We are always seeking UBC faculty, instructors, and post-graduate students who are passionate about community science to lecture for the Science 101 and Alumni Programs.
Instructors are asked to design an introductory level lecture that could include an activity, laboratory, and/or field trip, for a 2-hour class. If you are interested in finding out more about lecturing for Science 101, please contact us by e-mail or by phone.
Past Instructor Testimonials
Dr. Jaymie Matthews, Physics & Astronomy
"If learning is essential to living, then Science 101 is one of the liveliest, most life-affirming experiences on Earth. This is how Science 101 made ME feel, as an educator, as a scientist, and most importantly, as a human being. The vision of curiosity, learning and discovery comes into sharp focus whenever Science 101 is in session. Everyone is there to learn for the sake of learning. I've seen how passionate students from the Downtown Eastside can bring to UBC a purity of purpose, that reminds me why I became a scientist and an educator, and reminds me why I'm lucky to be a human being. Not everyone gets to witness how a tiny extension of the Downtown Eastside becomes a tiny oasis of human curiosity on campus two nights a week for a few months in the summer. I'm one of the lucky ones. Thanks for welcoming me into your Science 101 class."
Dr. Peter Newbury, Physics & Astronomy
"These adults are just as curious, attentive and intelligent as any but poverty has denied them the opportunity to seek a higher education. I whole-heartedly participate in, and strongly endorse, these kinds of outreach activities that reach beyond the campus boundaries."
Mona Kwong, BSc(Pharm), MSc, Pharmacy
"Science 101 was a place where I could start giving forward while contributing back to my alma mater. I continue to be involved in teaching in Science 101 because of the students - they are enthusiastic, inquisitive, and curious, characteristics of active learners. Community engagement is integral to enriching all our lives by giving opportunities to learn from one another - Science 101 provides a place for this to happen. Current and past students continue to enrich my life through sharing of their experiences and through their questions and I thank them for this opportunity."
Dr. Eugene Barsky, Reference librarian, Sciences and Engineering
"Being involved with Science 101 for the last six years, I can say this it is an amazing experience. The enthusiasm and engagement of the student is contagious. This is how we can make a difference in our community."
Dr. Julian Davies, Microbiology and Immunology
“It is always a rewarding pleasure to teach in Science 101, it is never a chore. The students are interested, receptive and ask questions. There is no other class like it, that I know of!"
Past Instructors and Lecture Descriptions:
Dr. Allan Debono
The Cell
Dr. Andrew Mosi
- The Chemistry of Food
Dr. Anthony Griffiths
- The Mature of Science
- Genetics
- What is Learning For?
Baillie Redfern
- Genetic Engineering: Food, Perfume, and Drugs
Ben Paylor
- Stem Cells
Brett Gilley
- Natural Disasters
Dr. Carol-Ann Courneya
- The Heart
Dr. Chris Addison & Dr. James Charbonneau
- Interesting Properties of Light
Dr. Chris Ambrose
- How Do Scientists Find Genes?
- How to Clone a Gene
Dr. Chris Harley
- The Ecology of Rocky Shores, and Why Sea Stars are Happy When Skiers are Sad
Dr. Chris Waltham
- Infra-red - Invisible Light
- The Acoustics of String Instruments
- Nuclear Energy: Its Dangers and Possibilities
- Physics
Christine Yang
- Introduction to Genetics
Ciarán Llachlan Leavitt
- Computer Science Information Visualization
- The Mathematics of Evil
Dr. David Ng
- Scientific Literacy
Dmitry Mebel
- Drugs of Abuse
- Local and General Anesthetic
Dr. Elena Zaikova
- Climate Change and Ecosystems
Dr. Ellen Rosenberg & Dr. David Walker
- The Basic Structures of Life: Cellular Components
Eric Johnson
- The Information Superhighway of the Cell
Erin Green
- Time Management Skills
Eugene Barksy
- The Science Library
Eugene Wang
- DNA, Genes, and Cancer
Dr. Fok-Shuen Leung
- Infinity and Beyond
Dr. George Homsey
- Newton’s Laws of Motion and Fluid Mechanics
- Fluid Flows: Their Importance in Everyday Life and Human Existence
Dr. Hugh Brock
- Genetics
Dr. Iyer Subramanian
- The Marriage of Figaro: Chemistry and Computers
Jacquelyn Cragg
- Neuroscience 101
Dr. Jane Buxton
- Critical Thinking in Epidemiology
Dr. Jaymie Matthews
- Mapping the Universe (Including the Invisible Parts)
- Where Will Avatar 2 Be Set? The Real Science of Real Exoplanets
- Astronomy
Jenn Burt
- Pacific Salmon Ecology
Dr. Jim Little & Dr. Junaed Sattar
- Robotics
Dr. Joanne Fox
- DNA Isolation
Dr. Julian Davies
- What is Antibiotic Resistance and What Can We Do About It?
- Microbiology
- Antibiotic Resistance
Dr. Julie Robillard
- Memories are Made of This: The Brain and the Science of Remembering
Dr. Kate Pettem & Dr. Julie Robillard
- An Introduction to Neuroscience and Brain Diseases
Dr. Kerry Knox
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Science of Learning
Kimberly Rawes
- How to Write a Bursary Application
Leah Lim
- Genetics
Leigh Hobbs
- Respiratory Physiology
- Cardiac Physiology
- Viruses
- An Introduction to Physiology
- HIV and AIDS
Lisa Wong
- Cells
- Vaccines and the Flu
Mona Kwong
- Introduction to Pharmaceutics Labs
Nicholas Thornton
- Tips on Asking Questions and Talking to Professors
- Note-taking Skills
Norman Flynn
- The Philosophy of Science
Dr. Peter Newbury
- Fixing the Universe
Dr. Peter Raven
- The Biodiversity of Fish
Dr. Phillip Austin
- Climate and Weather
- Atmospheric Science: What Does That Mean?
Dr. Phil Hammer
- Megaquake in Southwest BC!
- Earthquakes
Dr. Phoebe Lu and Dr. Grace Leung
- Genetics
- Evolution
Rodolfo Dominguez
- Surface tension
Dr. Sally Osborne
- The Lungs and the Chest Wall: It Takes Two to Tango
Shona Ellis
- The Tiny Plants of the Forest
- The Sex Life of Plants
Dr. Tara Ivanochko
- Climate Basics
Yvonne Dzal
- Bat Biology