offer from U of A. Now I have to make decisions. Kill me now.

Congrats!!! That's a good problem to have!

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!

Congratz!!!!:love::love:

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!

Told you so ;)

You did!! :)

and Thanks!

Just got an offer from U of A. Now I have to make decisions. Kill me now.
Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!
So I'm guessing lllix is going to U of A? lol. Oh and congrats Gladd. I'm glad you got in!!!

Hey Hokuten, I'm in buds, I'll see you in September :D

Question to those of you who have experience working in a pharmacy either as a volunteer or technician, etc. How did you go about looking for these positions? Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I think just going up to a pharmacy with a resume and talking to the manager as mentioned will land you some position. You can also look online to find if there are any vacancies and work in OTC or as a technician(if they allow it) :)

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!
sweet, congrats on getting in! :)

anyone here got accepted from 1st year science in SFU , or are most of you guys from UBC or OOP.
I don't think it's possible to get in from 1st year if you went to SFU. The courses don't transfer one-to-one (eg. you have to take 3 physics courses to equal UBC's PHYS 101) so it will take a bit longer. But, it's alright because if you stay for two years you can do some courses that are part of the UBC Pharm curriculum, and that will lower your course load once you get it:)

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!

Congrats, I know you were really hoping for this.

Congrats!!! That's a good problem to have!

Haha, yeah I know. It feels good since both UBC and U of A rejected me last year and now apparently I am popular. I am very torn about the decision though. Vancouver has seduced me and Edmonton is a craphole, but there are a lot of benefits to staying in Alberta. But the experience of living in Vancouver might just outweigh those... I have until the 15th to pay my deposit to the U of A. Gonna be a rough weekend for me.

So I'm guessing lllix is going to U of A? lol. Oh and congrats Gladd. I'm glad you got in!!!

Haha, relax. I barely just found out before going to work for eight hours. I haven't turned down any offers or paid any deposits just yet. But good to see that the waitlist is moving for people who deserve it.

Thanks everyone!

And Illix... That's gonna be rough for sure. But keep in mind... It's Edmonton. yuck. :P

It's good to see the waitlist move! Grats Gladd!

When is the last date to accept your offer? (ie. when should I stop dreaming I'd get off the wl? :P)

Thanks everyone!

And Illix... That's gonna be rough for sure. But keep in mind... It's Edmonton. yuck. :P


Edmonton is nasty. What sucks even more is that my boyfriend is currently in Austria right now and I can't even talk to him to figure out what I should do.

Pharmacy’s Elective Requirements:
The elective requirement to graduate from the undergraduate Pharmacy program is a total of 18 credits of electives; 6 credits of which are non-pharmacy electives, and 12 credits of which are pharmacy approved electives. For the 12 credits of pharmacy-approved electives, a minimum of 3 credits must be a PHAR elective course.

So I got 9 pharm-aproved elective and 6 non-pharm elective credits. So I'm assuming we all have to take one course in PHAR? Can you guys list possible ones!!!

Edmonton is nasty. What sucks even more is that my boyfriend is currently in Austria right now and I can't even talk to him to figure out what I should do.

Awww man. I assume there's no way of contacting him. I'm assuming you're not from Edmonton and if you have to move away from home might as well move somewhere where you'll like it. Vancouver isn't that far! But if you are close to Edmonton... then staying there would also be very tempting.

Pharmacy’s Elective Requirements:
The elective requirement to graduate from the undergraduate Pharmacy program is a total of 18 credits of electives; 6 credits of which are non-pharmacy electives, and 12 credits of which are pharmacy approved electives. For the 12 credits of pharmacy-approved electives, a minimum of 3 credits must be a PHAR elective course.

So I got 9 pharm-aproved elective and 6 non-pharm elective credits. So I'm assuming we all have to take one course in PHAR? Can you guys list possible ones!!!


They're on the Pharmacy Approved Electives sheet:

PHAR 405 (2-6) Problems in Clinical Pharmacy
PHAR 408 (3) Clinical Pharmacokinetics
PHAR 414 (6) Problems in Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics
PHAR 415 (4) Topics in Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics
PHAR 426 (6) Problems in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
PHAR 440 (3) Pain Research and Therapy
PHAR 444 (6) Problems in Pharmacology
PHAR 448 (3) Environmental and Cellular Toxicology
PHAR 450 (2-6) Selected Topics
PHAR 450B Sec 019 (3) Drug Safety
PHAR 453 (2-6) Directed Studies in Pharmacy Practice
PHAR 453B Sec. 023 (3) Oncology Pharmacotherapeutics
PHAR 455 (3) Pharmacy in Canada’s Health Care System (not offered in 09-10)
PHAR 456 (3) Introduction to Pharmacoeconomics and Health Technology Assessment



I heard you have to take the PHAR elective in 3rd or 4th year though? Is that true?

They're on the Pharmacy Approved Electives sheet:

PHAR 405 (2-6) Problems in Clinical Pharmacy
PHAR 408 (3) Clinical Pharmacokinetics
PHAR 414 (6) Problems in Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics
PHAR 415 (4) Topics in Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics
PHAR 426 (6) Problems in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
PHAR 440 (3) Pain Research and Therapy
PHAR 444 (6) Problems in Pharmacology
PHAR 448 (3) Environmental and Cellular Toxicology
PHAR 450 (2-6) Selected Topics
PHAR 450B Sec 019 (3) Drug Safety
PHAR 453 (2-6) Directed Studies in Pharmacy Practice
PHAR 453B Sec. 023 (3) Oncology Pharmacotherapeutics
PHAR 455 (3) Pharmacy in Canada’s Health Care System (not offered in 09-10)
PHAR 456 (3) Introduction to Pharmacoeconomics and Health Technology Assessment



I heard you have to take the PHAR elective in 3rd or 4th year though? Is that true?

Yes, the vast majority of PHAR electives are not available until year 3 or 4, although I think there is a new elective that is just being introduced this year that only 2nd year students can apply for, something to do with being a "health mentor". I'm not that familiar with it though as it was just introduced and I am going into 4th year.

That being said, in 4th year it is not a problem to have a couple of electives as there are only two required lecture courses, and then practicums for one semester. Although the entire practicum program may change with the increased class size (your class will really be guinea pigs for the next four years).

Yes, the vast majority of PHAR electives are not available until year 3 or 4, although I think there is a new elective that is just being introduced this year that only 2nd year students can apply for, something to do with being a "health mentor". I'm not that familiar with it though as it was just introduced and I am going into 4th year.

That being said, in 4th year it is not a problem to have a couple of electives as there are only two required lecture courses, and then practicums for one semester. Although the entire practicum program may change with the increased class size (your class will really be guinea pigs for the next four years).

Oh okay thanks!

And so for that one semester in 4th year, we're doing nothing but 2 lectures?

Awww man. I assume there's no way of contacting him. I'm assuming you're not from Edmonton and if you have to move away from home might as well move somewhere where you'll like it. Vancouver isn't that far! But if you are close to Edmonton... then staying there would also be very tempting.

Well we exchange facebook messages when we can, but it's usually not enough to have a big extended conversation. Sometimes he won't even check it for a few days, and I can't really blame him because he's got better things to do like see the sights and visit relatives.

Edmonton is a three hour drive away so it definitely makes driving on weekends more plausible; whereas driving too and from van for a weekend is out ofthe question and flights are too expensive. transport back and for from alberta to BC is what is really going to add up throughout the four years of the pharmacy program. living expenses would be lower in edmonton, which would allow me to save up for backpacking europe which i plan to do. but so many pros and cons. the experience and lifestyle that you get in vancouver is definitely something that i wish i could have and would be worth a little extra cash. and it's bad to make a decision based on one relationship, but it definitely is a factor.

either way, U of A needs a deposit by the 15th (and the day my bf gets back to town), and it's only 175 so i am tempted to pay it because it isn't that much, but really it would only by me a few extra days of decision making because UBC registration for me is on the 19th. Plus that means less housing options no matter where i choose the longer i wait.

okay, done having my stress rant!

Can anyone comment (perhaps current pharm students in higher years) on the typical tuition for each year? I know first year is bound to be cheaper if you have a couple course exemptions, but how about in second, third, and fourth? I am trying to compare UBC and U of A on that front.

:)

Can anyone comment (perhaps current pharm students in higher years) on the typical tuition for each year? I know first year is bound to be cheaper if you have a couple course exemptions, but how about in second, third, and fourth? I am trying to compare UBC and U of A on that front.

Hi lllix, my friend in pharmacy told me that you pay ~$226 per credit plus around $800 mandatory student fees (med/dent, upass etc), so it all depends on how many courses u are taking. If you already finished all elective it shouldn't be more than $8000 during 2nd and 3rd year.

Well we exchange facebook messages when we can, but it's usually not enough to have a big extended conversation. Sometimes he won't even check it for a few days, and I can't really blame him because he's got better things to do like see the sights and visit relatives.

Edmonton is a three hour drive away so it definitely makes driving on weekends more plausible; whereas driving too and from van for a weekend is out ofthe question and flights are too expensive. transport back and for from alberta to BC is what is really going to add up throughout the four years of the pharmacy program. living expenses would be lower in edmonton, which would allow me to save up for backpacking europe which i plan to do. but so many pros and cons. the experience and lifestyle that you get in vancouver is definitely something that i wish i could have and would be worth a little extra cash. and it's bad to make a decision based on one relationship, but it definitely is a factor.

either way, U of A needs a deposit by the 15th (and the day my bf gets back to town), and it's only 175 so i am tempted to pay it because it isn't that much, but really it would only by me a few extra days of decision making because UBC registration for me is on the 19th. Plus that means less housing options no matter where i choose the longer i wait.

okay, done having my stress rant!

Yah I definitely understand you're struggle. I was stressing over a LDR when I got waitlisted here and into UofT. But I don't know I suggest you talk to your boyfriend about it and such.. I'm sure you have.. and make the decision together. Just talking to him would probably help alot. :)

wooo now i need the shots, challenge accepted.

It's good to see the waitlist move! Grats Gladd!

When is the last date to accept your offer? (ie. when should I stop dreaming I'd get off the wl? :P)

Sorry I didn't see this before!

And they didn't give us a date.. Just to reply immediately if we wanted to decline the offer. the SSC date is Sept 1st... but the actual date is probably just before registration I assume.

And don't give up hope! You have a great chance of getting in. I think you should find out either way after registration finishes but it could be longer depending on how close you are to the cutoff. Good luck to you!

Just got in off the waitlist!!!!!

:)

yayyyyyyy!

Congratulations Gladd!!!! :soexcited:

Can we take BIOL 112 and MICB 202 in the same semester even though BIOL 112 is a pre-req for MICB 202?

edit: never mind, MICB 202 is offered in second semester anyway.

Sorry I didn't see this before!

And they didn't give us a date.. Just to reply immediately if we wanted to decline the offer. the SSC date is Sept 1st... but the actual date is probably just before registration I assume.

And don't give up hope! You have a great chance of getting in. I think you should find out either way after registration finishes but it could be longer depending on how close you are to the cutoff. Good luck to you!

Ahh ok. thx :)

Can we take BIOL 112 and MICB 202 in the same semester even though BIOL 112 is a pre-req for MICB 202?

Nope, I don't think so. If it says pre-req, then you probably need to have taken it beforehand.

Can anyone comment (perhaps current pharm students in higher years) on the typical tuition for each year? I know first year is bound to be cheaper if you have a couple course exemptions, but how about in second, third, and fourth? I am trying to compare UBC and U of A on that front.

Hey,

Here is a really useful app to calculate your tuition, living expenses etc.

The standard tuition for pharmacy student is $ 7700.....:eek:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/youbc/va/costs.cfm

I don't think it's possible to get in from 1st year if you went to SFU. The courses don't transfer one-to-one (eg. you have to take 3 physics courses to equal UBC's PHYS 101) so it will take a bit longer. But, it's alright because if you stay for two years you can do some courses that are part of the UBC Pharm curriculum, and that will lower your course load once you get it:)

hmm you sure? for non-ubc applicants,

First-year university Physics with a lab. Or, also acceptable, is a one-semester Physics course that has a prerequisite requirement of PHYS 12, and that includes a lab.

anyone here got accepted from 1st year science in SFU , or are most of you guys from UBC or OOP.

I was accepted from 1st year science at University of the Fraser Valley, we had nearly equivalent classes just received fewer credits (eg. 3 credits transferred for a 4 credit course). I'm sure SFU has those equivalent classes, just check http://www.bctransferguide.ca/ or talk to a science advisor.

Yeah I'm sure because I had to do it and I have friends that did it too or are planning to do it. The physics class is just one example, because the SFU phys lab, PHYS 130 (Burnaby campus), has a prerequisite of PHYS 101 and a corequisite of PHYS 102. That's 8 credits of first year phys while at UBC you would only have to do 3. If you really want to transfer straight from 1st year science at SFU to UBC pharm, you need to take 17 credits in first term and 19 in second term -- the faculty only allows you to do a maximum of 18 credits per term, so perhaps you could get permission to take more. I'm not sure about this because I don't know anyone who has done it, but you could give it a try. Good luck, and you should definitely get your info from SFU and UBC advisors if this is what you want to do:)

Anyone know where I can get information regarding my immunization history if I received some of the required vaccinations in high school/elementary?

I tried contacting the high school I attended and no luck.

Family doctor is useless too.

Also, how are we suppose to remember the exact date we got chicken pox?!

Hey,

Here is a really useful app to calculate your tuition, living expenses etc.

The standard tuition for pharmacy student is $ 7700.....:eek:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/youbc/va/costs.cfm

Yeah I have seen that app but wasn't sure about the accuracy.

U of A just bumped up their tuition a year or two ago. It's $10 000 a year. Yikes! Seems like that justifies the higher cost of living in Vancouver if I go that route. Looks like thiings seem to balance out depending on how you look at it.

