What Other University Programs Offer a Similar Experience to UBC's Science One?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding university programs similar to UBC's Science One, which offers a small, accelerated first-year curriculum covering multiple sciences. Participants explore various options in Canada and the northern United States, focusing on characteristics such as small class sizes, collaborative learning, and the flexibility to specialize later.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in mathematics and science, questioning whether engineering is the right path for them, given their lack of interest in design aspects.
  • Another participant mentions the appeal of the Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto, noting its rigorous and theoretical approach.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty of certain engineering courses and whether they would provide the same enjoyment as mathematical proofs.
  • A participant shares their experience in a general science program, highlighting the flexibility it offers compared to engineering programs.
  • There is a suggestion that transitioning from engineering to math/science may be easier than the reverse, which some participants consider as a potential strategy.
  • The University of Washington's program is mentioned as a grouping initiative for students with common interests, though one participant finds it lacks the breadth they desire.
  • Participants inquire about geographical preferences for universities, with a preference for larger public institutions in cooler climates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the suitability of various programs, with no clear consensus on the best alternative to UBC's Science One. Some favor broad, flexible programs, while others are drawn to specific engineering or science tracks.

Contextual Notes

Participants' preferences and experiences vary widely, and there are unresolved questions about the balance between engineering and pure mathematics, as well as the implications of program choices on future specialization.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students exploring undergraduate options in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering, particularly those interested in small, collaborative learning environments and flexible program structures.

colonelcrayon
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Okay, I'm a high school junior looking at colleges for my undergrad degree. I am passionate about mathematics and also interested in physics and chemistry. I originally assumed that engineering would be the right field for me, but I'm not so sure now. I've talked to engineers in the family, and the design end of engineering isn't interesting to me at all (nor am I particularly good at it). So, now I'm thinking that a degree in applied(?) mathematics or maybe chemistry or physics is the right idea. I'd like to go to grad school anyway.

A little research on the subject led me to the http://www.scienceone.ubc.ca/home/" program at the University of British Columbia. This sounds perfect to me: a small, accelerated program covering all of the major sciences at once for the first year, but still contained inside a large university with the ability to choose a normal major second year.

Which brings me to my question: are there any other programs like this? Here are the characteristics that I find attractive:

- small (for 1st year) classes covering a broad range of fields at a fast pace
- working together with the same group of motivated students in all classes
- the ability to go back to the regular program and specialize after 1st year

Are there any similar programs at other universities in Canada and the northern United States?
 
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Sigh... I'm just having trouble figuring things out. Most of the engineers in my family are mechanical majors, so that's what I've been hearing about that doesn't appeal to me. I just looked at some EE courses on MIT OpenCourseWare, and while it's way over my head it looked more like my kind of thing.

The troublesome part is that I just love mathematical proofs. The induction required is really fun for me; do you think I would get the same feeling from EE or engineering physics? Perhaps I could major in engineering but take a bunch of pure math courses for fun...

The Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto is another idea that interests me. I hear that they take rigorous classes with a theoretical bent. Maybe that would work...?
 
*bump*

EngSci looks good, except that I might fail Praxis...
 
Most first year science programs are pretty general and allow you to move in any direction in your upper years (most students don't know what they want to do until their final years). I started in a general science program taking first year Chem, Bio, Physics, Calculus, and an arts course. I then went on to specialize in math.

Engineering programs that I have seen do not give you the room to take other courses like getting a BSc in math would. Even so, first year is still very general.
 
I have heard that it's easier to go from engineering to math/science than the other way around, which would be an argument in favor of taking a broad, math-heavy engineering course initially. Does that sound right?
 
The University of Washington has a program called http://fyp.washington.edu/programs/learning.php" . The program groups students together who have common interests, but maybe aren't ready to declare a specific major.

When I was there, they didn't have these yet but I've heard good things about them (especially that class registration is a lot simpler).
 
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^ Interesting, but not broad enough. I want a full program of study.
 
Do you have any preference regarding where you end up attending (e.g., which country)?
 
lisab said:
Do you have any preference regarding where you end up attending (e.g., which country)?
I am fine with both the US and Canada. However, I would prefer to stay up north (I don't like heat). Probably from the brightest lime green on up on this map.

I prefer large, public schools but will happily accept recommendations of other institutions as well.
 

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