	Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
	Canada's premier coastal and marine facility for teaching and research

University Programs FAQ

Specific information will be sent to successful applicants. Any other questions can be directed to , the University Programs Coordinator.

Can I take more than one course in the summer?

Yes. You can take one six-week course or two consecutive three-week courses in each block. Due to the intensive nature of the courses, only one course can be taken at a time (i.e. you cannot take two concurrent courses).

Do I have to take the full compliment of courses from the fall program?

Yes. The fall program is designed to give credit for the entire semester, you are required to take all five courses.

Do courses taken at BMSC count as credit at the home universities?

If you attend one of the five home universities (University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Alberta, and University fo Calgary, courses taken at BMSC will count as upper-level biology credits.

Can students from non-member universities take courses at BMSC?

Yes, non-member students are encouraged to take courses at BMSC. Depending on the university, credit can be transferred and used toward your degree.

Non-member students must register at the University of Victoria. You will need a letter of permission from your home institution. Your home institution may have an exchange program with one of five member universities, be sure to check with your home institution advisor.

Do the courses taken at BMSC count as credit at non-member universities?

Depending on your home university, credit can be received from BMSC courses. Credit transfers are the student’s responsibility and should be worked out with the home university prior to coming to Bamfield. Specific questions about credit transfer can be directed to the University Programs Coordinator. Non-member students receive transfer credit from the University of Victoria.

Students must request a transcript be send from UVic from your home university. You can request transcripts online.

Is there financial assistance available?

All applicants for summer courses are automatically considered for scholarships awarded by the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society (WCMSS) with priority given to students from the five member universities. In recent years students with standings of 85% or higher in their two previous school years receive scholarship support.

Courses at BMSC are considered the same as courses taken from your university so you may be eligible for financial assistance from your university. Contact the Financial Aid Officer at your institution for more information.

For other awards and financial questions .

Can I write GRE's, etc. while at BMSC?

The Education Testing Center has agreed BMSC can be a test site, so YES.

How do I get to Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre?

There are several ways to get to BMSC.

Can my dietary needs/preferences be accommodated?

Yes, the kitchen is equipped to accommodate alternate dietary needs and allergies. Please make your needs known to the University Programs Coordinator before arriving in Bamfield.

What should I bring to BMSC?

Raingear

Waterproof jacket and pants of the best quality possible
Waterproof hat and/or toque
High rubber boots

Warm Clothes

Wool sweaters, fleece, long johns, wool socks etc.
Wool or Fleece Gloves

Flashlight and batteries
Sleeping Bag
Personal items

Toothbrush, owel, shampoo, other toiletries, coffee/tea mug.

Daypack
Pencils, pen, notebook
Camera
Money - There are no banks in Bamfield so make sure your banking is in order before you arrive. There is one ATM at the east side general store.
Binoculars - Not a necessity but nice to have, waterproof ones are best
Ethernet Cables
Laptops - BMSC has a limited number of communal desktop computers.

Summer Program: room capacity in the Buchanan Lodge is four to a room, but where possible rooms will not be filled to capacity. Generally, you can expect to share your room with one other person.

Fall Program: because of the longer duration of your stay and Public Education’s need for the Buchanan Lodge, fall students reside in the on-site cabins and share a room with one other person.

Can I request a roommate?

Yes! Roommate requests can be sent to .

Can I receive mail while at BMSC?

Yes, mail comes three times a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) on the Lady Rose. It will be sorted alphabetically and placed into communal boxes outside the main office by 5:00 pm.

Mail can be addressed to:

Student Name
C/O BMSC
100 Pachena Road
Bamfield, BC
V0R 1B0

Is there internet access?

All computers in the main computer lab have high-speed internet. The Rix centre is equipped with wireless internet. Each room in the Buchanan lodge is equipped with two high speed Ethernet ports per room. Currently the cabins have no internet capabilities.

Can I camp?

Students attending courses must live in on-site accommodations but camping excursions may be part of your specified courses.

Can I bring my dog/cat/komodo dragon?

Pets are not permitted at BMSC. No exceptions.

Contact

University Programs Coordinator:

(250) 728-3301 ext. 216

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Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
100 Pachena Rd, Bamfield, BC
Canada, V0R 1B0
Phone: (250) 728-3301
Fax: (250) 728-3452

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