Anyone know where I can get information regarding my immunization history if I received some of the required vaccinations in high school/elementary?

I tried contacting the high school I attended and no luck.

Family doctor is useless too.

Also, how are we suppose to remember the exact date we got chicken pox?!

I think you can talk to your public health unit. That's what someone told me and they'll go through it with you.


For the college application... What are you guys using as your proof of registration? Also when are you guys planning on submitting that?

I think you can talk to your public health unit. That's what someone told me and they'll go through it with you.


For the college application... What are you guys using as your proof of registration? Also when are you guys planning on submitting that?

Hey Gladd,

Thanks for the response.

For proof of enrolment, log onto ubc ssc and select the "grades and records" tab and choose "proof of enrolment letters". I believe you can just print this and attach it to the form.

Hey Gladd,

Thanks for the response.

For proof of enrolment, log onto ubc ssc and select the "grades and records" tab and choose "proof of enrolment letters". I believe you can just print this and attach it to the form.

Hey thanks. I thought that might be enough. But it says registered in 0 credits... So I'm not sure if that's okay. Are we supposed to wait until after we register? I dunno :S

Anyone know where I can get information regarding my immunization history if I received some of the required vaccinations in high school/elementary?

I tried contacting the high school I attended and no luck.

Family doctor is useless too.

Also, how are we suppose to remember the exact date we got chicken pox?!

If you don't have proper documentation (ie from your childhood family doctor), you'll either have to get re-vaccinated (might be due for some boosters anyway) or get antibody titres. I will also mention they are extremely rigid with immunizations. You MUST be able to provide a date & physician/nurse signature. I didn't have a date for when I had chicken pox as kid, but my childhood family doctor signed off on it....months later (during exams of course) I was told my immunization record was incomplete and had to get an antibody titre. Also, recent changes now require that you must have received TWO MMR doses (not just one). Again, if you only provide documentation for one dose, they will contact you (during exams) asking you to provide documentation of both doses, or get a second dose.

So, if your documentation is at all incomplete, just get re-vaccinated or get an antibody titre NOW to save yourself the trouble, because they WILL harass you about it during exams.

I think you can talk to your public health unit. That's what someone told me and they'll go through it with you.


For the college application... What are you guys using as your proof of registration? Also when are you guys planning on submitting that?

From the e-mail:
"Once your admission has been processed, you can check your registration date on the SSC (Student Service Centre) and, after that, you will receive an official admission letter from the Undergraduate Admissions Office."

I thought that's what the College wanted us to submit? Not proof of registration? :confused:

For cOllege of pharmacist app, you need a copy of the official acceptance letter from enrollment services, not the one you print off from ssc.:o

So we have to wait for the one in the mail and photocopy it? Or go to Brock Hall?

Cause I don't wanna go all the way to UBC to grab one considering I am like 90 minutes away from it. :(

So we have to wait for the one in the mail and photocopy it? Or go to Brock Hall?

Cause I don't wanna go all the way to UBC to grab one considering I am like 90 minutes away from it. :(

I think you should just wait for the mail to arrive. Mine came in three days ago and the letter was dated June 29th, hang in there! :laugh:

I think you should just wait for the mail to arrive. Mine came in three days ago and the letter was dated June 29th, hang in there! :laugh:

Haha okay! I was just wondering if the letter in the mail was good enough or we had to go to brock hall. But yeah.. i'll wait for the mail!

I think you should just wait for the mail to arrive. Mine came in three days ago and the letter was dated June 29th, hang in there! :laugh:

whaaat, 3 days ago?! i haven't gotten mine yet and i'm in vancouver!

whaaat, 3 days ago?! i haven't gotten mine yet and i'm in vancouver!

Don't worry too much, Canada Post still has 40m letters on backlog.

I just found out yesterday that I have completed all the requirements of being a pharmacist in the beautiful province of BC! I would like to take this opportunity to say to all future colleagues: congratulations and good luck!

I look back on the last four years and realize now that I had wasted too many hours in self-doubt and pessimism regarding the future of the profession and my own job prospects, when my time would have been better spent on enjoying the experience. So study hard and know that you are (or will be) well prepared and supported for the changing practice of pharmacy. Congratulations again and have fun!

^Congrats to you!


Does anybody know for the Pharm Structed Practical Experience courses like 369, do they place you in pharmacies themselves? Do you get a choice? Is it your responsibility to find a pharmacy or do they find one for you? If they do... is it always in Van? How does it work?

^Congrats to you!


Does anybody know for the Pharm Structed Practical Experience courses like 369, do they place you in pharmacies themselves? Do you get a choice? Is it your responsibility to find a pharmacy or do they find one for you? How does it work?

For 369, you need to find a pharmacy yourself; for the other ones, you'll be randomly assigned by a computer program to a participating BC pharmacy.

For 369, you need to find a pharmacy yourself; for the other ones, you'll be randomly assigned by a computer program to a participating BC pharmacy.

Oh okay thanks. Is it generally hard to find a pharmacy especially when there are 224 people looking?

Oh okay thanks. Is it generally hard to find a pharmacy especially when there are 224 people looking?

There's definitely a lot of leg work on the part of the students, and it might be a bit more challenging with the increase in class size, but if you are really desperate I think SPEP can step in and assist you. In the end, everyone gets a placement though, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Oh okay thanks. Is it generally hard to find a pharmacy especially when there are 224 people looking?

You are given a list with all the pharmacies in BC with addresses and phone numbers. At first I went to some pharmacies in person but didn't land anything, ended up just calling all the pharmacies I was willing to go to depending on their location. Probably called about 30 or 40 of them before I got my pharmacy.

Alright... thanks guys! I guess I'll worry about that in a couple of years! I was just thinking of my housing situation.

Tick tock tick tock... lllix is still deciding which school to attend. Alright guys, sell UBC to me since I know you all want me as your classmate =)

Tick tock tick tock... lllix is still deciding which school to attend. Alright guys, sell UBC to me since I know you all want me as your classmate =)

You'll get to be in a shiny new building starting in your second year! There's one reason. Unfortunately I miss this as I grad next year and it isn't scheduled for opening until September 2012.

You are given a list with all the pharmacies in BC with addresses and phone numbers. At first I went to some pharmacies in person but didn't land anything, ended up just calling all the pharmacies I was willing to go to depending on their location. Probably called about 30 or 40 of them before I got my pharmacy.

30 or 40?? That's rough. I was successful with my first choice, although it was for a small town so maybe that was the difference

30 or 40?? That's rough. I was successful with my first choice, although it was for a small town so maybe that was the difference

Yeah, I was trying for Vancouver proper. A lot of them didn't want to take a student, which is understandable. It was probably just bad luck......

Tick tock tick tock... lllix is still deciding which school to attend. Alright guys, sell UBC to me since I know you all want me as your classmate =)

Most beautiful campus in the country. Maybe even other countries.

Vancouver is an amazing city. Great nightlife, outdoors, lots of things to do.

We get a stellar new building.

Beaches surround us.

It's not Edmonton.


Lol... I am more selling Vancouver than UBC.

Most beautiful campus in the country. Maybe even other countries.

Vancouver is an amazing city. Great nightlife, outdoors, lots of things to do.

We get a stellar new building.

Beaches surround us.

It's not Edmonton.


Lol... I am more selling Vancouver than UBC.

I would say the big seller for the UBC vote is the Vancouver lifestyle. It is definitely a very different experience compared to Edmonton/Calgary (more or less the same place in my opinion). The thing that is sort of making me wonder about Alberta is the fact that from what I can tell from their curriculum, they jump into pretty much one hundred percent pharm-specific courses right away and don't seem to fool around with organic and biochem and stats (which are pre-reqs anyway) or anatomy and physiology and such. I have exemptions for most of the non-pharm stuff at UBC for first year, so if I go to UBC I am wondering if I am missing out on something curriculum-wise since they really seem to delay the pharmacy specific content.

Has anyone else compared their curriculums and have an opinion on it?

Yeah, I was trying for Vancouver proper. A lot of them didn't want to take a student, which is understandable. It was probably just bad luck......

This is for the 160 hours we have to do in the summer of third and fourth year right? Is it paid or unpaid?

This is for the 160 hours we have to do in the summer of third and fourth year right? Is it paid or unpaid?

Unpaid. All of it is unpaid. :(

I would say the big seller for the UBC vote is the Vancouver lifestyle. It is definitely a very different experience compared to Edmonton/Calgary (more or less the same place in my opinion). The thing that is sort of making me wonder about Alberta is the fact that from what I can tell from their curriculum, they jump into pretty much one hundred percent pharm-specific courses right away and don't seem to fool around with organic and biochem and stats (which are pre-reqs anyway) or anatomy and physiology and such. I have exemptions for most of the non-pharm stuff at UBC for first year, so if I go to UBC I am wondering if I am missing out on something curriculum-wise since they really seem to delay the pharmacy specific content.

Has anyone else compared their curriculums and have an opinion on it?

I think a lot of schools are pushing more classes directly related to pharmacy now. UofT for example changed their curriculum for the upcoming year (pushing for a pharmd) and they jump deep into pharm stuff first year now. UofA has the same idea.

The reason why UBC can't do that is because they require only that 1 year of prereqs. So everyone who got in after first year hasn't done any of that. Everyone I've talked to has said first year pharm is pretty boring at UBC and you don't actually start learning the good stuff until second year. So that's a bit of a drag.

But I don't think we're going to "miss out." Our second and third years seem pretty packed full of those pharm courses. The program must cover everything we need to learn and fully prepare us, right? I hope.

First year will probably a bit boring. But I'm looking forward to a slack year. :laugh:

I think a lot of schools are pushing more classes directly related to pharmacy now. UofT for example changed their curriculum for the upcoming year (pushing for a pharmd) and they jump deep into pharm stuff first year now. UofA has the same idea.

The reason why UBC can't do that is because they require only that 1 year of prereqs. So everyone who got in after first year hasn't done any of that. Everyone I've talked to has said first year pharm is pretty boring at UBC and you don't actually start learning the good stuff until second year. So that's a bit of a drag.

But I don't think we're going to "miss out." Our second and third years seem pretty packed full of those pharm courses. The program must cover everything we need to learn and fully prepare us, right? I hope.

First year will probably a bit boring. But I'm looking forward to a slack year. :laugh:


Yeah, that's what I guessed the reason was too. It's sort of unfortunate, too (personally I think that UBC should consider increasing the number of pre-reqs so you can't just apply after one year). At the end of the day, we all get accredited pharm degrees no matter where we graduate, but yeah, I do wonder how they cram the rest of it in... it would really be nice to get a couple second year courses out of the way.

I would say the big seller for the UBC vote is the Vancouver lifestyle. It is definitely a very different experience compared to Edmonton/Calgary (more or less the same place in my opinion). The thing that is sort of making me wonder about Alberta is the fact that from what I can tell from their curriculum, they jump into pretty much one hundred percent pharm-specific courses right away and don't seem to fool around with organic and biochem and stats (which are pre-reqs anyway) or anatomy and physiology and such. I have exemptions for most of the non-pharm stuff at UBC for first year, so if I go to UBC I am wondering if I am missing out on something curriculum-wise since they really seem to delay the pharmacy specific content.

Has anyone else compared their curriculums and have an opinion on it?

I wouldn't say that UBC misses anything as far as curriculum goes, but I will say that after first year you really don't feel any more competent than before you enter the program. But after second and third year, which are very course intensive, you will feel like you have the necessary knowledge base to be a fully competent pharmacist, although it will still take time once you graduate to gain the confidence to practice to your full potential (but it would be like this at any school). UBC constantly re-evaluates the curriculum. This curriculum was introduced in 2003 and has increased the quality of the program immensely. There will continue to be changes in the future to prepare students for the practice change that is occurring. It's hard to compare programs directly though and I am sure that Alberta also has a great program.

I think in the not so distant future, those non pharm first year courses will become pre-requisites as the program moves towards an entry level PharmD just like other schools.

Also, our Dean has told us that the lecture curriculum really would not change much at all even when UBC moves to PharmD, it would just increase the experiential component of the program. There would also be a bridging program in place for current Bsc Pharm graduates to upgrade to a pharmD. Personally I believe that UBC has one of the best programs in the country (although I am a bit biased :p)

This is for the 160 hours we have to do in the summer of third and fourth year right? Is it paid or unpaid?

Actually, 369 is the practicum between second and third year. 469 is between third and fourth and all students will be assigned for 469. It's unpaid and you have to pay tuition.....

Also, our Dean has told us that the lecture curriculum really would not change much at all even when UBC moves to PharmD, it would just increase the experiential component of the program. There would also be a bridging program in place for current Bsc Pharm graduates to upgrade to a pharmD. Personally I believe that UBC has one of the best programs in the country (although I am a bit biased :p)

I agree. Though I have heard from a U of A grad that their curriculum is more rigorous and comprehensive in terms of material covered. I think they also do a longer practicum in hospital than UBC's 4 weeks. Alberta would be an interesting place to practice pharmacy just because of all the new regulations and expansion of practice. That said, I still like UBC better, haha.

Yeah I have seen that app but wasn't sure about the accuracy.

U of A just bumped up their tuition a year or two ago. It's $10 000 a year. Yikes! Seems like that justifies the higher cost of living in Vancouver if I go that route. Looks like thiings seem to balance out depending on how you look at it.

If you can, I would hold-off making a decision until after you've registered for your UBC courses. Once you've registered, you'll be able to see the cost of each class on ssc plus any fees that the faculty and UBC charges.

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC has passed a resolution to move toward an entry level Pharm D.

NOTHING has been approved by the provincial government, and there was opposition to the entry level Pharm D. According to the Dean, some of those who were in opposition have retired, so that's a good thing for us.

