Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Positions for Full-time and Part-time Sessionals

Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics

The Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics Department of the Irving K. Barber school of Arts and Sciences at UBC, Okanagan campus, requires one or more instructors to teach the following courses during the Winter Sessions of 2023.

Term 1

COSC 111 Computer Programming I

Introduction to the design, implementation, and understanding of computer programs. Topics include problem solving, algorithm design, and data and procedural abstraction, with emphasis on the development of working programs.

COSC 211 Machine Architecture

Organization and design of computer systems and their impact on the practice of software development. Instruction set architecture and assembly programming languages, design of central processing units (CPU), memory hierarchy and cache organization, input and output programming.

COSC 315 Introduction to Operating Systems

Introduction to batch, multiprogramming, and time-sharing systems. Process synchronization and communication. Main memory allocation techniques including virtual memory; process scheduling; deadlock avoidance and prevention; file organization and device management.

COSC 520 Advanced Algorithms

Algorithm design, analysis and application. Algorithmic graph theory, parameterization, approximation, and randomization techniques. Algorithms for computational-hard problems and problems involving large-scale networks and/or massive datasets.

DATA 101 Making Predictions with Data

Introduction to the techniques and software for handling real-world data. Topics include data cleaning, visualization, simulation, basic modelling, and prediction making.

DATA 405/505 Stochastic Modelling and Simulation

Pseudorandom number generation and testing. Simulation and modelling of univariate and multivariate data; stochastic models, including Poisson processes and Markov chains; MCMC simulation, hidden Markov models, and queuing systems.

DATA 543 Data Collection

Fundamental techniques in the collection of data. Focus will be devoted to understanding the effects of randomization, restrictions on randomization, repeated measures and blocking on the model fitting.

DATA 570 Predictive Modelling

Introduction to regression for Data Science. Simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, interactions, mixed variable types, model assessment, simple variable selection, k-nearest-neighbours regression.

DATA 580 Modelling and Simulation I

Pseudorandom number generation, testing and transformation to other discrete and continuous data types. Introduction to Poisson processes and the simulation of data from predictive models, as well as temporal and spatial models.

MATH 100 Differential Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering

Derivatives of elementary functions, limits. Covers applications and modelling: graphing and optimization.

MATH 125 Pre-Calculus

Prepares students for a calculus course. Functions and their graphs; inverse functions; algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions; trigonometric identities; matrices; determinants; complex numbers; binomial theorem; sequences; series; conic sections.

MATH 200 Calculus III

Analytic geometry in two and three dimensions, partial and directional derivatives, chain rule, maxima and minima, second derivative test, Lagrange multipliers, multiple integrals with applications.

STAT 124 Business Statistics

Introduction to surveys and simple sampling strategies; descriptive methods for one and two variables; frequency distributions; correlation and regression; descriptive methods for time series and index numbers; and probability and relationship to statistical inference.

STAT 230 Introductory Statistics

Applied statistics for students with a first-year calculus background. Estimation and testing of hypotheses, problem formulation, models and basic methods in analysis of variance, linear regression, and non-parametric methods. Descriptive statistics and probability are presented as a basis for such procedures.

Term 2  

COSC 101 Digital Citizenship

Knowledge and skills to navigate the digital society. Digital participation, digital access, skills and utilization. Digital literacy, computer applications, converging technologies, and online resources. This course does not assume students have any Computer Science background.

COSC 111 Computer Programming I

Introduction to the design, implementation, and understanding of computer programs. Topics include problem solving, algorithm design, and data and procedural abstraction, with emphasis on the development of working programs.

COSC 121 Computer Programming II

Advanced programming in the application of software engineering techniques to the design and implementation of programs manipulating complex data structures.

DATA 101 Making Predictions with Data

Introduction to the techniques and software for handling real-world data. Topics include data cleaning, visualization, simulation, basic modelling, and prediction making.

DATA 534 Web and Cloud Computing

Parallel and cloud computing architectures and program deployment.

DATA 552 Communication and Argumentation

Interpretation of data. Argumentation: hypothesis, claim, evidence and inference. Model limitations: bias, validity, reliability, sensitive analysis. Communication of recommendations to decision-makers.

DATA 581 Modelling and Simulation II

Markov chains and their applications, for example, queueing and Markov Chain Monte Carlo.

DATA 583 Advanced Predictive Modelling

Splines. Smoothing. Generalized linear models. Generalized additive models. An introduction to mixed models.

DATA 589 Special Topic

Advanced or specialized topic in Data Science with applications to specific data sets.

MATH 101 Integral Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering

Definite integral, integration techniques, applications, modelling, linear ODE’s.

MATH 126 Basic Mathematics: An Indigenous Perspective

Prepares students for calculus. Functions; graphs; inverse, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions; trigonometric identities. Uses cyclical analysis common in some Indigenous cultures.

STAT 121 Elementary Statistics

Descriptive and inferential statistics, elementary probability, probability distributions, estimation of parameters, hypotheses testing, correlation, linear regression.

STAT 124 Business Statistics

Introduction to surveys and simple sampling strategies; descriptive methods for one and two variables; frequency distributions; correlation and regression; descriptive methods for time series and index numbers; and probability and relationship to statistical inference.

