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Student Clubs

UBC Undergraduate Physics Society (Physsoc)

The Physsoc is a club for people who get a high from physics, find foosball a merit-worthy educational alternative to studying, or for those who just enjoy the smell of the Hennings Building and like to hang around in the Physsoc room (Hennings 307). We organize fun-filled events throughout the year, including movie nights and trips to Koerner's Pub, and joint social events with Math Club, AstroClub, and Bio Physsoc. We also prepare and distribute exam packs for first year physics courses, organize an annual lecture series featuring faculty speakers from our department, and we serve as the communication venue between undergraduate students and the department. Please visit the Club Website and Facebook Page for up-to-date information about the club activities.

Major club events include Lectures Series on Physics Research (often in conjunction with FIZZ), End of the Term Wine and Cheese, and Physsoc Sports Team.

Engineering Physics Student Association (FIZZ)

The Engineering Physics Student Association is an organization which represents the interests of all students to the faculty, the industry, and to the Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS). Led by a group of dedicated students, we serve to build a strong academic and social community for the department, through various events such as Seminar Series, Chess Tournaments, Beer Gardens, LAN Parties, and Poker Nights, among many others. Additionally, we offer multiple services such opportunities to air course concerns, a mentoring program, first-year tutoring, Career Fairs, paraphernalia for sale, sports teams, and a comprehensive course directory. Click here to visit the Club Website.

Major events organized by FIZZ include Seiminar Series (promoting advances and research in both industry and in the university community; Recent seminars have featured IQC, General Fusion, Systems on a Chip, and many others) and Social Night for Students and Alumni at Science World.

Biophysics Student Society (BPSS)

The UBC Biophysics Student Society was established in 2003 to support both the academic and social elements of biophysics students. Ever since its creation, the Biophysics Student Society (BPSS) aims to bring together all students with an interest in both biology and physics. Just as the science of biophysics is extremely diverse, members of BPSS come from a wide range of academic backgrounds in all of the faculties of UBC. BPSS offers opportunities for students to network with alumni, professors, and students through independent and cross-club events. For more information visit the Club Website and Facebook Page.

The main events organized by The Biophysics Student Society throughout the year include the Biophysics Seminar Series, Curling, and various Food Events.

The Astronomy Club

We are a group of students at the University of British Columbia who share a passion for Astronomy. We welcome students of any discipline who would like to meet other people with like-minded interests. Each year we host exciting events which include monthly observation nights, numerous social events and an out-of-this-world Year-End Barbecue. Let's explore the wonders of the universe together and have some fun while doing it! Visit the Club Website, Facebook Page, YouTube Page, or follow the club on twitter. For general email inquiries email UBCAstronomyClub@gmail.com.

The Major club events include the First Observation Night of the School Year (September), Welcome-back Barbecue (January), and Year-End Barbecue under the stars (March).

CAP University Prize Exam

More Information

Each year undergraduate students have the opportunity to sit the Canadian Association of Physicists' Undergraduate Prize Exam. This is a three-hour exam held in early February. It is based on the entire undergraduate physics syllabus so, in principle, third- and fourth-year students have an advantage over their junior colleagues. However, many of the questions require thought and insight beyond memorized facts and the mere mechanical application of formulae. As a result, we have had spectacular successes from very junior students. In any case, there is nothing to be lost from sitting the exam in first- and second-year just for the practice.

Who wins prizes in this exam depends on intelligence, preparation and a good deal of luck. However, if it doesn't pan out for you, there is nothing lost. No one at UBC will know how you did: the exams are marked at the University which sets the exam (not UBC).

CAP will confidentially send you your results. An exception is if you place in the top 10 nationally, then your name is publicized, and you get a $500 prize from UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy, and if in he top three nationally, you'll get an additional cash prize from CAP.

Previous CAP University Prize Exams may be found online at: http://www.cap.ca/en/activities/medals-and-awars/prizes-students/university-prize-exam/previous-exams.

Information about the February 2012 Exam.

Welcome Orientation for Women (WOW)

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The Welcome Orientation for Women (WOW) is a one day introduction session for women interested in physics & astronomy. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, interact with professors from the UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy, visit university labs, and meet current students to learn about their projects. WOW aims to reach about 100 young women in first-year university or final years of high school. We want to introduce the UBC physics and astronomy department and programs, show that women make an important contribution to the department, and give you the chance to interact with women and men at different stages of physics/astronomy careers both in and out of academia through a panel discussion and lab tours. We hope you will be encouraged by this event to give serious consideration to joining our department for an undergraduate degree.

Please visit the Welcome Orientation for Women website for more information.