If and when the entry level Pharm D is implemented, upper years and graduates WILL have the chance to upgrade.

The faculty feels that our program is currently similar to an entry level Pharm D with respect to breadth of learning etc, but the Faculty hopes to implement the entry level Pharm D in "the near future".

The above is paraphrased from the minutes of the Dean's Lunch meeting.

My thoughts: keep your pants on. It's not as simple as The Faculty wanting to implement the ELPD. There's a lot more to it than that.

Thanks for the info:)

Also, for anyone still undecided on UBC, search "UBC Pharmacy Skits night" on youtube and you can see just how much fun we have at UBC pharmacy lol. One of the skits has been featured by both the bc pharmacists association and the canadian pharmacists association. To see that one, search "UBC Pharmacy Old Spice" on youtube.

I think a lot of schools are pushing more classes directly related to pharmacy now. UofT for example changed their curriculum for the upcoming year (pushing for a pharmd) and they jump deep into pharm stuff first year now. UofA has the same idea.

The reason why UBC can't do that is because they require only that 1 year of prereqs. So everyone who got in after first year hasn't done any of that. Everyone I've talked to has said first year pharm is pretty boring at UBC and you don't actually start learning the good stuff until second year. So that's a bit of a drag.

But I don't think we're going to "miss out." Our second and third years seem pretty packed full of those pharm courses. The program must cover everything we need to learn and fully prepare us, right? I hope.

First year will probably a bit boring. But I'm looking forward to a slack year. :laugh:

I wouldn't say that UBC misses anything as far as curriculum goes, but I will say that after first year you really don't feel any more competent than before you enter the program. But after second and third year, which are very course intensive, you will feel like you have the necessary knowledge base to be a fully competent pharmacist, although it will still take time once you graduate to gain the confidence to practice to your full potential (but it would be like this at any school). UBC constantly re-evaluates the curriculum. This curriculum was introduced in 2003 and has increased the quality of the program immensely. There will continue to be changes in the future to prepare students for the practice change that is occurring. It's hard to compare programs directly though and I am sure that Alberta also has a great program.

I think in the not so distant future, those non pharm first year courses will become pre-requisites as the program moves towards an entry level PharmD just like other schools.

Thanks for the input guys. I am really leaning towards UBC at the moment. I am looking for a change and Edmonton is too close to home to really get that. Four years is a long time though, but the experience might be worth it.

Just thought I'd update my fellow Vancouverites (er, Richmondians?) regarding the official acceptance letters -- I received mine in the mail today and it was dated the 29th of June. I guess this is the one we need to photocopy as proof for the College.

Actually, 369 is the practicum between second and third year. 469 is between third and fourth and all students will be assigned for 469. It's unpaid and you have to pay tuition.....

If it is out of town, do they give us a place to stay or do we have to find our own place?

If it is out of town, do they give us a place to stay or do we have to find our own place?

As the program stands right now, students are responsible for their own housing. There has been talk of something coming down the pipeline to help students with this, but so far it's just been talk.

For the BIOC 300 requirement, can I take BIO303 or BIO302 (with BIO201) instead since it also lists those two biochemistry courses on their academic admission average? :rolleyes:

For the BIOC 300 requirement, can I take BIO303 or BIO302 (with BIO201) instead since it also lists those two biochemistry courses on their academic admission average? :rolleyes:

The way it works is:

They take BIOC 300

OR

They take BIOL 201 + BIOC 302 (Has to be both)

OR

They take BIOC 303. Although BIOL 201 is a pre-req for BIOC 303, they will only look at your BIOC 303 mark.

Good luck! :D

I took BIO201 last term and since the first year of pharm is considerably "chill" for me since I've got org chem, stats, microbio etc out of the way, I thought I would finish up the biochem300 requirement this first year....so I can do that by simply taking BIO302 or BIO303...right? :)

I took BIO201 last term and since the first year of pharm is considerably "chill" for me since I've got org chem, stats, microbio etc out of the way, I thought I would finish up the biochem300 requirement this first year....so I can do that by simply taking BIO302 or BIO303...right? :)

Yeah. But note that if you take BIOC 303, your BIOL 201 mark will not be used in the admissions calculation. If you take BIOC 302, BIOL 201 will be used.

So really, you have a choice on whether you want BIOL 201 to be included or not. BIOC 303 is definitely harder than BIOC 302 though.

Yeah. But note that if you take BIOC 303, your BIOL 201 mark will not be used in the admissions calculation. If you take BIOC 302, BIOL 201 will be used.

So really, you have a choice on whether you want BIOL 201 to be included or not. BIOC 303 is definitely harder than BIOC 302 though.

Okay:) I've been admitted into pharm already so I don't need to worry much about the admission average but I'm just wondering if I should take BIO303 or BIOC302...but you say BIO303 is harder? Darn...BIOC302 are all 8am classes:(

Okay:) I've been admitted into pharm already so I don't need to worry much about the admission average but I'm just wondering if I should take BIO303 or BIOC302...but you say BIO303 is harder? Darn...BIOC302 are all 8am classes:(

Oh, you've been admitted? I think... you might have to take BIOC 300. I know for sure they accept BIOL 201/BIOC 302 or BIOC 303 if you're not admitted into the program. I would definitely confirm with Margaret or someone on this matter.

Personally I would take BIOC 302 as I took BIOC 303 and it was brutal. It was a lot of work for a 90+ in that course. I believe a very small number got 85+. It's also 6 credits (full year) whereas 302 is half a year.

Ultimately, it's up to you.

Yah if you're already admitted and have Biol 201, then take Bioc 302. Taking 300 would be a waste of time and money.

I took BIOC 302 and by no means it was easy.I think if they are equal,the material they cover would be similar and the level of difficulty would be the same.In your case,since you took bio201 already you should take biochem 302 since you already have 3 credits of it.


Oh, you've been admitted? I think... you might have to take BIOC 300. I know for sure they accept BIOL 201/BIOC 302 or BIOC 303 if you're not admitted into the program. I would definitely confirm with Margaret or someone on this matter.

Personally I would take BIOC 302 as I took BIOC 303 and it was brutal. It was a lot of work for a 90+ in that course. I believe a very small number got 85+. It's also 6 credits (full year) whereas 302 is half a year.

Ultimately, it's up to you.

I took BIOC 302 and by no means it was easy.I think if they are equal,the material they cover would be similar and the level of difficulty would be the same.In your case,since you took bio201 already you should take biochem 302 since you already have 3 credits of it.

Haha. The main reason I believe it's an "easier" (by no means do I mean it's not a hard course) is because you only have to write two exams, whereas for BIOC 303 you have to write 4. But I guess that depends on the individual. Some prefer more exams.

If you did well in BIOL 201, I would definitely take BIOC 302, since your BIOL 201 mark will be used. If you did bad in BIOL 201, I don't think you'd be able to handle a full year in BIOC 303.

The course is filled with honours biochem/pharmacology students and the marks for the exams are generally below expectations for a class of such high caliber. The course has multiple choice questions that are worth four marks each with simple instructions like "circle all of the correct answers" in addition to long paragraph questions involving various case studies. Yes, you need to spell the name of the enzyme correctly to get the full mark. It can get quite ridiculous.

They're in general challenging courses, but I believe BIOC 303 is still much more difficult.

For anyone who's thinking about taking electives for first year, the list of pharmacy-approved elective courses was updated as of yesterday: http://www.pharmacy.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/u15/2011W%20Pharmacy%20Electives.pdf
Not much of a change..just a few courses taken out here and there and some of the PHAR courses have the year restrictions specified

For anyone who's thinking about taking electives for first year, the list of pharmacy-approved elective courses was updated as of yesterday: http://www.pharmacy.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/u15/2011W%20Pharmacy%20Electives.pdf
Not much of a change..just a few courses taken out here and there and some of the PHAR courses have the year restrictions specified

Is it just me or is it just a whopping ONE course that first years can take on that list? i tried looking at the ones that don't specifically mention year restrictions on the SSC and it looks like they still do require upper year status.

Is it just me or is it just a whopping ONE course that first years can take on that list? i tried looking at the ones that don't specifically mention year restrictions on the SSC and it looks like they still do require upper year status.

Ya and too bad it conflicts with PHAR 299 in all STT. I wanted to take it to meet my PHAR aproved-elective. BTW are u going with UBC?

Ya and too bad it conflicts with PHAR 299 in all STT. I wanted to take it to meet my PHAR aproved-elective. BTW are u going with UBC?

It's going to be updated on the SSC tomorrow, to be scheduled before PHAR299.

What's this course you guys are talking about?

I see plenty of courses on there that can be taken in first year pharmacy.

It's going to be updated on the SSC tomorrow, to be scheduled before PHAR299.

8 seats available. I guess you can bounce ideas and work together. But course decription is "individual assignments". Love to take it though and get my PHAR elective done.

What's this course you guys are talking about?

I see plenty of courses on there that can be taken in first year pharmacy.
Really where? You must be thinking of Pharm-aproved electives. We are talking about PHAR elective.

8 seats available. I guess you can bounce ideas and work together. But course decription is "individual assignments". Love to take it though and get my PHAR elective done.

Emailed Angela about this... this is what she had to say [course description really isn't reflective of what you're really doing :)]:

This course is a pilot project and all pilot projects are set up in the faculty as
directed study courses. This is a community service learning (CSL) course that
aligns with UBC's Place in Promise and our Faculty goals. The CSL will have
specific objectives with scholarly activities around ethics and diversity. This is
not a bench research or clinical research activity,if this is what you are looking
for. You will be asked to write a couple of papers, present your CSL and provide
feedback on what you have learnt, how CSL benefits your future practice as a
pharmacist, and the course objectives.

Emailed Angela about this... this is what she had to say [course description really isn't reflective of what you're really doing :)]:

This course is a pilot project and all pilot projects are set up in the faculty as
directed study courses. This is a community service learning (CSL) course that
aligns with UBC's Place in Promise and our Faculty goals. The CSL will have
specific objectives with scholarly activities around ethics and diversity. This is
not a bench research or clinical research activity,if this is what you are looking
for. You will be asked to write a couple of papers, present your CSL and provide
feedback on what you have learnt, how CSL benefits your future practice as a
pharmacist, and the course objectives.

Sounds great. I'm Game for this course.

I wouldn't worry to much if you guys can't get the PHAR elective done in first year. The reason they are generally restricted to third and fourth year is that most of the courses require the background knowledge that you will gain from 2nd and 3rd year required pharmacy courses. For example, PHAR 440 Pain Research and Therapy, which I will be taking in the fall, requires the knowledge from third year courses such as pharmacology and therapeutics where you will learn about acute and chronic pain. Another example is PHAR 408 Clinical Pharmacokinetics, which requires the knowledge from the 2nd year required pharmacokinetics course. Without having the background knowledge from other PHAR courses, these courses would be significantly more difficult to follow. Plus, if you only require just the one PHAR elective and are done all the other electives, you will probably be bored come fourth year when there are only two required lecture courses (along with practicums in the opposite term). There are alot of really awesome PHAR elective courses that are available in third and fourth years, so it might be worth waiting. But if you really just want to get it done in first year, fair enough.

Ya and too bad it conflicts with PHAR 299 in all STT. I wanted to take it to meet my PHAR aproved-elective. BTW are u going with UBC?

Haha, I still haven't decided yet. I am giving myself one more weekend to decide (sadly this means that I will most likely lose a deposit on one school), but I just couldn't handle the pressure of making a decision that will affect the next four years of my life in just one week. As such, I am still playing both fields and trying to prepare for registration as well as I can.



I wouldn't worry to much if you guys can't get the PHAR elective done in first year. The reason they are generally restricted to third and fourth year is that most of the courses require the background knowledge that you will gain from 2nd and 3rd year required pharmacy courses. For example, PHAR 440 Pain Research and Therapy, which I will be taking in the fall, requires the knowledge from third year courses such as pharmacology and therapeutics where you will learn about acute and chronic pain. Another example is PHAR 408 Clinical Pharmacokinetics, which requires the knowledge from the 2nd year required pharmacokinetics course. Without having the background knowledge from other PHAR courses, these courses would be significantly more difficult to follow. Plus, if you only require just the one PHAR elective and are done all the other electives, you will probably be bored come fourth year when there are only two required lecture courses (along with practicums in the opposite term). There are alot of really awesome PHAR elective courses that are available in third and fourth years, so it might be worth waiting. But if you really just want to get it done in first year, fair enough.

I have to agree that a lot of the PHAR electives look awesome. It's actually too bad that MORE PHAR electives aren't a requirement. Or maybe I am just a nerd.

I have to agree that a lot of the PHAR electives look awesome. It's actually too bad that MORE PHAR electives aren't a requirement. Or maybe I am just a nerd.

I agree! I think the PHAR electives are most useful anyways. To me, most of the other pharmacy-approved electives just seem like a waste of time. I had the non-pharm electives done before I entered the program but had to do the pharm-approved and PHAR elective. But I ended up just taking three PHAR electives and only one pharm-approved because none of them really interested me. You could always take a couple extra courses just to broaden your knowledge! (Of course, it does come at a price lol)

I agree! I think the PHAR electives are most useful anyways. To me, most of the other pharmacy-approved electives just seem like a waste of time. I had the non-pharm electives done before I entered the program but had to do the pharm-approved and PHAR elective. But I ended up just taking three PHAR electives and only one pharm-approved because none of them really interested me. You could always take a couple extra courses just to broaden your knowledge! (Of course, it does come at a price lol)

Yeah, one of my considerations if I do choose UBC over U of A is that I can save money potentially by NOT taking any extra courses and thus justify the higher living expenses of Vancovuer. Since I am entering with a degree, I have all of my pharmacy approved and non-pharmacy electives taken care of, aside from the PHAR one. However, due to the fact that I have so many exemptions this year, I wouldn't technically be considered a full time student which would make me unable to get a student loan this year (not a huge deal, but could be useful)... If I took one PHAR-elective, I might just creep past the requirement for full time enrollment, so yeah, tough call.