STAT 230 Introductory Statistics

Applied statistics for students with a first-year calculus background. Estimation and testing of hypotheses, problem formulation, models and basic methods in analysis of variance, linear regression, and non-parametric methods. Descriptive statistics and probability are presented as a basis for such procedures.

PHYS 122 Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences II

Introduction to physics primarily for students majoring in the life sciences. Basic concepts of simple harmonic motion, sound, physical and wave optics, electricity, electric circuits, and magnetism with biological applications. Experimental laboratory investigations in electricity, magnetism, waves and optics.

PHYS 215 Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics at an intermediate level. Temperature, heat and work, the First Law, heat transfer, heat engines, entropy, and the Second Law.

PHYS 441 Experimental Physics II

Student designs and constructs a single experiment in solid-state physics, fluid dynamics, particle physics, astrophysics, optics or electromagnetism. Emphasis on experimental design, construction, and formal presentation of results.

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Applicants with a PhD in a relevant or related discipline, and relevant research and post-secondary teaching experience are preferred. Interested applicants should submit a Curriculum vitae (including but not limited to previous teaching experience), recent teaching evaluations (if available), and the name of three referees who have agreed to submit letters of reference on request.

Deadline for receipt of applications for the winter session is July 19, 2023. Please send application documents in electronic format using WORD or PDF files to the Head of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics: cmps.okanagan@ubc.ca or send documents to:

Dr. Sylvie Desjardins

University of British Columbia – Okanagan

Science 200C

1177 Research Road
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7

Phone: 1-250-807-8032

For more information regarding the positions, please contact Dr. Sylvie Desjardins (cmps.depthead@ubc.ca). All positions are subject to funding and enrolment.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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Department of Biology

The Department of Biology of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBC, Okanagan campus, requires instructors to teach the following courses during the Winter Session, 2023W, Term 1. The courses are scheduled to be taught in person, on campus at UBC Okanagan, Kelowna.

2023W – TERM 1 (September 1 to December 31, 2023)

BIOL 117 (3) Evolution and Ecology (Lecture)

Tues / Thurs – 9:30am-11:00am

Evolutionary theory and its underlying genetic basis; population, community, ecosystem, and behavioral ecology. Specific case studies and current environmental concerns. Biol 117 is for non-science majors. It presents a broad overview of the process of evolution and how populations interact with their environments and each other. This is a lecture-only course.

BIOL 301 (3) Evolutionary Principles and Methods (Lecture)

Tues / Thurs – 3:30pm-5:00pm

An exploration of the field of Evolutionary Biology as an ongoing scientific endeavor. Current research methodology and development of concepts relating to the study of evolutionary change, adaptation, and the history of life will be examined. This is a lecture-only course.

BIOL 318 (3) Immunology (Lecture)

Mon / Wed – 11:00am-12:30pm

Introduction to concepts of immunology. Immune system, innate immunity and complement, adaptive immunity, cellular and humoral immune response, cytokines, T-cell activation, the major histocompatibility complex, antibody structure and genetics, immune system and cancer, AIDS, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity. This is a lecture-only course.

BIOL 341 (3) Neurobiology (Lecture)

Tues / Thurs – 3:30pm-5:00pm

The nervous system control of animal behavior. Examples include: sensory processing and communication, predator-prey interactions, migration, motor-coordination, daily and seasonal changes in activity, cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. This is a lecture-only course.

BIOL 375 (4.5) Flora and Fauna of Inland Waters (Lecture-Lab)

Wed / Fri – 3:30pm-5:00pm

Introduction to major groups of organisms in inland waters. Cyanobacteria, algae, plants, and animals; their ecology, evolution; conservation and their use in biomonitoring. This course requires students to collect specimens from the field, both in and outside of supervised lab sessions.

BIOL 380 (3) Food and Industrial Microbiology (Lecture)

Mon / Wed / Fri – 1:00pm-2:00pm

A detailed examination of the microbes that play a role in the manufacturing of beverages (e.g., beer and wine), solid foods (e.g., cheese), and industrial processes (e.g., waste water treatment). This is a lecture-only course.

BIOL 401 (3) Spatial Ecology (Lecture)

Tues / Thurs – 9:30-11:00am

Spatial patterns in ecology, exploring ways to describe variation and mechanisms that give rise to patterns. Dispersal, metapopulation and source-sink dynamics, connectivity and fragmentation, heterogeneity, disturbance, edges, and dynamics of geographical ranges. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 401 or BIOL 512. This is a lecture-only course.

Applicants with a PhD in the discipline or a related discipline, and relevant research and post-secondary teaching experience are preferred.  This course is scheduled to be offered in person, in Kelowna.

Interested applicants should submit:

  • a Curriculum Vitae (including but not limited to previous teaching experience),
  • recent teaching evaluations (if available), and
  • the name of three referees who have agreed to submit letters of reference directly to Cheryl Craig at cheryl.craig@ubc.ca

Deadline for receipt of application is midnight on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Please send application documents in electronic format using WORD or PDF files to: Cheryl Craig at cheryl.craig@ubc.ca

For more information regarding the positions, please contact Dr. Michael Deyholos at michael.deyholos@ubc.ca

Note: All positions are subject to funding and enrolment.

“Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.”

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Department of Chemistry

The Chemistry Department of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBC, Okanagan campus, requires several sessional instructors to teach the following courses during Term 2 of the Winter Session 2023-2024.

Term 2   January 1 – April 30, 2023

CHEM 317 Environmental Physical Organic Chemistry Lectures and Labs

Basic physiochemical processes governing the fate, transport, distribution, properties, and reactions of anthropogenic organic compounds in the environment including pesticides and herbicides. Includes aspects of the photochemistry, structure-activity relationships, detection, toxicology, remediation, and social impact of such compounds.

The course is scheduled to be on MWF 3-4 pm in ART106 with a maximum enrollment of 35 students.

The lab component will need to be updated and modernized, thus candidates with interest and expertise in lab course development are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants with a PhD in the discipline or a related discipline, and relevant research and post-secondary teaching experience are preferred. Interested applicants should submit:

  • a Curriculum Vitae (including but not limited to previous teaching experience),
  • recent teaching evaluations (if available), and
  • two letters of reference

Please send application documents in a single PDF file via email to Dr. Robert Szilagyi, Associate Professor/Department Head at Robert.Szilagyi@ubc.ca. Please address any questions and inquiries to Dr. Szilagyi regarding the positions.

At this time, do not send documents via mail or courier services.  

Deadline for receipt of applications is August 4, 2023. Later applications will be considered if no suitable candidate(s) is found.  Be sure to indicate the course/s for which you are applying.

 “UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.  Government regulations require that Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.”

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Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences of the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBC Okanagan require Sessional Instructors to teach the following courses:

WINTER SESSION 2023: Term 2 January to April 2024

EESC 301 Limnology | Lecture | Labs (To be scheduled)

Integrated approaches to freshwater science and its place in environmental science. Ecosystem ecology of inland waters relating to aquatic organisms with their physical and chemical environment. Participation in a one-day weekend field trip in September or early October is required.

EESC 456 / GEOG 466 Soil Science | Lecture | Laboratory (To be scheduled)

Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, soil formation and classification. Soil physics and water movement. Soil productivity, conservation, and sustainability. The application of soil science to land use, environmental quality, global change, and sustainable development.

EESC 106 The Catastrophic Earth | Lecture

The causes, physical characteristics, and consequences of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe weather, landslides, tsunamis, floods, meteor impact, and mass extinctions.

GEOG 109 Earth Systems: Landscape Dynamics | Lecture

Principles and processes that govern the functions of the Earth’s lithosphere and terrestrial geomorphology. Interactions between the lithospheric system and human activity.

SUST 205 Sustainability Economics | Lecture

Explores and contrasts approaches and tools from mainstream economics and heterodox economics that may contribute to sustainability decision making. Identification and evaluation of trade-offs associated with choices made in the name of sustainability.

EESC 212 | GEOG 200 Atmospheric Environments | Lecture | Lab

Physical principles underlying weather and climates. Thermal, moisture, and wind climates at scales from valleys to the globe. Daily weather, air pollution, global change.

EESC 315 Environmental Impact Assessment: Techniques and Practise | Lecture | Labs

Practical techniques and methods for environmental impact assessment. Technical approaches, evaluation and estimation tools, and project management skills used for environmental assessment work.

EESC 360 Geological Resources | Lecture | Laboratory

Mineral deposits, their geologic settings, genetic classification and models of formation. Metalliferous, non-metalliferous and industrial materials deposits.

EESC 367 Energy Resources Management | Lecture

Key energy systems and resources management from both global and Canadian perspectives. Supplies, distribution, consumption, resilience and sustainability of energy resources. Alternative energy sources, conventional and unconventional fossil fuels, energy production and delivery systems.

EESC 402 Freshwater Resources | Lecture | Laboratory

Integrated approach to freshwater resources and their place in environmental science. Topical issues with emphasis on management options and consequences. Required field trips during lab times.

EESC 425 Tectonics and Orogenesis | Lecture

Large-scale Earth structure, tectonic environments, Archean geology and the initiation of plate tectonics. Analytical toolsets. Orogenesis within the Canadian Cordillera, the Andes, the Alps, and the Himalaya.

Applicants with a PhD in the discipline, or a related discipline, and relevant research and post-secondary teaching experience preferred.  Previous experience and familiarity with the web-based learning management system Canvas is considered an asset. Applicants do not need to be based in Kelowna BC while instructing the courses but must reside in Canada and have Canadian citizenship or residency.

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching ability (course evaluations if available), and contact details for three referees to the EEGS Department.  The deadline for receipt of applications for 2023 Winter Term 1 is October 2, 2023.  Later applications will be considered if a suitable candidate has not been found.

Please send application documents in electronic format using WORD or PDF files to: EEGS.okanagan@ubc.ca

University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus

Faculty of Science

Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences

Attention:  Janet Heisler

Senior Administrative Assistant

For more information regarding the positions, please contact:

EEGS.okanagan@ubc.ca

All positions are subject to funding and enrolment.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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