This mini school is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus program for high school students ages 15–18. It is offered by the UBC Department of Geography, one of the top geography departments in the world.
This immersive mini school gives you early exposure to university-level spatial data science. You analyze real world data to explore cutting edge solutions, while building skills that set your university applications apart.
Develop essential skills for our data-driven future by learning the fundamentals of digital mapping and spatial data science. Learn how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) works, what we can do with it, how it’s used (and abused), and the importance of space and place in contemporary data science.
In this mini school, you:
- Learn how to manage and visualise data using GIS software
- Produce digital maps covering various topics
- Develop your capacity in spatial thinking, including your ability to critically interpret spatial patterns
- Explore complex issues like services planning, the impact of humans on nature, and the ethics of location-based data
- Learn directly from UBC Geography instructors
You also:
- Get introduced to a range of GIS projects happening at UBC
- Learn the basics of common GIS software
- Gain exposure to how GIS is used all sorts of fields of research and practice
- Get advice on university admissions and career pathways
This is an excellent choice for anyone interested in working in data science, computer science, geography and myriad fields that draw upon the power of GIS to understand how phenomena, from natural disasters to pandemic outbreaks, take place.
Course format
This mini-school is held on the UBC Vancouver campus.
On the first Monday of the session, you attend Orientation Day from 9am–3pm, which helps you build friendships, connect with your learning community, feel comfortable on campus and prepare for university life.
Starting on the first Tuesday of the session, you attend your mini school classes from 9am–12pm and 1:30–3pm on weekdays.
On-campus student life activities are scheduled for all students from 3-5pm on weekdays.
Instructors
This mini school is taught by professors and instructors from the UBC Department of Geography.
Residence and commuting options
Choose to live in a student residence on campus or commute daily to UBC Vancouver:
Commuter Option includes lunch in residence dining hall, Monday through Friday, and UBC Recreation Card.
Residence Option includes private room and full board, airport pick-up and drop-off, local medical insurance for all international students, weeknight and weekend social activities (e.g., trips to Grouse Mountain, English Bay and Robson Street), and UBC Recreation Card.
Who is eligible?
This course is for high school students ages 15-18 who have completed grade 10 or equivalent.
We also recommend students have:
Cost details
|
Student type |
Mini school fee* |
|
Canadian and Permanent Resident |
$2,175 CAD |
|
International |
$2,940 CAD |
Optional add-on
*All fees are subject to change.
To register
A Family Account in UBC’s Lifelong Learning registration system is required to register for UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus.
After you add the course to your cart and go to check out, you’re asked to create a new Family Account or log in if you already have a Family Account.
A parent or guardian needs to set up the Family Account with their primary email address. After the account is created, the parent/guardian adds the student as a family member to their Family Account using the student’s primary email address (the student’s email address cannot be the same as the parent/guardian email address).
Add the student to the course session in your cart and complete the checkout process.
After completing the checkout process, and while logged into your Family Account, select New Application to access the FGL information package. Your registration is not final until the information package has been completed and submitted. You may partially complete the information package and return to it at any time within your Family Account.
- Get introduced to a range of GIS projects happening at UBC
- Learn the basics of common GIS software
- Get advice on university admissions and career pathways
- 78% average / 3.5 GPA / B average / IB 5 or higher
- IELTS of 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or higher (or equivalent) for students whose high school courses were taught in a language other than English.
- Residence: $2,730 CAD