What with these 1 credit courses? Are they supposed be easier? Less work? Short classes?

Please explain

What with these 1 credit courses? Are they supposed be easier? Less work? Short classes?

Please explain

Worrying too much.

I wouldn't worry to much if you guys can't get the PHAR elective done in first year. The reason they are generally restricted to third and fourth year is that most of the courses require the background knowledge that you will gain from 2nd and 3rd year required pharmacy courses. For example, PHAR 440 Pain Research and Therapy, which I will be taking in the fall, requires the knowledge from third year courses such as pharmacology and therapeutics where you will learn about acute and chronic pain. Another example is PHAR 408 Clinical Pharmacokinetics, which requires the knowledge from the 2nd year required pharmacokinetics course. Without having the background knowledge from other PHAR courses, these courses would be significantly more difficult to follow. Plus, if you only require just the one PHAR elective and are done all the other electives, you will probably be bored come fourth year when there are only two required lecture courses (along with practicums in the opposite term). There are alot of really awesome PHAR elective courses that are available in third and fourth years, so it might be worth waiting. But if you really just want to get it done in first year, fair enough.

Seconded. Phar 408 is always very popular and hard to get in, but I highly recommend taking that one, comes in really useful for the hospital rotation. There were also some pharmacokinetic questions on the licensing exams and having that knowledge fresh in your mind helps a lot.........

Phar 440 is a good course. Wish it had more clinical therapeutics and less filler though.

Has anyone been able to officially "switch" into pharmacy on SSC?

When I use the "switch program" option, I get my registration time but I'm still in my current program.

Can we only switch once our registration opens?

Has anyone been able to officially "switch" into pharmacy on SSC?

When I use the "switch program" option, I get my registration time but I'm still in my current program.

Can we only switch once our registration opens?


Same issue. I think it is normal since a few people on the facebook group have that problem too. :eek:

What with these 1 credit courses? Are they supposed be easier? Less work? Short classes?

Please explain

Basically, some of the courses within the program are "integrated" in 2nd and 3rd year. What this means is that there are 4 different courses (ex in 2nd year being phar 341,351,361,371 and 342,352,362) which have the same timeblock throughout the semester and on any day you may be getting a lecture from any one of these courses during that timeblock. The reason for this is that these classes are generally taught by disease state and you will be taught about the pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutics and any OTC medications of each disease state. So they tie together nicely. You will still write seperate exams for each course and get a seperate mark for each course. Hopefully this explanation makes sense, if not, wait till 2nd year and you will find out then :p.

Pathophysiology and OTC (non-prescription) medications is only 1 credit in each term (2 credits total 2nd year, 2 credits total third year). There will only roughly 10-12 lecture hours for these courses (hence why they are 1 credit) but they will be spread over an entire semester. Also, because they are only one credit, you will write a final worth 100%. Some students get pretty worked up about this, but really it means a lot less work throughout the semester since you can just study for one final instead of having midterms and other assignments. The average for these 1 credit courses is usually well over 80%, so don't worry too much about them.

There is also a 1 credit course in first year but this one is taught over one month with a final in February (just to warn you). The final isn't too difficult though.

If I decide not to take any pharm approved electives in first year....would you say that's a bad idea since year 2+ schedules are more jampacked?

Like others here have said there are only a few pharm approved electives that we can take so I'm wondering if I should just take it in the next couple years...

If I decide not to take any pharm approved electives in first year....would you say that's a bad idea since year 2+ schedules are more jampacked?

Like others here have said there are only a few pharm approved electives that we can take so I'm wondering if I should just take it in the next couple years...

How many do you need? There is room to take 3 electives in fourth year, so if you need any less than that you might as well wait it out. If you need all 6 then I would recommend taking 1 or 2 in first year.

Is there any room for electives in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year? I've only done one year of undergrad so my schedule for 1st year is quite full already without any electives :(

Is there any room for electives in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year? I've only done one year of undergrad so my schedule for 1st year is quite full already without any electives :(

Yes, there is. It'll be tight though. DO NOT leave all your electives until 3rd and 4th year. Try to get some done sooner rather than later, and keep in mind you can take some electives in the summer between 1st and 2nd year. You might be able to take some during the summer between 2nd and 3rd year, but you will have to work around your SPEP rotation (and you cannot take a summer course if it overlaps with SPEP). Also keep in mind that you will only be on campus for ONE semester during 4th year, so all elective courses may not be available to you depending on which semester you are on campus. Most students only take the PHAR elective in 4th year, having completed the other electives in 1/2/3rd year.

Of course the curriculum gets more intense as you move up, so it's best to take electives early on, or spread them out, so that your work load isn't too heavy in upper years.

Again, my advice is to complete your electives earlier, and spread them out (including over the summer if necessary) to ease your work load/allow you to focus on PHAR courses. (this is just my opinion/personal experience; other pharmacy students may disagree).

If I decide not to take any pharm approved electives in first year....would you say that's a bad idea since year 2+ schedules are more jampacked?

Like others here have said there are only a few pharm approved electives that we can take so I'm wondering if I should just take it in the next couple years...
There are lots of pharm-approved electives you can take in first year. Only 3 of the required 12 credits of pharm-approved electives need to be a an actual "PHAR" class.

Hey, question for those who are getting exemptions for courses not taken at UBC--I got an exemption from BIOL 112/MICB 201 last week, but still probably need to register in MICB 202 (I highly doubt the prof is gonna grant me one, she seems very particular). The SSC says that I lack the prereq for MICB 202 though. So I know that Margaret was contact about my exemption, but who do I contact to get the pre-req waived on the SSC so I can register?

Also--I have noticed that UBC tends to organize their courses differently. Where I did my undergrad, most science courses had labs and you had to enrol in the lab simultaneously with your lecture... it looks like with UBC you can just enrol in certain science courses separately from the laboratory component. So maybe I am just being dumb and over thinking it, but I haven't read anything about a lab being associated with ANAT 390 or MICB 202. Is that accurate? ARe they just lecture based?

Hey, question for those who are getting exemptions for courses not taken at UBC--I got an exemption from BIOL 112/MICB 201 last week, but still probably need to register in MICB 202 (I highly doubt the prof is gonna grant me one, she seems very particular). The SSC says that I lack the prereq for MICB 202 though. So I know that Margaret was contact about my exemption, but who do I contact to get the pre-req waived on the SSC so I can register?

Also--I have noticed that UBC tends to organize their courses differently. Where I did my undergrad, most science courses had labs and you had to enrol in the lab simultaneously with your lecture... it looks like with UBC you can just enrol in certain science courses separately from the laboratory component. So maybe I am just being dumb and over thinking it, but I haven't read anything about a lab being associated with ANAT 390 or MICB 202. Is that accurate? ARe they just lecture based?

Yeah, they're purely lecture based. If there's a lab component, SSC will remind you to register in a lab right when you registered or added to worklist, the lecture component.

As for getting a pre-req waived, you probably need to contact the MICB 202 prof who will (hopefully) give the OK to Science Undergraduate Services to let you register in 202.

Does anyone know if there is a minimum of credits you have to finish for first year pharmacy? I'm a first year student and I havent taken organic chemistry yet, and since thats a pre-req for PHYL 301, i wont be able to take it for the first year of pharmacy. I also took MICB 202 already, so with everything else I'll only have 25 credits this coming year and I was wondering if that would be ok. If anyone knows anything about this I'd really appreciate it if you could share! Thanks :)

Do all STT's have the same professors for each class?

Do all STT's have the same professors for each class?

Yes. For the majority of classes, the entire class will be together (in the same room at the same time) with the same prof. For the labs and CAPS (problem based learning class), you have the same prof, but depending on your day/STT, you will have different tutors/lab assistants. The only difference between STTs is the labs and CAPS time/day, but everything else is same.

Thanks :thumbup:

Does anyone know if there is a minimum of credits you have to finish for first year pharmacy? I'm a first year student and I havent taken organic chemistry yet, and since thats a pre-req for PHYL 301, i wont be able to take it for the first year of pharmacy. I also took MICB 202 already, so with everything else I'll only have 25 credits this coming year and I was wondering if that would be ok. If anyone knows anything about this I'd really appreciate it if you could share! Thanks :)

If you're in pharm you can take 233 and phyl 301 at the same time so don't worry about it.

Thanks UBCmicrobi! I will see if I can take any electives during the summer or squeeze some in second year.

Does BIOL 112 have a tutorial session that we also need to register for? I don't see any on SSC but in the admission email it says "The following BIOL 112 lecture section has reserved seats: Sec 102 (MWF 12:00-13:00) - be sure to also register in a tutorial section." Can anyone shed light on this?

Thanks UBCmicrobi! I will see if I can take any electives during the summer or squeeze some in second year.

Does BIOL 112 have a tutorial session that we also need to register for? I don't see any on SSC but in the admission email it says "The following BIOL 112 lecture section has reserved seats: Sec 102 (MWF 12:00-13:00) - be sure to also register in a tutorial section." Can anyone shed light on this?

I emailed the advisor, she said they are not having tutorials this year

Are you able to register for that section though? It says that it is only available through STT and there are no restricted seats remaining

I emailed the advisor, she said they are not having tutorials this year

Are you able to register for that section though? It says that it is only available through STT and there are no restricted seats remaining

Thanks Farmasy! I was able to register for the lecture section but I had to email Ms. Smith for that.

Really? You emailed her to manually add you to the course or how?

Which section did she add you to

She added me to the 102 section which is the one that has reserved seats for pharmacy students (also stated in the admission email attachment)

Ok thanks nigoat

I talked to Ms. Smith and she gave me an exemption for BIOL 112. My registration date isn't until tomorrow, but when I test my registration it tells me that I don't have the pre-req for MICB 202. Since Dr. Kion won't consider giving exemptions until September and based on my e-mails with her so far, I think that the chances of getting one from her are slim, I wanna register in it right away. I asked her if she could tell the SSC to allow me to register but she hasn't responded yet. How long do i wait before I start to get annoyed and bother her again before all the good sections are taken?

Also, when i test ANAT 390 it gives me the message " WARNING: You do not appear to meet the pre-requisite(s) for this course. Pre-requisites are:- One of BIOL 121, SCIE 001. Please contact your faculty or department advisor to discuss your registration in this course. The section can be added successfully." So that sounds like I shouldn't have a problem registering for the course, but should I be worried about being booted from the course after the fact if the people who manage registration go through the course and see that I don't have credit for those courses (since I am an OOP degree holder) or will they see that I am in the BSCP program and be fine with it?

Does anyone know if there is a minimum of credits you have to finish for first year pharmacy? I'm a first year student and I havent taken organic chemistry yet, and since thats a pre-req for PHYL 301, i wont be able to take it for the first year of pharmacy. I also took MICB 202 already, so with everything else I'll only have 25 credits this coming year and I was wondering if that would be ok. If anyone knows anything about this I'd really appreciate it if you could share! Thanks :)

Right now I only would be registering in 18 credits (unless i decide to take an option) which I don't even think makes me qualified as a full time student for the program, so I am sort of wondering the same thing. I got exemptions from a lot of courses so I think it would be good to just take a really slack first year and work a bit more so I can save money. The only options I need are the PHAR one and I wouldn't mind taking some of the higher level ones in later years, so I don't know if that is a good strategy or not.

Also, can any current pharm students comment on the ability to work part time during 2nd and 3rd year? I know the course load is supposed to be more intense but can it be done?!

I talked to Ms. Smith and she gave me an exemption for BIOL 112. My registration date isn't until tomorrow, but when I test my registration it tells me that I don't have the pre-req for MICB 202. Since Dr. Kion won't consider giving exemptions until September and based on my e-mails with her so far, I think that the chances of getting one from her are slim, I wanna register in it right away. I asked her if she could tell the SSC to allow me to register but she hasn't responded yet. How long do i wait before I start to get annoyed and bother her again before all the good sections are taken?

Also, when i test ANAT 390 it gives me the message " WARNING: You do not appear to meet the pre-requisite(s) for this course. Pre-requisites are:- One of BIOL 121, SCIE 001. Please contact your faculty or department advisor to discuss your registration in this course. The section can be added successfully." So that sounds like I shouldn't have a problem registering for the course, but should I be worried about being booted from the course after the fact if the people who manage registration go through the course and see that I don't have credit for those courses (since I am an OOP degree holder) or will they see that I am in the BSCP program and be fine with it?
I think you should wait until your actual registration date and try to register for MICB 202. When you then in fact can't, email Dr. Kion to be manually added to the section.
I had the same problem with ANAT 390 but I was able to register for the section today, so I wouldn't worry much about it.

lllix -

Re: Kion is not the *ahem* friendliest of profs, so I wouldn't hold your breath....you might be SOL.

Re: ANAT, you should be fine. If you are in Pharmacy, they won't boot you out.

Re: working part time in 2nd/3rd year, yes it is certainly possible. Many students work once a week during the school year, some a little more, and lots don't work at all (or only work during the summer). It really depends on the person, your course load, your priorities and other circumstances (ie finances, other responsibilities outside of school etc). While working is possible, school should be your #1 priority. It's also really important to have a flexible job so that you can take time off during exams.

So, have you decided to go with UBC or are you still considering both UBC and U of A?

lllix -

Re: Kion is not the *ahem* friendliest of profs, so I wouldn't hold your breath....you might be SOL.

Re: ANAT, you should be fine. If you are in Pharmacy, they won't boot you out.

Re: working part time in 2nd/3rd year, yes it is certainly possible. Many students work once a week during the school year, some a little more, and lots don't work at all (or only work during the summer). It really depends on the person, your course load, your priorities and other circumstances (ie finances, other responsibilities outside of school etc). While working is possible, school should be your #1 priority. It's also really important to have a flexible job so that you can take time off during exams.

