Global Resource Systems

The Global Resource Systems program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems offers you the opportunity to address resource issues globally by emphasizing holistic perspectives aimed at creating sustainable and equitable changes. You’ll earn your BSc in GRS by combining courses in not only the sciences but also in the humanities, relating these courses to your chosen resource specialty and region of the world. In taking these courses, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of your resource of interest. GRS is designed to be flexible to your interests and professional development goals, opening doors to participating in various opportunities related to your resource and/or region upon completion of this program. Should you choose, you can complete an undergraduate thesis during your fourth year under the supervision of a faculty member. Research assistant opportunities are also available throughout the calendar year.

Academic excellence is established through selection of courses from across the university, to complement your global specialization. In addition, a key component of the program is regional or global experiential learning. This might include conducting self-directed research, participating in global seminars, or studying or volunteering abroad, typically in the region of your specialization. In GRS, it’s more about the experience itself of learning and being immersed in a different community.

Throughout the course of the program, engaged GRS students will evolve personally and professionally into adaptable, resilient individuals with cultural and contextual competence. You’ll also gain valuable problem-solving skills, which will help you address the challenges of global issues we face today.

For a more comprehensive list of resource and region-specific courses, visit our site here.

As an interdisciplinary Global Resource Systems student in Global Health, your courses might look like this:

• ANTH 210 Eating Culture
• SPPH 300 Working in International Health
• FNH 355 International Nutrition
• SOCI 479 Social Determinants of Health
• FRE 340 International Agricultural Development

As an interdisciplinary Global Resource Systems student in Sustainability and Environment your courses might look like this:

• GEOG 205 Introduction to Hydrology
• BIOL 304 Fundamentals of Ecology
• CIVL 200 Engineering and Sustainable Development
• CONS 210 Visualizing Climate Change
• LAW 323 International Environmental Law

For more information about the required courses and those that support the GRS program, please consult the Global Resource Systems website, or the UBC Academic Calendar. Current students, please use the ‘Degree Navigator’ tool in your Student Service Centre (SSC) to track your progress.

Minors

You may choose to supplement your Global Resource Systems major with a minor, which involves taking courses in a subject area outside of your specialization. As a GRS student, you are eligible to apply for a Minor in Arts, Commerce, Sustainable Food Systems, or Science. To learn more about minors, including application timelines, click here.

Dual Degree with Master of Management

If you’re thinking of taking your Global Resource Systems degree to another level — or into the business arena — you may want to apply for the Bachelor of Science (Global Resource Systems) – Master of Management Dual Degree. Please note: admission to this program is primarily available to students coming directly out of high school. Depending on enrolment, the UBC Sauder School of Business may release a limited number of spaces on a competitive basis to students who are going into their third year at UBC (or those who are transferring to UBC for their third year). Learn more about this dual-degree program option and the application process in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration section of the UBC Academic Calendar.

GRS is a second-year entry program, meaning you’ll need to have completed 24 credits before your start date. Most students apply between October and January of their first year so they can begin the GRS program the following September. You can read more about admission requirements and timelines in the UBC Academic Calendar.

To help assess suitability, you will need to submit with your application a 500-word (maximum) letter of intent which addresses the following: a) why you’d like to enrol in the Global Resource Systems program b) your professional aspirations and c) any relevant personal, volunteer or work experience you bring to the table. You can find more instructions here.

While not required, if you are interested in applying to the Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems, we strongly encourage you to follow the first-year requirements of the GRS degree.