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. Get a student perspective on the benefits of Physsoc club membership from our Imagine Day Physsoc presentation video with Steffani Grondin here.

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.

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 Seminar 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.

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).

Get a student perspective on the benefits of Astronomy club membership from our Imagine Day Astronomy Club presentation video with Katie Rink here.

We host an annual Imagine Day Welcome Info Session for all new and returning Physics and Astronomy undergrad students. Faculty speak about our physics & astronomy programs and research areas, and staff outline our department support services for students, from registration assistance to advising.

Click here to see this September's 2023W Imagine Day slides covering:

• general department and program information (honours and majors, Co-op and student clubs)
• research areas (Optical physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Condensed Matter physics and Quantum information, Bio & Medical physics, Particle physics, and Gravity and Strings)
• information on graduation and beyond (graduation requirements, getting into research and career options!)

Also, check out our student resource links, top tips for successful students, and most popular questions answered in our FAQ section.

This annual Fall event brings together a panel of PHAS Alumni from Business, Industry, Tech and Education careers to talk about their experiences in looking for and finding work, and landing jobs they love. Undergraduates moderate the discussion and take questions from the audience. After the panel, there will be a mix and mingle between panelists, students, industry representatives and PHAS staff over pizza and drinks. Check our Events page for upcoming sessions.

The Undergraduate Science Slam is a Science Communication competition that is challenging, fun, and is a great way to hone your science communication skills, necessary for careers in education, research, industry and business. "Slammers" (presenters) give a 5 minute talk to a high school audience on a science theory, law, or concept...without using academic or technical language (or slides). Points are given for science clarity, engagement and creativity. Post event the audience and slammers (+ PHAS advisors and staff) celebrate over pizza and drinks. This is great practice for undergrads and a fun opportunity for high school students to learn more about physics & astronomy! Slams scheduled for Fall and Spring terms. Check our Events page for upcoming sessions.

Each year undergraduate students have the opportunity to sit the Canadian Association of Physicists' Undergraduate Prize Exam. This is a three-hour exam generally 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 the top three nationally, you'll get an additional cash prize from CAP.

For more information about the CAP exam, please see the CAP website. Previous CAP University Prize Exams may be found online at: Previous CAP University Prize Exams

2024 University CAP EXAM & Lecture

The CAP Undergraduate Exam & annual Lecture is currently on hold. We will post more details on these events when published on the CAP website. 

Chat with us to learn more about Physics & Astronomy degree programs at our Annual March Beyond First Year Recruitment event - click here to see the agenda of the last event and click the links on the agenda to see the presentation slides presented by each speaker.

Here are some useful support services for students:

• AMS/GSS Student Dental Plan
• UBC Peer Support at the Wellness Centre
• UBC Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
• UBC Centre for Student Involvement & Careers
• AMS Safe Walk
• UBC Campus Security
• Circle of 6 App - an app for contacting people when in urgent situations (this is an external service and is not affiliated with the department)