So, have you decided to go with UBC or are you still considering both UBC and U of A?

Yeah, my interactions with Kion, though limited, have not exactly been pleasant. Thus why I have given up hopes of an exemption; however, she doesn't have the right to ignore my requests to be manually added to the MICB 202 section that I want since I DO have an exemption from the pre-requisites... I am debating how to tactfully handle it...

I think I am leaning towards UBC. It definitely means I have to jump a few more hurdles, especially if I wanna go back to Alberta when I am done, but I think I could definitely use a change in scenery for a while. I haven't officially paid my registration deposit yet for UBC, but have to before I can register tomorrow, so let's just say it is highly likely that I will be going to UBC next year!

Thanks for the help, UBC microbi!

I got a place on campus (5 minutes walk from the new pharmacy building) and now I'm trying to figure out my timetable. My STT preference go as follows I=C>D>G. Aside from the STT I'm only taking MICR 202, both ANAT, and PHYL 301. I got some exemptions obv.

What's the best STT if I want to work part time. And also are there lots of jobs on campus for students and are they easy to get? I kind of want to work at the UBC golf course doing anything. Could possibly get deals on golf :laugh:.

I got a place on campus (5 minutes walk from the new pharmacy building) and now I'm trying to figure out my timetable. My STT preference go as follows I=C>D>G. Aside from the STT I'm only taking MICR 202, both ANAT, and PHYL 301. I got some exemptions obv.

What's the best STT if I want to work part time. And also are there lots of jobs on campus for students and are they easy to get? I kind of want to work at the UBC golf course doing anything. Could possibly get deals on golf :laugh:.


I was also considering finding a job on campus too. It would be great to do something pharmacy related, but since I have been doing that for so many years already, my main concern is getting something flexible and close to school. Let me know if you get any good leads!

Also, is the place you found in residence or one of the other housing options that is at UBC? If it's the latter, were the prices reasonable?

It's going to be updated on the SSC tomorrow, to be scheduled before PHAR299.

Am I just crazy or is it still scheduled to overlap with PHAR 299? I just tried it out in the SSC, but maybe I am just challenged.

Am I just crazy or is it still scheduled to overlap with PHAR 299? I just tried it out in the SSC, but maybe I am just challenged.

ES is slow at this stuff. If you want, you can register for the WL and wait to be added to the main course.

I was also considering finding a job on campus too. It would be great to do something pharmacy related, but since I have been doing that for so many years already, my main concern is getting something flexible and close to school. Let me know if you get any good leads!

Also, is the place you found in residence or one of the other housing options that is at UBC? If it's the latter, were the prices reasonable?

It's one of the other options. $1100 but I'm renting it with my gf. It's a great location for part time work and study groups.

Concering the PHAR elective that overlaps the 299 is not really updated. I wanted to take it. I think its interesting.

My advice to you would be to retake the PCAT and to get the other parts of your application stronger -- ie. pharmacy volunteer, work experience, which then lead to stronger reference letters and personal statements. The thing about UBC that I really appreciate, is that they DO look further than the #'s. They're interested in your entire person. I know this because I got accepted this year and my GPA was far, far, far from stellar. Best of luck next go-around.

Turns out what really bombed my application was the interview. I was placed in the 300s/360!

Does anyone have any tips for the interview? What should I be thinking in that 2 minutes of time after reading the question on the door?? I tried answering by starting with a statement, then backing the statement up with my previous experiences. That didn't seem to work too well for me this time though :(

Where can we see the book lists for each course, are they available now or will they be released later

Also, how do final exams work at UBC....could we see the schedule now?

Also, how do final exams work at UBC....could we see the schedule now?

lol no. Exams are in Dec/April, exam schedule will be posted in mid-late Nov/March (subject to change of course). What else do you want to know about how it "works"?

Not sure when course book list is released, but check the UBC Bookstore site (apparently they are changing its name to UBC Central or some such nonsense).

Thanks

It's one of the other options. $1100 but I'm renting it with my gf. It's a great location for part time work and study groups.

Concering the PHAR elective that overlaps the 299 is not really updated. I wanted to take it. I think its interesting.

The cheapest one bedroom "other housing" option i could find was the granite terrace apts which is $1550/month... do you guys know any safe and cheap places to rent a one bedroom apartment? The cheapest i could find close to UBC was $1400 which is still too expensive considering it doesnt include electricity, etc.

It's one of the other options. $1100 but I'm renting it with my gf. It's a great location for part time work and study groups.

Concering the PHAR elective that overlaps the 299 is not really updated. I wanted to take it. I think its interesting.

$1100? Is it just a single room then, because that is not bad at all. If it was a double bedroom that would be even better because I could get a room mate. Do you know if there were any more availabilities? (starting to freak out slightly because it took her so long to decide on a school that she had to put house hunting on hold)

I was also considering finding a job on campus too. It would be great to do something pharmacy related, but since I have been doing that for so many years already, my main concern is getting something flexible and close to school. Let me know if you get any good leads!


I'd say your best bet for an on campus job it to check out the work study program. They have decent pay $14 - $18/h depending on the job and they tend to work around you schedule. There are always a few pharmacy related jobs available but they go fast.

I'd say your best bet for an on campus job it to check out the work study program. They have decent pay $14 - $18/h depending on the job and they tend to work around you schedule. There are always a few pharmacy related jobs available but they go fast.

Thanks for the tip! I will keep my eyes posted, although I think i read something about a max of ten hours per week? I don't intend on overdoing it, but depending on how light my course load is, i could accomodate a few more hours than that. Hmmm... But I might also be crazy. those wages sound pretty good too and are definitely a lot higher than I have been getting as a pharm assistant over here.

Thanks for the tip! I will keep my eyes posted, although I think i read something about a max of ten hours per week? I don't intend on overdoing it, but depending on how light my course load is, i could accomodate a few more hours than that. Hmmm... But I might also be crazy. those wages sound pretty good too and are definitely a lot higher than I have been getting as a pharm assistant over here.

That's because generally on-campus jobs pay a lot more. If not pharmacy related, try going into some research assistant positions or library positions. Those aren't bad either from what I've heard.

That's because generally on-campus jobs pay a lot more. If not pharmacy related, try going into some research assistant positions or library positions. Those aren't bad either from what I've heard.

Good call. Thanks for the tip.

Speaking of working in BC and me being a clueless Albertan. I have a question about HST.... I thought I read somewhere that you can get a return on your HST just like you can with GST. Is this true? Because I could really use all the money back i can get =)

Turns out what really bombed my application was the interview. I was placed in the 300s/360!

Does anyone have any tips for the interview? What should I be thinking in that 2 minutes of time after reading the question on the door?? I tried answering by starting with a statement, then backing the statement up with my previous experiences. That didn't seem to work too well for me this time though :(

One of the things I did for the interview (I got in) was to consider both sides of the situation. Of course, this only applies to the situational/ethical related questions, and I think it is a really good thing to demonstrate that you fairly weigh both sides before making your decision. (Sorry if this is too vague)

Personal experiences are really awesome, IMO, because they really set you apart from other candidates and makes it easier for your interviewer to remember you. You have to make sure that your personal experience is specific enough; don't just say you "volunteered at a pharmacy", try talking about the instance where you made close friends with a patient, etc... Stuff like that.

I think what really got me through my interview was my enthusiasm towards the interview AND the question. Not only that, but I tried to keep up my enthusiasm while I was answering the question (I payed attention to my tone of voice). I also tried to smile while I was talking, and come out as a cheerful and energetic person... hehehe... Almost all the interviewers ended up smiling a lot, and I think they really got a good look into my personality.

But these are all just my opinions, maybe your answers were already top-notch, and you were brimming with confidence as well; there could be a lot of other factors involved. Look back on your interview and find ways you could have come out as a better applicant, both by how you present yourself to the interviewer, and by the content of your answer. :)

That's because generally on-campus jobs pay a lot more. If not pharmacy related, try going into some research assistant positions or library positions. Those aren't bad either from what I've heard.

Agreed. Try to apply to multiple positions as well, you'll be rejected many, many times (or maybe that's just me xD). Combined, the libraries tend to hire 100+ people, while most individual research positions only hire 1 or 2 candidates.

Good call. Thanks for the tip.

Speaking of working in BC and me being a clueless Albertan. I have a question about HST.... I thought I read somewhere that you can get a return on your HST just like you can with GST. Is this true? Because I could really use all the money back i can get =)

Yep, we're "currently" get HST credit, at least for lower income earners. Around $150 every 4 months. However, based on predicted polls, the HST will be revoked in BC after results are tallied and announced, so we'll be going back to the GST/PST credit, which is a lot less money. Apply via your yearly income tax return.

Agreed. Try to apply to multiple positions as well, you'll be rejected many, many times (or maybe that's just me xD). Combined, the libraries tend to hire 100+ people, while most individual research positions only hire 1 or 2 candidates.

Where do we go to apply to these work study programs? Please guide me there if possible. Thanks in advance!!

Where do we go to apply to these work study programs? Please guide me there if possible. Thanks in advance!!

http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/students/work-and-volunteer-opportunities/work-study-work-learn/

Everything's there. Winter stuff won't be out for another few weeks.

Which is harder, bio 112 or micb 201

Which is harder, bio 112 or micb 201

Biol 112 is a sleep in the dark

http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/students/work-and-volunteer-opportunities/work-study-work-learn/

Everything's there. Winter stuff won't be out for another few weeks.

Thanks

Good call. Thanks for the tip.

Speaking of working in BC and me being a clueless Albertan. I have a question about HST.... I thought I read somewhere that you can get a return on your HST just like you can with GST. Is this true? Because I could really use all the money back i can get =)

I'm not positive on this, but I don't think OOP students get HST rebates unless you are working in BC and filing a BC return. I could be wrong though?

Anybody taking PHAR 453B-013?

Anybody taking PHAR 453B-013?

yarr

yarr

Is it just me or does it still conflict with PHAR 299 (2:30-3:30)? And PHAR453 is scheduled 2-4. I got and email saying they have rescheduled it for 1-3 which still conflicts?!!>?

I'm confused....

Has anyone finished off a biol degree while in pharmacy? I am almost finished my Biol degree and I noticed that on the UBC ssc I am registered in both Biology courses and Pharmacy courses.... didn't even know that was possible since they are different programs. The lady at the Science centre said that it may be possible ( because by the time I finished my Pharmacy degree I'd be over the maximum 7 years to finish my degree) but she also said we can't take courses in both degrees at once. So I'm confused why I'm able to be registered in both upper-year Biology courses and Pharmacy courses at the same time.

Is it just me or does it still conflict with PHAR 299 (2:30-3:30)? And PHAR453 is scheduled 2-4. I got and email saying they have rescheduled it for 1-3 which still conflicts?!!>?

I'm confused....

Haha, it's fine. I'm sure they'll fix it eventually, not much of a problem now since we're officially registered in it.

Is it just me or does it still conflict with PHAR 299 (2:30-3:30)? And PHAR453 is scheduled 2-4. I got and email saying they have rescheduled it for 1-3 which still conflicts?!!>?

I'm confused....

There doesn't seem to be any issues now. PHAR453 goes from 1-3 and 299, 3-4.

Not sure if I should take this elective though, since the other upper level ones look so much better. But if I don't, I only have 15 credits for the entire year while still going to school 4/3 days/wk. What a pickle.

Wow I completely forgot to register into MICB 202 and the one that doesnt conflict with PHAR 453B- is full. IT says 20 remaining seats yet I cant register into it. Wtf. Anybody know the reason?

^I think it says those are restricted to 2nd year students

Is there a limited number of parking passes at UBC or are they readily available to anyone who needs one?

Wow I completely forgot to register into MICB 202 and the one that doesnt conflict with PHAR 453B- is full. IT says 20 remaining seats yet I cant register into it. Wtf. Anybody know the reason?

I emailed the prof and she said that they are working on making a wait list..for pharm students i think. some time today. kind of silly that they didnt reserve seats for phar studs :confused:

I emailed the prof and she said that they are working on making a wait list..for pharm students i think. some time today. kind of silly that they didnt reserve seats for phar studs :confused:

Can u give me the profs name or email please? You can pm me if u want keep it confidential

Can u give me the profs name or email please? You can pm me if u want keep it confidential

You can find the email for all the profs for each class were taking on the First Year Registration package she emailed us a few weeks ago. It was one of the word documents along with the immunization and application and elective documents. i believe for microb 202 it was tkion@interchange.ubc.ca

I still dont see a waitlist though and seats are filling up.
If you tells you something different than what she told me about a waitlist than please post asap! thanks.

You can find the email for all the profs for each class were taking on the First Year Registration package she emailed us a few weeks ago. It was one of the word documents along with the immunization and application and elective documents. i believe for microb 202 it was tkion@interchange.ubc.ca

I still dont see a waitlist though and seats are filling up.
If you tells you something different than what she told me about a waitlist than please post asap! thanks.

No, you are correct. A WL has been created, it's just not visible to students... yet. The room can hold 325 students, so there will still be space in the lecture hall even if all the remaining seats are filled up.

When it is, you'll be able to register at the following link (60 seats available):
https://courses.students.ubc.ca/cs/main?pname=subjarea&tname=subjareas&req=5&dept=MICB&course=202&section=WL1

Anybody for intramurals soccer or basketball? If interested post here or pm me:thumbup:. For guys who have played either sports and are good we can join the mens elite as "Pharm boys". Or we can have a coed team for either sports at any level. Good way to get to know people and enjoy the program.:) Here's a link for the leauges/events and such for those interested.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues.cfm

Anybody for intramurals soccer or basketball? If interested post here or pm me:thumbup:. For guys who have played either sports and are good we can join the mens elite as "Pharm boys". Or we can have a coed team for either sports at any level. Good way to get to know people and enjoy the program.:) Here's a link for the leauges/events and such for those interested.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues.cfm

I am totally down with playing pretty much any intramural sport as long as someone has the patience to put up with my questionable hand eye coordination and general lack of athletic ability!

