Course Curriculum

The Master of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC is a research-oriented graduate degree that combines advanced coursework with a substantive thesis project. To complete the program, students must undertake a minimum of 30 credits, structured so that the thesis counts for 12 credits and the remaining 18 credits consist of graduate-level coursework tailored to the student’s research focus and professional goals. Of the coursework portion, at least 24 credits must be at the 500-level and a minimum of 18 of those credits must be within the Chemical and Biological Engineering program area, ensuring depth in the core discipline. Students may also apply up to six credits of 500-level directed studies courses toward the degree requirements, which allows for individualized study or research under faculty supervision. A maximum of six credits at the 300- or 400-level may be used, providing some flexibility for complementary subjects relevant to the student’s thesis or career interests. Coursework typically covers advanced engineering topics such as reactor design, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, process systems, and specialized subjects in biotechnology or bioresource engineering, though exact offerings vary and are chosen in consultation with a research supervisor. Continuous registration in the thesis course is expected as students pursue original research, culminating in a defended thesis that demonstrates a significant contribution to chemical and biological engineering knowledge.