The minor in informatics offers a deeper analysis of information’s role in our lives and culture, including critical social and ethical issues that arise from digital technologies.
Learn how to engage with applied technologies that complement major areas of study and help you prepare for high-demand career opportunities in tech, data and information.
Why informatics?
Informatics, or information science, is a field of study focused on using information, data and knowledge in society and across academic disciplines. It considers how information is produced, stored, organized, classified, disseminated and preserved. It also analyzes how technical and social information systems function and the role that information systems play in the lives of individuals, communities, and our global ecosystem.
In the minor in informatics, you will develop essential information and data literacy skills for functioning in our digital world. The minor will immerse you in the field of information science, focusing on the use of data and digital technologies in society and across multiple disciplines. In addition, you will learn to critically review emerging technologies and practices around ownership and information governance. After completing this minor, you will understand the potential for social injustice and the need for a socially responsible technology design.
After completing the minor in informatics, you will be able to:
- FOUNDATIONS: To understand the nature, structure and forms of information and data and the roles these play in society, across time, cultures and contexts.
- COLLECT: to find, collect, and prepare digital information and data for knowledge creation activities, using a range of tools and strategies.
- ANALYZE: to analyze real-world problems and issues using data-driven and interpretive methods and tools.
- CRITIQUE: to apply ethical and value-sensitive approaches to the analysis and critique of emerging information technologies and their societal impacts.
- DESIGN: to apply human-centered principles to the design and creation of information and data artifacts, collections and systems.
- COMMUNICATE: to communicate effectively using data and information visualizations and interactive digital tools.
- MANAGE: to manage team-based projects from initiation through to completion using appropriate digital tools for collaboration and resource management.
The minor in informatics lays the foundation for careers related to tech, information, and data, such as the following occupations:
- Information architect
- Cultural heritage data manager
- Information security analyst
- Cloud solutions architect
- Web and UX designer
- Content strategist
- Interactive media technician
- Information and data analyst
- Digital marketing and PR professional
- Public policy researcher and analyst
- Business and non-profit development officer
- Government communications officer
- Information systems testing technician
- Data steward
- Social media manager
- Data privacy officer
Degree requirements
Declaring a minor
The minor in informatics is open to all UBC undergraduate students in degree programs that allow you to complete a minor in the Faculty of Arts.
To earn this minor, you must complete 30 credits based on 12 courses offered by the UBC School of Information supplemented with electives from other units within Arts.