Anybody for intramurals soccer or basketball? If interested post here or pm me:thumbup:. For guys who have played either sports and are good we can join the mens elite as "Pharm boys". Or we can have a coed team for either sports at any level. Good way to get to know people and enjoy the program.:) Here's a link for the leauges/events and such for those interested.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues.cfm

My feet are stupid, but I can play ball, let's do it!

I am 100% down for basketball on any level, co-ed or just men. :cool:
Any sorta team name with "Pharm" in it sounds awesome!!!:meanie:

Hi Everyone!

For those of you that got credit for non-ubc courses I was wondering how you asked the profs for permission. Did you attach a syllabus, transcript etc? I received automatic exemption for some courses but was also hoping to get credit for MICB201 as well.

Hi Everyone!

For those of you that got credit for non-ubc courses I was wondering how you asked the profs for permission. Did you attach a syllabus, transcript etc? I received automatic exemption for some courses but was also hoping to get credit for MICB201 as well.

The contact for BIOL 112/MICB 201 is Ms. Smith. Her email address is on one of the documents attached to the admissions letter. Just send her a copy of your transcript and the syllabus of the course you think fits the bill and ask her if it qualifies for an exemption. She's pretty nice based on my correspondance with her.

[QUOTE=PharMarley;11319339]Anybody for intramurals soccer or basketball? If interested post here or pm me:thumbup:. For guys who have played either sports and are good we can join the mens elite as "Pharm boys". Or we can have a coed team for either sports at any level. Good way to get to know people and enjoy the program.:) Here's a link for the leauges/events and such for those interested.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues.cfm[/QUOT

Im down for bball, when do we register?

I figured you guys would choose Volleyball or soccer but bball is good. So for bball their structure of competition is as follows:
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/competitionstructure/competitionstructure.pdf

Here are some important dates: ie. registration deadline etc.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/imptdates.cfm?ActID=2&path=bball&term=1

And here is general league overview:
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/page.cfm?filename=overview&ActID=2&path=bball&term=1

So for all you ballers:), what level of competition would you like to be in? I can play ball but not good enough to be in the NBA or on UBC mens team. Can play soccer for UBC mens team but it requires too much commitment. Love to have a team in soccer too. :thumbup: BTW love the enthusiasm...need more people though

I figured you guys would choose Volleyball or soccer but bball is good. So for bball their structure of competition is as follows:
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/competitionstructure/competitionstructure.pdf

Here are some important dates: ie. registration deadline etc.
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/imptdates.cfm?ActID=2&path=bball&term=1

And here is general league overview:
http://www.rec.ubc.ca/leagues/page.cfm?filename=overview&ActID=2&path=bball&term=1

So for all you ballers:), what level of competition would you like to be in? I can play ball but not good enough to be in the NBA or on UBC mens team. Can play soccer for UBC mens team but it requires too much commitment. Love to have a team in soccer too. :thumbup: BTW love the enthusiasm...need more people though

I played high school ball but that was many years ago and would rather play teir 1. I can play shooting or point guard.

How many players do we have? It says we need at least 8.

if we want to get a hold of more people we could start asking other people on the facebook group if they want to start sports teams?

or we could just form the "UBC Pharm SDN Ballers Team"

For all the current pharmacy students: are the notes for the lectures mostly textbook-based, or did you find yourself printing out a lot of lecture notes from Vista? Or did you just take notes on your laptop?

For all the current pharmacy students: are the notes for the lectures mostly textbook-based, or did you find yourself printing out a lot of lecture notes from Vista? Or did you just take notes on your laptop?

For the PHAR classes, profs bring a print out of their power point slides to each class, and there is room to jot down extra notes (note that you do pay a fee for this privilege). The power point slides are then posted on Vista if you need to print an extra copy. If you choose to bring a laptop to take extra notes, please have a little respect for your peers and professors and use your laptop for note taking only (I get sick of watching the jackass a couple rows ahead of me watching sh*t on youtube), but for the most part a laptop is really not necessary. [also note that this applies to the PHAR classes, not sure what the other classes are like]. But mostly the PHAR classes are notes-based, not textbook-based. Hope that helps :)

For the PHAR classes, profs bring a print out of their power point slides to each class, and there is room to jot down extra notes (note that you do pay a fee for this privilege). The power point slides are then posted on Vista if you need to print an extra copy. If you choose to bring a laptop to take extra notes, please have a little respect for your peers and professors and use your laptop for note taking only (I get sick of watching the jackass a couple rows ahead of me watching sh*t on youtube), but for the most part a laptop is really not necessary. [also note that this applies to the PHAR classes, not sure what the other classes are like]. But mostly the PHAR classes are notes-based, not textbook-based. Hope that helps :)

Seriously? They bring a printed copy for the entire class? That sounds like pampering to me. After four years of wrestling with printers, I am perfectly fine with paying someone else to supply me for a while.

Seriously? They bring a printed copy for the entire class? That sounds like pampering to me. After four years of wrestling with printers, I am perfectly fine with paying someone else to supply me for a while.

Ya it's pretty awesome to get a notes handout for every class!! The fee is pretty small, so definitely worth it. Some profs will bring the notes themselves, others will ask for 1 or 2 volunteers to pick up the lecture note from the copy room in the Pharm building. The only problem is that EVERY lecture people hoard notes (for their friends who are skipping, or leave a pile where no one can access them) and then 5 mins into lecture people have to interrupt the prof to ask where the extra hand outs are. It is SOO aggravating!! Break the hoarding cycle class of 2015!!

.

it doesn't matter if you fail it
chemistry is under the faculty of science, so you apply with science

it doesn't matter if you fail it
chemistry is under the faculty of science, so you apply with science
Thanks for the reply. I still have my doubts though considering your rich history of trolling.

trollololol :)

Ya it's pretty awesome to get a notes handout for every class!! The fee is pretty small, so definitely worth it. Some profs will bring the notes themselves, others will ask for 1 or 2 volunteers to pick up the lecture note from the copy room in the Pharm building. The only problem is that EVERY lecture people hoard notes (for their friends who are skipping, or leave a pile where no one can access them) and then 5 mins into lecture people have to interrupt the prof to ask where the extra hand outs are. It is SOO aggravating!! Break the hoarding cycle class of 2015!!

Ahh, oh I hate people like that.

Also, my housing situation is sorted! Found a sweet shoebox of a room in kits with really awesome landlords though.

And another question--how are the profs/TAs with students missing a day? I am thinking about going home in November to attend my convocation for my BioSci degree (Nov. 10) and since that is the Thursday before the Remembrance Day holiday on Friday, I figured that I would see if I could get away with missing school on Thursday so I could fly home and attend. On Thursdays it looks like my timetable has Phar 201 and 202 and i think one of those is a tutorial/lab (202 alternates right?). Not sure what the courseload is like in November and if the profs would feel generous enough to let me escape for my convocation guilt free... thoughts?

Ahh, oh I hate people like that.

Also, my housing situation is sorted! Found a sweet shoebox of a room in kits with really awesome landlords though.

And another question--how are the profs/TAs with students missing a day? I am thinking about going home in November to attend my convocation for my BioSci degree (Nov. 10) and since that is the Thursday before the Remembrance Day holiday on Friday, I figured that I would see if I could get away with missing school on Thursday so I could fly home and attend. On Thursdays it looks like my timetable has Phar 201 and 202 and i think one of those is a tutorial/lab (202 alternates right?). Not sure what the courseload is like in November and if the profs would feel generous enough to let me escape for my convocation guilt free... thoughts?

Missing regular lectures is no big deal (ie you don't have to notify profs, unless you miss a quiz/exam/assignment of course) but labs and tutorials for CAPS (299) are a little different. For the lab (202), you might be able to request to come on an alternate day that week (ie sit in with another section). No guarantees though...it's really up to the prof, but going home for convocation seems like a legit reason (taking an extra long weekend/visiting family in a non-emergency situation IS NOT), so there is certainly no harm in asking. Also, ask early - the more notice you give, the more likely they are to give you the ok :) If I remember correctly, there isn't a tutorial on *every* alternate week, so with any luck you won't have lab/tutorial that day.

For CAPS (299) it's a little more strict - you cannot miss tutorial except for medical/family emergency, and you will require a physician's note.

PS glad you found accommodation close to UBC! Having awesome landlords definitely makes life easier :)

Hey guys, what happens if I don't write a deferred Chemistry final exam (from april) and end up getting an F? I'm not feeling well yet again but I don't think they'll let me write it again. This course is not a part of pharmacy curriculum so would it be OK for me to fail it without any consequences on my pharmacy GPA? Also, am I supposed to apply for a deferral for the 2nd time with the faculty of science (when I took the course) or pharmacy? Thanks :p

I suggest you take a Tylenol, bring tissues, wear a face mask, etc, and write the final. Since you already spent all this time going to lectures and studying, it would seem like a waste of money/time to fail the course over one test. Just go in and try to at least pass the final, it probably wouldn't take that much effort. Also, ask if another deferral is possible, but don't expect to get it.

But I'm only assuming you're sick with something not too serious (flu, cold, etc...). Hope you have a speedy recovery!! :)

I have a quick question: Do ANAT 390 and BIOC 300 have no labs? In my previous school, we usually had to sign up for the lab component along with the lecture but that is not the case in UBC. Is someone can just let me know?

I have a quick question: Do ANAT 390 and BIOC 300 have no labs? In my previous school, we usually had to sign up for the lab component along with the lecture but that is not the case in UBC. Is someone can just let me know?

Lab-less.

When do midterms usually happen? My boyfriend is trying to book a flight on the seat sale and I am wondering what will be less awkward timing-wise...

When do midterms usually happen? My boyfriend is trying to book a flight on the seat sale and I am wondering what will be less awkward timing-wise...

Don't think anyone really has an answer for this, so you'll just have to wait for the course syllabus in the upcoming months before you plan anything. Another thing to take into account is that all courses are different, especially the non PHAR ones. For example: PHYL 301 only has two exams; both occur at the end of the semester.

I wouldn't rely on previous year stats just because pharmacy has gone through such a dramatic change (i.e., increased class size, new facility, new staff/hires, etc) which might factor in random exam times.

Edit: What you can do is individually email the professors for their course syllabus -- some might be able to provide you with the exam information. Although some professors are not as keen and probably haven't set their exam times yet.

Profs are really good about giving course syllabi on the first day of class, with all midterm exam dates already set, and for the most part they stick to those dates. So if you can wait until the first week, you should be able to plan around exams.

Profs are really good about giving course syllabi on the first day of class, with all midterm exam dates already set, and for the most part they stick to those dates. So if you can wait until the first week, you should be able to plan around exams.

Well it was a seat sale, so we just picked a date and went for it. If it happens to be in the middle of a bunch of midterms we'll figure it out then.

In other news, one month until I move to Vancouver! (cue simultaneous panic and excitement)

What exactly do we need besides filling the form for that bc pharmacy registration? Do we need a copy of our birth certificate, confirmation of enrollment? Please let me know. Gotta finish it

Hi everyone, I'm new here at SDN and just wanted to ask a few questions about UBC pharm. First of all regarding the admission average at UBC, does CHEM 233 only count if you have taken CHEM 235 with it as well? Also, are courses such as BIOC300 and PHYL301 worth twice as much in calculating the average since they're 6 credits? I have taken pharmacy approved electives but I heard they don't count in the average?

I'm also having trouble on deciding which other pharmacy schools to apply for. Does anyone know which schools have the same pre-reqs as UBC? I've checked out UofT and it seems their reqs include BIOC/O-chem which are not pre-reqs at UBC.

For the PCAT quantitative and verbal/analogy sections, does anyone know good ways to study for those? They were my weakest points! I have the Kaplan PCAT book but I'm looking to maybe try the Dr.Collins package. Anyone have experience with the official online PCAT practice tests?

One last question, does anyone know how tough PHYL301 and BIOC300 are?
Sorry for asking so many questions at once! Thanks!

What exactly do we need besides filling the form for that bc pharmacy registration? Do we need a copy of our birth certificate, confirmation of enrollment? Please let me know. Gotta finish it

hmm that's basically it...there's not much else aside from that passport pic and getting it notarized.

my passport pic is larger than the space on the page so i hope that's ok :(

hmm that's basically it...there's not much else aside from that passport pic and getting it notarized.

my passport pic is larger than the space on the page so i hope that's ok :(

No worries, mine was bigger than the space on the page as well and they still accepted it (I had to register a few years ago - 4th year student). I think the standard passport photo size is larger than the space provided anyways.

Hi everyone, I'm new here at SDN and just wanted to ask a few questions about UBC pharm. First of all regarding the admission average at UBC, does CHEM 233 only count if you have taken CHEM 235 with it as well? Also, are courses such as BIOC300 and PHYL301 worth twice as much in calculating the average since they're 6 credits? I have taken pharmacy approved electives but I heard they don't count in the average?

I'm also having trouble on deciding which other pharmacy schools to apply for. Does anyone know which schools have the same pre-reqs as UBC? I've checked out UofT and it seems their reqs include BIOC/O-chem which are not pre-reqs at UBC.

For the PCAT quantitative and verbal/analogy sections, does anyone know good ways to study for those? They were my weakest points! I have the Kaplan PCAT book but I'm looking to maybe try the Dr.Collins package. Anyone have experience with the official online PCAT practice tests?

One last question, does anyone know how tough PHYL301 and BIOC300 are?
Sorry for asking so many questions at once! Thanks!

Chem 233 should still count without Chem 235. And yes, I believe PHYL 301 and BIOC 300 are equivalent to 2 courses each. No, the pharmacy approved electives will not count in your average.

In terms of which school to apply for, are you from BC? I personally only applied to UBC because I didn't want to move out of the country. Just search around and find a list of Pharmacy Schools in Canada and go from there.

From my knowledge, CHEM233 does NOT count towards admission until CHEM235 is taken; hence the CHEM233 & CHEM235 listed on the Academic Admission Average on the Pharmacy website.

One last question, does anyone know how tough PHYL301 and BIOC300 are?

I found PHYL 301 easier than BIOC 300. But ANAT 390 and 391 are much easier than both PHYL and BIOC if you're looking to boost up your admissions GPA.

Please delete

Does anyone know how BIOC302 is in the summer?
I'm registered in BIOC300 right now but I have BIOC201 credits so I might just take 302..but I didn't take CHEM205 which is the prereq for BIOC302...

should I take CHEM205 this year and then take BIO302 in the summer?

One of the things I did for the interview (I got in) was to consider both sides of the situation. Of course, this only applies to the situational/ethical related questions, and I think it is a really good thing to demonstrate that you fairly weigh both sides before making your decision. (Sorry if this is too vague)

Personal experiences are really awesome, IMO, because they really set you apart from other candidates and makes it easier for your interviewer to remember you. You have to make sure that your personal experience is specific enough; don't just say you "volunteered at a pharmacy", try talking about the instance where you made close friends with a patient, etc... Stuff like that.

I think what really got me through my interview was my enthusiasm towards the interview AND the question. Not only that, but I tried to keep up my enthusiasm while I was answering the question (I payed attention to my tone of voice). I also tried to smile while I was talking, and come out as a cheerful and energetic person... hehehe... Almost all the interviewers ended up smiling a lot, and I think they really got a good look into my personality.

But these are all just my opinions, maybe your answers were already top-notch, and you were brimming with confidence as well; there could be a lot of other factors involved. Look back on your interview and find ways you could have come out as a better applicant, both by how you present yourself to the interviewer, and by the content of your answer. :)

Well, I don't know if many of you are still reading this, but congrats to all of you who got in! I didn't even come back to this forum since Jun 29th because I was (and still am) so shocked and disappointed about my outcome. However, I think future applicants may benefit from someone with 2 cycles of application experience. I don't know how much this will be to those applying next year and beyond, but here it is!

This was my second try at applying to UBC Pharm. At the first try (2010), I managed to be ranked overall in the lower 150s, just missing the cut (class size was about 150), which was quite disappointing. I had a pre-req GPA of 80% and PCAT of 99%, with a good (in my opinion, of course) interview. For the interview, I did exactly what PharmPig suggested above, except that for ethical answers my answers were a bit one-sided. I thought that this was perhaps what poisoned my interview which was graded in the 60s%. So with my teeth clenched, I applied again, thinking I've found the key to failure on the first try.

For this year, my GPA improved to 81% and I used the same PCAT score. The application also improved, as I was getting more extracurricular experience as well. As for the interview, I managed to do even better by having answers with balanced views and better personal appearance by suiting up. The content of the answers, I felt, was great. In fact, I had two interviewers said something like "I have all the things needed for evaluation" with big, big grins, as if they're saying "good job." I felt really good walking out and my confidence was sky-high. I remember telling my mom that the odds of getting in this year increased due to my overall improvement on my GPA, application, interview preparation and execution, and increase of seats from 150 to 225 (total of 75). It turned out, of course, was not the case. My interview ranking was in the 290s out of 360 applicants, which is disappointing to say the least. My permission to my overall ranking and percentage mark of interview, which they gave out last year, was simply denied. I had been pondering with this question for the rest of the summer: "With the comprehensive improvements I made, I should have at least stayed in the overall ranking of 150s and thus be accepted. With my rejection, that means that I have been bumped at least 70 spots down in ranking despite improvement... How is this possible???"

Well, from my story, it seems quite clear that they lean very heavily on interview performance even though they seem to imply that they decide the class based on the overall rankings. If that is the case, getting in, then, would require BOTH solid foundation in things you can control (ie. GPA, PCAT, etc.) and luck, because no matter how well I FELT I had done in the interview, I would never know what went wrong. In fact, they would not even disclose whether it was the content and/or the mechanics (eg. tone, appearance, clarity, etc.) that THEY think were not good for the interview. I would not blame my failure on a lack of pharmacy experience because I think some of the folks who got in had no pharmacy experience whatsoever, and whether or not getting this experience is something you cannot really control. For instance, I asked about 20 pharmacies whether or not they're looking for volunteers, but they just said "no." The big and medium pharmacies said that they have pharmacy assistants/technicians to do the work, while the smaller ones said that pharmacists do the work themselves, so they're not looking for volunteers.

I also don't really believe that "just be yourself" would be a good way to approach the interview because the interviewers must be looking for qualities in what you say or how you behave that makes you better than the rest, but I'll never find out. I really enjoy talking to other people and I felt that they enjoy talking to me based on their body language and verbal response, so if I were to do the interview again I would behave the same. No regret, just disappointment and frustration.

Anyway, I hope future applicants would find this helpful, and if anyone has any kind of feedback, please feel free to share it. After all, my sole interest is getting a better picture of what happened, so I don't care if the opinion is ugly or not. Any frank opinions are appreciated.

By the way, do you guys think it's a good route if I study to become a pharmacy technician in a couple of years, work for another couple of years, and then re-apply??? (I assume I could still go through 4 years of university in my 30s!!!)

Thanks for reading my tirade, everyone, and have fun in pharmacy!!!! =)

Congrats everyone who got into pharmacy!

I am thinking of applying to pharmacy school upcoming cycle.

My prereq grade is around 77.5%. My PCAT is about 67 percentile. My GPA is increasing every semester.

I've been a volunteer for 2 years at my school, and have been a peer tutor for about 5 years. No work experience yet.

Should I retake the PCAT? I know if I retake it, it can be atleast 80 percentile, but I am not sure if it is worth my time to retake it. What are your thoughts on my GPA, PCAT, and EC's? And chances?

re take pcat, and try to get pharmacy experience if possible

Your GPA isn't high enough to support that low PCAT. As said before, retake it. As for your ECs, make sure you focus on writing your essays as soon as possible, as well as expand your experiences in volunteering and/or work if possible. Good luck in your application!

Thank you guys for the response. What is the essay about? I've checked the following link and it did not mention anything about an essay...

http://www.pharmacy.ubc.ca/programs/degree-programs/BscP/aboutus

Also, I've taken Physics 101 and 102. I did better in Physics 102, would they take the grade from that course that instead of Physics 101, because it is a first year university physics course?

Thank you guys for the response. What is the essay about? I've checked the following link and it did not mention anything about an essay...

http://www.pharmacy.ubc.ca/programs/degree-programs/BscP/aboutus

Also, I've taken Physics 101 and 102. I did better in Physics 102, would they take the grade from that course that instead of Physics 101, because it is a first year university physics course?

The two essays will be part of your online application, basically, two personal statements (500 words max. for each) related to Pharmacy and your goals. You'll see soon enough...

PHYS102 is not a prerequisite to the program, and will not contribute to your calculated admission average, regardless of whether it's a first-year Physics course or not. You'll need to take those required 2nd and 3rd year courses to boost your average, or retake courses at another institution.

Well, I don't know if many of you are still reading this, but congrats to all of you who got in! I didn't even come back to this forum since Jun 29th because I was (and still am) so shocked and disappointed about my outcome. However, I think future applicants may benefit from someone with 2 cycles of application experience. I don't know how much this will be to those applying next year and beyond, but here it is!

This was my second try at applying to UBC Pharm. At the first try (2010), I managed to be ranked overall in the lower 150s, just missing the cut (class size was about 150), which was quite disappointing. I had a pre-req GPA of 80% and PCAT of 99%, with a good (in my opinion, of course) interview. For the interview, I did exactly what PharmPig suggested above, except that for ethical answers my answers were a bit one-sided. I thought that this was perhaps what poisoned my interview which was graded in the 60s%. So with my teeth clenched, I applied again, thinking I've found the key to failure on the first try.

For this year, my GPA improved to 81% and I used the same PCAT score. The application also improved, as I was getting more extracurricular experience as well. As for the interview, I managed to do even better by having answers with balanced views and better personal appearance by suiting up. The content of the answers, I felt, was great. In fact, I had two interviewers said something like "I have all the things needed for evaluation" with big, big grins, as if they're saying "good job." I felt really good walking out and my confidence was sky-high. I remember telling my mom that the odds of getting in this year increased due to my overall improvement on my GPA, application, interview preparation and execution, and increase of seats from 150 to 225 (total of 75). It turned out, of course, was not the case. My interview ranking was in the 290s out of 360 applicants, which is disappointing to say the least. My permission to my overall ranking and percentage mark of interview, which they gave out last year, was simply denied. I had been pondering with this question for the rest of the summer: "With the comprehensive improvements I made, I should have at least stayed in the overall ranking of 150s and thus be accepted. With my rejection, that means that I have been bumped at least 70 spots down in ranking despite improvement... How is this possible???"

Well, from my story, it seems quite clear that they lean very heavily on interview performance even though they seem to imply that they decide the class based on the overall rankings. If that is the case, getting in, then, would require BOTH solid foundation in things you can control (ie. GPA, PCAT, etc.) and luck, because no matter how well I FELT I had done in the interview, I would never know what went wrong. In fact, they would not even disclose whether it was the content and/or the mechanics (eg. tone, appearance, clarity, etc.) that THEY think were not good for the interview. I would not blame my failure on a lack of pharmacy experience because I think some of the folks who got in had no pharmacy experience whatsoever, and whether or not getting this experience is something you cannot really control. For instance, I asked about 20 pharmacies whether or not they're looking for volunteers, but they just said "no." The big and medium pharmacies said that they have pharmacy assistants/technicians to do the work, while the smaller ones said that pharmacists do the work themselves, so they're not looking for volunteers.

I also don't really believe that "just be yourself" would be a good way to approach the interview because the interviewers must be looking for qualities in what you say or how you behave that makes you better than the rest, but I'll never find out. I really enjoy talking to other people and I felt that they enjoy talking to me based on their body language and verbal response, so if I were to do the interview again I would behave the same. No regret, just disappointment and frustration.

Anyway, I hope future applicants would find this helpful, and if anyone has any kind of feedback, please feel free to share it. After all, my sole interest is getting a better picture of what happened, so I don't care if the opinion is ugly or not. Any frank opinions are appreciated.

By the way, do you guys think it's a good route if I study to become a pharmacy technician in a couple of years, work for another couple of years, and then re-apply??? (I assume I could still go through 4 years of university in my 30s!!!)

Thanks for reading my tirade, everyone, and have fun in pharmacy!!!! =)

Wow, this must be very disappointing for you, I'm really sorry for this :(
I cannot really say anything really, I felt that what you had was perfect right there, you even had a higher PCAT than me.

I would recommend you apply again next year, even being frustrated with all of that. I went into the same frustration the first time I applied, and I considered other paths as well..but then I always came back to Pharmacy and understood that this was what I really want to be in life.

I passed with zero pharm experience so I fully understand what you thought about being a pharm tech. I applied twice too but I guess I was just lucky this year.
I also had the same experience with you on volunteering, so I just went and read about books about the various roles of pharmacists in the society and also some counseling books.
I also went to every possible interview workshop I can, including a med school interview workshop back then, even though I know I am confident enough.

But just so you know, your first year marks are only valid for 5 years (I read this somewhere but not really sure if it is UBC or not..you may want to confirm this just in case) so if ever you really plan on becoming a phar tech for a long time you may have take that into account.

Again I am really sorry that this happened to you. I believe you are really fit into becoming a pharmacist and I wish you good luck on your future applications.

Well, I don't know if many of you are still reading this, but congrats to all of you who got in! I didn't even come back to this forum since Jun 29th because I was (and still am) so shocked and disappointed about my outcome. However, I think future applicants may benefit from someone with 2 cycles of application experience. I don't know how much this will be to those applying next year and beyond, but here it is!

This was my second try at applying to UBC Pharm. At the first try (2010), I managed to be ranked overall in the lower 150s, just missing the cut (class size was about 150), which was quite disappointing. I had a pre-req GPA of 80% and PCAT of 99%, with a good (in my opinion, of course) interview. For the interview, I did exactly what PharmPig suggested above, except that for ethical answers my answers were a bit one-sided. I thought that this was perhaps what poisoned my interview which was graded in the 60s%. So with my teeth clenched, I applied again, thinking I've found the key to failure on the first try.

For this year, my GPA improved to 81% and I used the same PCAT score. The application also improved, as I was getting more extracurricular experience as well. As for the interview, I managed to do even better by having answers with balanced views and better personal appearance by suiting up. The content of the answers, I felt, was great. In fact, I had two interviewers said something like "I have all the things needed for evaluation" with big, big grins, as if they're saying "good job." I felt really good walking out and my confidence was sky-high. I remember telling my mom that the odds of getting in this year increased due to my overall improvement on my GPA, application, interview preparation and execution, and increase of seats from 150 to 225 (total of 75). It turned out, of course, was not the case. My interview ranking was in the 290s out of 360 applicants, which is disappointing to say the least. My permission to my overall ranking and percentage mark of interview, which they gave out last year, was simply denied. I had been pondering with this question for the rest of the summer: "With the comprehensive improvements I made, I should have at least stayed in the overall ranking of 150s and thus be accepted. With my rejection, that means that I have been bumped at least 70 spots down in ranking despite improvement... How is this possible???"

Well, from my story, it seems quite clear that they lean very heavily on interview performance even though they seem to imply that they decide the class based on the overall rankings. If that is the case, getting in, then, would require BOTH solid foundation in things you can control (ie. GPA, PCAT, etc.) and luck, because no matter how well I FELT I had done in the interview, I would never know what went wrong. In fact, they would not even disclose whether it was the content and/or the mechanics (eg. tone, appearance, clarity, etc.) that THEY think were not good for the interview. I would not blame my failure on a lack of pharmacy experience because I think some of the folks who got in had no pharmacy experience whatsoever, and whether or not getting this experience is something you cannot really control. For instance, I asked about 20 pharmacies whether or not they're looking for volunteers, but they just said "no." The big and medium pharmacies said that they have pharmacy assistants/technicians to do the work, while the smaller ones said that pharmacists do the work themselves, so they're not looking for volunteers.

I also don't really believe that "just be yourself" would be a good way to approach the interview because the interviewers must be looking for qualities in what you say or how you behave that makes you better than the rest, but I'll never find out. I really enjoy talking to other people and I felt that they enjoy talking to me based on their body language and verbal response, so if I were to do the interview again I would behave the same. No regret, just disappointment and frustration.

Anyway, I hope future applicants would find this helpful, and if anyone has any kind of feedback, please feel free to share it. After all, my sole interest is getting a better picture of what happened, so I don't care if the opinion is ugly or not. Any frank opinions are appreciated.

By the way, do you guys think it's a good route if I study to become a pharmacy technician in a couple of years, work for another couple of years, and then re-apply??? (I assume I could still go through 4 years of university in my 30s!!!)

Thanks for reading my tirade, everyone, and have fun in pharmacy!!!! =)

TBH, your grades are not the problem. Your personality is. You may THINK you did great on the interviews, but clearly something is wrong. A GPA of 81% and PCAT of 99% is definitely good enough to get in to UBC pharm with even a MEDIOCRE/AVERAGE interview.

Sorry buddy, but if you calculated your GPA properly, then you really need to work on your personality/interview skills because the adcom saw a serious flaw both time you applied.

Wow, this must be very disappointing for you, I'm really sorry for this :(
I cannot really say anything really, I felt that what you had was perfect right there, you even had a higher PCAT than me.

I would recommend you apply again next year, even being frustrated with all of that. I went into the same frustration the first time I applied, and I considered other paths as well..but then I always came back to Pharmacy and understood that this was what I really want to be in life.

I passed with zero pharm experience so I fully understand what you thought , about being a pharm tech. I applied twice too but I guess I was just lucky this year.
I also had the same experience with you on volunteering, so I just went and read about books about the various roles of pharmacists in the society and also some counseling books.
I also went to every possible interview workshop I can, including a med school interview workshop back then, even though I know I am confident enough.

But just so you know, your first year marks are only valid for 5 years (I read this somewhere but not really sure if it is UBC or not..you may want to confirm this just in case) so if ever you really plan on becoming a phar tech for a long time you may have take that into account.

Again I am really sorry that this happened to you. I believe you are really fit into becoming a pharmacist and I wish you good luck on your future applications.
Hey If you are not sure about something, don't post it here, it is gone freak people out , and b/w there is no expiry date for ubc, I am 100% sure, so please delete your comment

Hey If you are not sure about something, don't post it here, it is gone freak people out , and b/w there is no expiry date for ubc, I am 100% sure, so please delete your comment

Agreed, only thing that expires is the PCAT mark. Two years, then more money out of your pocket.

Hey guys
how is a pcat of 79 look like for UBC pharm

Hey guys
how is a pcat of 79 look like for UBC pharm
Looks good to me. Worry more about your GPA and interview skills.

Are the Burnaby spots already full?!?!?!
I can't register for either of the January dates :@:@:@

Has anyone taken the pre-pharm course at ubco? if so what were your grades in grade 12 like? and please explain what it was like!

Has anyone taken the pre-pharm course at ubco? if so what were your grades in grade 12 like? and please explain what it was like!

Hi Kelsey

I was in Pre-pharm at UBCO last year. (I am now majoring in Biochem)

My grade 12 grade average was 96% (math 12, english 12, biology 12, pre-calc 12)

At here, my average gap dropped down to 87.5%.. which is kinda big drop...
I'm trying to bring it up to 90% with STAT 230, MBIOL 228 but it seems its gonna be quite hard.

I have to say for me , two english courses and the first term biology course (116) killed my GPA.

But on the good side, first year CHEM, MATH, second term BIOL and PHYS were easy enough to obtain mark over 90%.

Hope this helps

Hi I am a second year student at UBCO applying this year

My GPA overall is at 87.5% and I am taking STAT 230, and MBIOL 228 currently.

I am getting one reference letter from my previous english professor
and the other one from the microbiology professor.

for EC activities, I have experience in pharmacy total of 4 months
(2 month in high school, 2 month during this summer)
I have volunteered about 2 months in the senior home village
and I also have volunteered in the church for my entire life.
I am involved in the golden key club, cancer society, and the fellowship club

I have never taken PCAT yet, but planning on taking it this January

so here's my question

1) What would be the approximate minimum PCAT score I could receive that would ensure getting in for the interview?

(Say if I did really bad on the PCAT and have received 70% ~ 74% on the PCAT, would you think I would still have a shot for the interview?)

2) What part of my resume do you think I should improve on to increase the chance of getting into the pharmacy program at UBC?


Thanks

Hi I am a second year student at UBCO applying this year

My GPA overall is at 87.5% and I am taking STAT 230, and MBIOL 228 currently.

I am getting one reference letter from my previous english professor
and the other one from the microbiology professor.

for EC activities, I have experience in pharmacy total of 4 months
(2 month in high school, 2 month during this summer)
I have volunteered about 2 months in the senior home village
and I also have volunteered in the church for my entire life.
I am involved in the golden key club, cancer society, and the fellowship club

I have never taken PCAT yet, but planning on taking it this January

so here's my question

1) What would be the approximate minimum PCAT score I could receive that would ensure getting in for the interview?

(Say if I did really bad on the PCAT and have received 70% ~ 74% on the PCAT, would you think I would still have a shot for the interview?)

2) What part of my resume do you think I should improve on to increase the chance of getting into the pharmacy program at UBC?


Thanks


65 on the PCAT will guarantee you an interview - unless someone proves otherwise, I have never met anyone that has missed an interview because their supplemental application was weak.

Your chances of getting in are ridiculously high, especially with what you posted as your resume. Just need to do "average" on the interview and you'll be in.

Thanks so much awwer 12!! Was pre pharm at ubco, basically just your first year of sciences? It not like you had your own specific class of pre pharm right? you are still with all the science people? And did you stay in the dorms? And do you know what marks any of your friends got in grade 12 who got into pre pharm? thanks!!

Thanks so much awwer 12!! Was pre pharm at ubco, basically just your first year of sciences? It not like you had your own specific class of pre pharm right? you are still with all the science people? And did you stay in the dorms? And do you know what marks any of your friends got in grade 12 who got into pre pharm? thanks!!

No problem Kelsey

Yeah its just basically same as first year of science.

I took classes with people who were in science, art, fine art, commerce, just anyone.

There was only one class that had a majority of pre-pharm student.
This was BIOL 112 (microbiology) which was a requirement for UBC pharmacy entrance.
This course had 120 seats restricted only for pre-pharm students and 40 for students in other programs.

The lowest grade 12 average mark I heard from the person who got admitted to pre pharm was around 83%.
(But, this is only based on asking around 30 people in pre-pharm)

UBCO accepts lots of students at the moment.
For this year, they accepted 8000 first year students.
So the high school GPA won't have to be as high as to UBC Vancouver's Science standard.

I stayed in the dorm, upper cascade during summer only.

There are many different types of dorms available at UBCO and you can obtain the information about them at the UBCO housing website.

Thanks

i am a second year student at university of toronto in Ontario. What are my chances of me getting into pharmacy at ubc???

i am also out of province student and i really want to go to ubc for pharmacy. if you don't mind what was your stats?? my gpa is around 75 and i am doing my pcat in januaray and i have been volunteering at a pharmacy. buhh i am really scared i'll be rejected since i am an out of province student

i am doing my pcat in jan 2012 cycle. which is the best pcat study guide kaplan or the Dr. collins one? Does anyone know any good pcat prep classes in toronto or anywhere??

i am doing my pcat in jan 2012 cycle. which is the best pcat study guide kaplan or the Dr. collins one? Does anyone know any good pcat prep classes in toronto or anywhere??

In my opinion, I'd definitely recommend Dr. Collins over Kaplan...

If you got enough time then maybe using both the Kaplan and Dr. Collins study guide is probably the best way to study for the PCAT.

Thank you so much! Did you find you had alot more homeowork than high school? And what dorms would you say are the nicest? Oh and which dorms were the quietest, and in the most convenient location? Oh and was the food good!? And how akward was your first day at university? And how many years are you doing at UBCO, before you transfer to UBC pharmacy program? And not that im a partier, but are the any great parties on the campus? Thanks again!

Thank you so much! Did you find you had alot more homeowork than high school? And what dorms would you say are the nicest? Oh and which dorms were the quietest, and in the most convenient location? Oh and was the food good!? And how akward was your first day at university? And how many years are you doing at UBCO, before you transfer to UBC pharmacy program? And not that im a partier, but are the any great parties on the campus? Thanks again!


Monashee studio unit is the best... You get to use the room all by yourself and you are given the queen sized bed.
Only bad thing about this rez is that you have to climb a bit of hill to get to your house from the lecture hall. If you are going to the class though, it is walking down a hill so getting to the class is easier and faster.
Since this unit is so popular, it is quite hard to get into this unit.

Worst is the Similkameen. You have to share a bathroom with students living in the same floor and there is not a kitchen.

If you prefer quite places, and likes to be alone, try avoiding Upper Cascade, Lower cascade, Monashee (quad unit) if possible since you have to share with 4 students. Sometimes your roommate may not turn out to be a great person to be sharing the unit with for an entire winter session.
However, they have an advantage for having a kitchen where you can cook your food.

If you can't get into the Monashee, second best choice would be Kalamalka, Nicholas, Purcell, Cassiar, Valhalla.
Purcell is built this year. Cashiar is built last year. So they are very new.
Also, you get a private room. You only have to share a bathroom with one other person next to your room. Kitchen is to be shared with all students on the floor, but since there is a meal plan, no one really bothers to use the kitchen.

This is the website where you can find more information:

http://www.housing.ubc.ca/student-residences-okan/winter-session-residence-okan

I guess my awkward moment in the first day of school was forgetting to turn off the cell phone during the lecture. My proff came up to me and asked me if she can answer the phone :D. Of course she didn't really do that; she was just kidding with me.

I have done 1 year before applying to the pharmacy this year.
So I am applying the pharmacy during my second year. I had planned it this way before even admitted to the univ. since I just wanted to get used to the university before I take too many courses and overwhelm myself.

Hi

I am new member here and and pretty confused with the procedure through pharmacy
i have a master degree in psychology and intend to switch to pharmacy. i know i have to do pre-reqs and pcat suceessfully but with having no working experience in th field of pharmacy do you think i might have still chance to get in???

please help!

thank you

Hi

I am new member here and and pretty confused with the procedure through pharmacy
i have a master degree in psychology and intend to switch to pharmacy. i know i have to do pre-reqs and pcat suceessfully but with having no working experience in th field of pharmacy do you think i might have still chance to get in???

please help!

thank you

You definitely don't need prior working experience in a Pharmacy to get in! :) As long as you know what pharmacy's about and stuff (nothing in-depth), you're good to go.

Has anyone started on their personal statements yet?? I was wondering if any students accepted into the program can give some hints as to what kind of statements the school is looking for. I mean, what exactlly are they marking us on? the writing skill? Please give some tips!! thanks!


Be true to yourself!I cannot express how many times I face palmed whenever I read "I ALWAYS wanted to be a pharmacist ever since I was little" or my fav "it was b/c of this *insert medication* that my medical condition was relieved and ever since then I was inspired to be one" on ppl's personal statements. If they are true, make sure it doesnt come off cheesy. I seen one person's ps which was super creative where he/she made a story. But that doesnt mean one needs to do that to do well in the PS section. Just try to come of as orignial because there is gna be 300+ PS the evaluators are going to have to read with the same topics.

Also, give LOTS of personal examples. If they ask you WHY u should be in pharmacy, give lots of voluntary/personal examples that will demonstrate it. Dont just say it is because you are good in chemistry, great leadership skills, etc. You will fly under the radar if you write something that has nothing to back it up.

In terms of grammar, they are not necessarily looking for you to be perfect. What they are looking for is content and how you present yourself. But if you do something dumb like misspell pharmacy, there might be a question mark surrounding your PS. I wouldn't worry too much about this, I think a simple spelling/grammar check on word doc. would suffice :)

I also don't really believe that "just be yourself" would be a good way to approach the interview because the interviewers must be looking for qualities in what you say or how you behave that makes you better than the rest, but I'll never find out. I really enjoy talking to other people and I felt that they enjoy talking to me based on their body language and verbal response, so if I were to do the interview again I would behave the same. No regret, just disappointment and frustration.



By the way, do you guys think it's a good route if I study to become a pharmacy technician in a couple of years, work for another couple of years, and then re-apply??? (I assume I could still go through 4 years of university in my 30s!!!)



1) You should 100% be yourself in the interviews. They are a measure of your interpersonal communication skills as well as how you approach life situations. They are not looking for one particular answer at all. The interviews don't measure your knowledge of anything in particular. To all the hopeful applicants who are going for interviews act natural, give thoughtful open responses, and be ready to support your decisions. (also ignore the quoted post)

2) No. Being a technician will not help you get into pharmacy at all. You may be exposed to more and will have an easier time with some of the practical components of the labs, but the jobs are completely different. Why would you waste all that time just to pad your chances on getting in?

Source: Me, slayer of MMI interviews and personalized medicine.